Pac-Man is an iconic arcade game developed by Namco and first released in Japan in May 1980. It was created by Toru Iwatani, who drew inspiration from a pizza missing a slice for the character design of Pac-Man.
Origins
Toru Iwatani aimed to create a game that could appeal to women as well as men, as most video games of the time had themes of war or sports. Thus, Pac-Man was designed to evoke a sort of “eating” action, a universal appeal.
Eating to gain power was a concept Iwatani thought could resonate with all players.
Gameplay
The game involves navigating Pac-Man through a maze filled with dots, known as pellets, which need to be eaten to complete the level. There are four ghosts in the maze that Pac-Man must avoid but can eat for a short time after eating one of the larger, flashing pellets.
Cultural Impact
Pac-Man is considered one of the classics of the medium and an icon of 1980s popular culture. It had its own animated television series and a hit single. Countless sequels and merchandise have been spawned over the years.
Competitive Scene
Pac-Man also has a competitive scene. The first perfect game (eating every dot, pellet, fruit, and ghost possible without losing a single life) was played by Billy Mitchell in 1999.
In Popular Media
Pac-Man has made its way into various forms of media, including television shows, movies, and even in courses on game theory.
Merchandise
From T-shirts to lunchboxes, the Pac-Man brand has been extensively monetized and remains a staple in pop culture merchandise.
Legacy
Pac-Man’s design has been imitated and parodied in many ways, reflecting its iconic status. Its influence on the video game industry and pop culture at large is immeasurable.