Pac-Man

game by Iwatani

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Last updated

July 23, 2026

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Pac-Man is a Japanese arcade game released by Namco in 1980, designed by Tohru Iwatani. Unlike violent games popular at the time, Iwatani aimed for a game appealing to women, inspired by food and eating. Players navigate a maze, eating dots while avoiding four ghosts. The character's name comes from the Japanese onomatopoeia "paku paku," describing an open mouth. Eating power pills temporarily reverses the predator-prey dynamic.

Pac-Man became an international sensation, selling over 100,000 consoles in the U.S. and becoming the most successful arcade game in history. Its impact extended beyond gaming, spawning songs, a cartoon series, and merchandise, solidifying its place in popular culture.12

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- Nerd Nostalgia
  7 Classic Video Games to Know: Pac-Man
  Donkey Kong, Frogger Created by Japanese designer Toru Iwatani, Pac-Man debuted on May 22, 1980. Unlike other popular games of that time, Pac-Man is not a space shooter game. Instead, players guide a character through a maze to eat all the “pac-dots” while simultaneously evading four “ghosts”…
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  Donkey Kong, Frogger Created by Japanese designer Toru Iwatani, Pac-Man debuted on May 22, 1980. Unlike other popular games of that time, Pac-Man is not a space shooter game. Instead, players guide a character through a maze to eat all the “pac-dots” while simultaneously evading four “ghosts”…
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Pac-Man
In 1980 the Japanese arcade game manufacturer Namco Limited introduced the world to Pac-Man. The lead designer was Iwatani Tohru, who intended to create a game that did not emphasize violence. By paying careful attention to themes, design, and colours, Iwatani hoped that Namco could…
Read More
In 1980 the Japanese arcade game manufacturer Namco Limited introduced the world to Pac-Man. The lead designer was Iwatani Tohru, who intended to create a game that did not emphasize violence. By paying careful attention to themes, design, and colours, Iwatani hoped that Namco could…
Read More