The Story Behind International Karate (IK) – Europe’s First US Billboard Number One 

A New Games Publisher with Global Ambitions

Before The Last Ninja, there was International Karate. It was the game that first showcased System 3's potential to the world. Released in November 1985 on the ZX Spectrum, it marked the beginning of a British studio’s rise to global recognition. Behind its fast-paced action and smooth presentation lies a deeper story of persistence, reinvention and breakthrough collaboration.

Early Experiments and American Partnerships

Before the creation of International Karate, System 3 had already released several titles and begun establishing itself as both a developer and publisher. Early games included Colony 7, Death Star Interceptor, and Laser Cycle, each showcasing technical ambition for their time. Mark Cale also secured licensing deals with American publishers, bringing titles such as Suicide Strike, Motorcross, and Juice! to the UK market. These experiences gave System 3 a deeper understanding of international gameplay trends and helped Mark form valuable partnerships across the Atlantic. But while these earlier projects laid the groundwork, International Karate would become the company’s first globally successful original game, marking System 3’s transition from experimental newcomer to internationally recognised creative force.

Origins of the Concept

The original design for International Karate was created by Mark Cale, who wanted to build a martial arts game that offered not just action but international flair and polish. Inspired initially by fellow System 3 founder Emmerson Best, a trained Taekwondo fighter, the project quickly shifted toward karate for its broader appeal. Mark commissioned a company based in Essex called LT Software to bring the idea and storyboard to life.

Early Development and Technical Hurdles

LT Software completed development of the Spectrum version, which was released in November 1985. The graphics for this version, along with those planned for the Commodore 64 and Atari 400/800 ports, were created by Jon Hare, whose early pixel work was already showing signs of his future distinctive style. LT Software had also been tasked with developing the C64 and Atari versions, with Chris Yates assigned as programmer for the C64. However, Chris ran into technical challenges with sprite handling and graphics on the Commodore hardware, and progress on that version soon stalled.

The Arrival of Archer Maclean

At this point, Mark introduced Archer Maclean to the project. Archer had recently finished his hit game Dropzone on the C64, and the year before, had completed the Atari 400/800 version. Mark proposed that Archer take over development of International Karate on both platforms. Archer agreed.

Mark personally drove Archer to the LT Software offices in Essex, where a key meeting took place with the LT team and Jon Hare. Jon handed over his existing graphics, and the Spectrum source code was provided. Archer decided to redo all the graphics from scratch, refining the visuals, animation and presentation. Working under Mark’s direction, he focused on improving the gameplay until it felt just right. The result was a much faster, more polished version with tight controls and fluid movement.

The American Dream and Major Recognition

Archer’s completed C64 and Atari 400/800 versions were finished by June 1986. That same month, Mark signed a co-publishing deal with Epyx for the American release. The game was shown at the Chicago Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in June 1986, where it received the CES Showcase Award for Technical Achievement. It was the first time a European-developed video game had received this honour.

Released in the United States as World Karate Championship, the game became a major commercial success. The C64 version reached number one on the Billboard software charts, making it the first European game to top the US charts, and System 3 Software’s first global number one.

The Standout Atari ST Version

Another standout version of International Karate was created later for the Atari ST by Andromeda Software in Hungary, working closely with their subcontractors Nova Trade. This version is considered by many fans to be the best of all, thanks to its unique stylised cartoon visuals and smooth presentation. The art style was heavily influenced by Asian cartoons and character designs from that period, giving the game a fun and exaggerated energy that stood out from other ports.

To ensure the version matched the standard and identity he envisioned, Mark flew out to Budapest with Tim Best, Archer Maclean and artist Bob Stevenson to work directly with the Andromeda and Nova Trade teams. Archer advised on coding structure and gameplay pacing, while Bob helped refine the look and motion of the characters to align with the Asian-inspired style Mark wanted to see on the ST.

A Groundbreaking Cheat Mode and New Ideas

Notably, the ST version included a cheat mode that allowed three characters to fight on screen at once, making it the first ever three-player fighting sequence in video game history. This discovery inspired Mark Cale to expand the concept further, leading directly to the creation of IK Plus, the official sequel that introduced three-player gameplay as a core feature.

Debut of the Iconic Planets Logo

Also, and most famously, the Atari ST version of International Karate was the first System 3 game to feature the now legendary Planets logo. Designed to symbolise the original three founders, the logo would go on to represent the company throughout its most iconic years and become a signature part of its visual identity.

A Launchpad for Future Legends

After IK, Jon Hare and Chris Yates completed another System 3 title called Twister through LT Software, before going on to form the legendary Sensible Software.

A Defining Moment for System 3

International Karate was more than a fighting game. It was a landmark collaboration that combined creative vision, technical skill and international ambition. It helped set a new standard for fighting animation, presentation and gameplay, and laid the foundation for what System 3 would become.

With the success of IK, System 3 proved that a small UK publishing studio could stand alongside the biggest names in gaming and deliver not just hits, but history.