The Making of Karateka: An Interactive Documentary on a Gaming Legend

9/9/2026, 1:05:02 PM

Release date: 8/29/2023

Tags: #action #2d-fighter #2d-platformer #singleplayer #pixel-graphics #cinematic #combat #2d

User Reviews

Score: 99%Very Positive
Review Count: 136 reviews
Fetched At: 9/9/2026, 1:05:07 PM

Reference prices

Japan

¥ 2,300 (JPY)

Steam JP

$19.99 (USD)

Steam Global

Live Store Snapshot

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Japan Price: ¥ 2,300
Global Price: $19.99
Price in Your Region: ¥ 2,300Prices as Steam lists them per country. What you are actually charged depends on your Steam account settings.Regional prices checked: 17 Sept 2026
Sale Status: Regular pricing
Price Checked At: 9/16/2026, 9:15:15 AM

The price snapshot and review snapshot differ by about 164 hours. Because they are not always refreshed at the same time, confirm the latest Steam listing before making a purchase decision.

Key highlight

An interactive documentary exploring the creation of the 1984 game Karateka by Jordan Mechner. Features playable prototypes, design documents, and original game versions.

Who this is for

For those fascinated by game development history and the origin stories of legendary creators, this is a must-experience title. Dive deep into how a classic game was born through original materials and prototypes.

Details

Overview

Step into the fascinating world of game development with "The Making of Karateka," an interactive documentary from Digital Eclipse. This title delves deep into the creation of the 1984 hit game, Karateka, a groundbreaking title conceived by a then-college student, Jordan Mechner. It's more than just a retrospective; it's a journey through the archives, offering an unprecedented look at how a visionary teenager brought one of the most influential games of its era to life on the Apple II.

Highlights

Interactive Archive: Explore an exhaustive collection of design documents, playable prototypes, and new video features, presented in an engaging, museum-like interactive timeline.
Playable Originals: Experience pixel-perfect versions of the original Karateka games, alongside a variety of never-before-seen content.
Behind-the-Scenes: Discover the origin story of a legendary game creator and understand the development process of a truly groundbreaking title.

Who It's For

This game is perfect for retro gaming enthusiasts, aspiring game developers, and anyone interested in the history of video games. If you appreciate deep dives into the creative process and the evolution of interactive entertainment, "The Making of Karateka" offers a rich and rewarding experience.

Game Info

Developed and published by Digital Eclipse, with Atari also listed as a publisher, "The Making of Karateka" is a single-player experience focused on the creation of the classic game. It features pixel graphics and cinematic elements, appealing to fans of 2D fighters and 2D platformers. The game is available in multiple languages, including English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, and Japanese. Steam Achievements, Steam Cloud, and Family Sharing are supported.