Q*bert () is a 1982 action video game developed and published by Gottlieb for arcades. It is a 2D action game with puzzle elements that uses isometric graphics to create a pseudo-3D effect. The objective of each level in the game is to change every cube in a pyramid to a target color by letting Q*bert, the on-screen character, hop on top of the cube while avoiding obstacles and enemies. Players use a joystick to control the character.
The game was conceived by Warren Davis and Jeff Lee, the latter of whom designed the titular protagonist and original concept, which was further developed and implemented by Davis. Q*bert was developed under the project name Cubes.
frame|left|alt=A square video game screenshot that is a digital representation of a multicolored pyramid of cubes in front of a black background. An orange spherical character, a red ball, and a purple coiled snake are on the cubes. Multicolored discs are adjacent to the left and right sides of the pyramid. Above the pyramid are statistics related to gameplay.|Q*bert hops diagonally down the pyramid to avoid the purple snake, Coily.
The player is impeded by several enemies, introduced gradually to the game:
- Coily – Coily first appears as a purple egg that bounces to the bottom of the pyramid and then transforms into a snake that chases Q*bert. He is often considered the main antagonist and Q*bert's arch-nemesis. Q*bert will die if he collides with Coily.
Development
thumb|right|alt=A concept sketch illustrating an earlier outline of the game. The pyramid and Q*bert's movement are already very similar to the final product, but it still shows a shooting mechanic, which was not implemented in the final game. It also shows a sole enemy type not in the final game, which differs only in its shading and orientation on the three visible sides of the cubes.|In this concept sketch, Q*bert is still depicted shooting his foes. The sole enemy type depicted appears to be Ugg or WrongWay, although some are positioned on top of the blocks instead of just the sides as they would appear in the final version.
Concept
right|thumb|Q*bert developer Warren Davis
Programmer Warren Davis wrote that he was inspired by a pattern of hexagons implemented by fellow Gottlieb developer and Mad Planets designer Kan Yabumoto. Lee believed a game could be derived from the artwork, and created an orange, armless main character. The character jumped along the cubes and shot projectiles, called "mucus bombs", from a tubular nose at enemies. Lee had drawn similar characters since childhood, inspired by characters from comics, cartoons, Mad magazine and by artist Ed "Big Daddy" Roth. Q*bert's design later included a speech balloon with a string of nonsensical characters, "", which Lee originally presented as a joke.