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History of Pac-Man Timeline
(1980 - Present)Pac-Man is one of the most iconic video games of all time. Created by Japanese game designer Toru Iwatani and released by Namco in 1980, the maze-chase arcade game became a worldwide phenomenon, inspiring sequels, merchandise, a television series, and a lasting place in popular culture. Its simple yet addictive gameplay helped expand gaming audiences beyond traditional players and remains a symbol of the golden age of arcade games. More Less
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Video Games
Pac-Man released in arcades
1980
The first entry in the Pac-Man series was released in arcades in 1980 by Namco. It quickly became one of the most iconic and influential video games of all time, spawning a massive franchise.
Image source: Pac-Man
Midway publishes Pac-Man in North America
1980
The arcade game was published by Midway Games in North America, bringing the maze-chase phenomenon to a huge Western audience and helping spark a wave of arcade popularity in the United States.
Pac-Man Championship Edition DX released on mobile
Jul 2015
In July 2015, Pac-Man Championship Edition DX was released on both iOS and Android, bringing the acclaimed modernized take on the classic maze gameplay to smartphone players.
Image source: Pac-Man Championship Edition
Mobile versions of Championship Edition DX discontinued
Mar 2020
Both the iOS and Android versions of Pac-Man Championship Edition DX were discontinued in March 2020, ending their availability on mobile platforms.
Television
Pac-Man animated TV series premieres on ABC
Sep 25, 1982
An animated television series based on the game premiered on ABC, becoming one of the earliest cartoons adapted from a video game and extending the Pac-Man brand beyond the arcade.
Pac-Man TV series runs for two seasons
Sep 25, 1982 - Nov 5, 1983
The ABC animated series ran for 44 episodes over two seasons from September 25, 1982, to November 5, 1983, following the adventures of Pac-Man and his family in Pac-Land.
Christmas special airs in primetime on ABC
Oct 30, 1982
A Pac-Man Christmas special aired in primetime on ABC on October 30, 1982, capitalizing on the show's popularity during its original run.
Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures premieres
Jun 15, 2013
Based on Bandai Namco's Pac-Man video game franchise, this second animated series based on the franchise premiered, following the 1982 ABC TV series.
Image source: Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures
Ghostly Adventures runs three seasons
Jun 15, 2013 - May 29, 2015
The show aired from June 15, 2013, to May 29, 2015, running for three seasons and 52 episodes, reimagining Pac-Man as a teenage hero defending PacWorld from ghosts.
Pac-Man: Snack Breaks web series announced
May 2026
In May 2026 an animated web series titled Pac-Man: Snack Breaks was announced, promising new animated content featuring the iconic yellow character.
Image source: List of Pac-Man video games
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Key Facts
- Pac-Man was created by Toru Iwatani and released by Namco in Japan on May 22, 1980, before launching internationally later that year.
- The character's design was inspired by the shape of a pizza missing a slice, and the name derives from the Japanese onomatopoeia 'paku paku,' meaning eating.
- Pac-Man became a massive commercial success, generating over $2.5 billion in quarters within its first decade and becoming the highest-grossing arcade game of all time.
- The game featured several innovations for its era, including cutscenes between levels, power-up mechanics (power pellets), and distinctive enemy characters (Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde) with unique AI behaviors.
- In June 2010, Google celebrated Pac-Man's 30th anniversary with an interactive playable doodle, and the game was inducted into the World Video Game Hall of Fame in 2015.
Source
This History of Pac-Man timeline was generated with the help of AI, using information found on the internet.
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