Pac-Man

Pac flyer

Pac-man

Toru Iwatani, creator of Pac-Man, at GDC 2011 (cropped to upper body).jpg

TOMY LSI PACMAN handheld electronic game

Carrers guarnits Gràcia 2012 - Plaça Rovira, Recreatius Rovira 02

The Art of Video Games 2012 (6848237506)

Pac-Man is an arcade game developed by Namco and first released in Japan on May 22, 1980. It was created by game designer Toru Iwatani. The game was later licensed for distribution in the United States by Midway Games. Pac-Man is considered one of the classics of the medium, virtually synonymous with video games, and an icon of 1980s popular culture.

Gameplay

In Pac-Man, the player controls the titular character through a maze, eating Pac-Dots (also called pellets). When all the dots are eaten, the player advances to the next level. Four enemies (Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde) roam the maze, trying to catch Pac-Man. If an enemy touches Pac-Man, a life is lost. When all lives have been lost, the game ends. There are also larger, flashing dots known as Power Pellets that provide Pac-Man with the temporary ability to eat the enemies. When an enemy is eaten, its eyes return to the center box in the maze, where the enemy is "reborn" and resumes its normal activity.

Development

The game was designed by Toru Iwatani, who wanted to create a game that could appeal to both men and women. The original Japanese title, Puck Man, was changed to Pac-Man for international releases to avoid potential vandalism of the arcade cabinets.

Legacy

Pac-Man has spawned numerous sequels, merchandise, a television series, and a hit single. It is one of the highest-grossing video games of all time and has been referenced in various forms of media. The character of Pac-Man has become an enduring mascot for Namco and the video game industry as a whole.

Sequels and Spin-offs

Several sequels and spin-offs have been released, including:

• Ms. Pac-Man
• Pac-Man Plus
• Super Pac-Man
• Pac-Land
• Pac-Mania
• Pac-Man Championship Edition

Cultural Impact

Pac-Man has had a significant impact on popular culture and has been referenced in various media, including television shows, movies, and music. The game's design and characters have become iconic symbols of the 1980s.