I am so excited to be writing this Pacman 30th Anniversary Celebration blog post! I have been looking forward to writing it all day and will most likely stay up way past my bedtime to do so! Why? Because I know how important this game was, and still is, to fans of all ages! Pacman first came out in 1980 and has since become the second most played game of all time (second only to Tetris), with over 262 million confirmed plays! So what does that mean? People are playing it—and lots of them.
A look back at where it all began
The title says it all. From conventions to local bars, people are celebrating Pacman’s 30th anniversary in unique ways. One thing that seems common among most of these parties is food! Many have special Pacman-themed menus or are offering a great deal on specially branded pizza and burgers. Others are holding tournaments for games like Ms.Pacman, Puckman, and more! If you want to participate in some sort of party near you or just want to relive classic arcade times, here’s what fans are doing throughout North America.
A brief history of this video game icon
Launched in 1980, Pac-Man is one of several games invented by Japanese game designer Toru Iwatani. It was a phenomenon that took off, and over 100 million units have been sold. The iconic character has appeared in TV shows, on lunch boxes, and even inspired clothing lines for fans. In honor of its 30th anniversary, here are some ways fans are celebrating their love for Pac-Man. Pac-Man’s World App (iOS) The original Pac-Man arcade game can be played from anywhere using your iPhone or iPad.
This app includes different levels with all sorts of familiar
characters from past versions of Pac-Man, as well as new additions like Boss Monster and Mr. Snacky (the ghost from Super Smash Bros.). To celebrate Pac-Man’s birthday, Apple users can also get a special birthday version for free during July 2016 only! PACMANTM Championship Edition 2 + Arcade Game Series Video Game (Windows PC) A few months ago, Bandai Namco Entertainment released PACMANTM Championship Edition 2 + Arcade Game Series on Steam®, featuring three classic games: Galaga®, Dig Dug®, and Rally X®.
A guide on how to play Pacman
The game is a great time killer and I am sure that there are those who would love to share their enthusiasm about playing it with younger generations. A guide on how to play Pacman will help both parents and children, who are interested in reliving their favorite classic video game. The following steps should be implemented when playing Pacman. First, identify a free-of-charge website that offers online games like Pacman, read up on some strategies for winning, and begin trying out different strategies while keeping track of high scores. This will enhance one’s ability, thereby leading him/her to become a better player. Following these steps will make everyone excited, while they indulge themselves in some nostalgic gaming experience. Happy 30th Anniversary!
The 30-year legacy continues today
Pacman’s 30th anniversary is fast approaching, so it makes sense that fans are looking for ways to celebrate in true arcade-style. While there are many ways that people celebrate their love of classic gaming (we’re big fans of Barcade and Free Play Nights ourselves), some folks decided that they wanted a real piece of history—or at least a very unique souvenir. Instead of getting an old-school t-shirt or controller decal, they opted for something more memorable: The world’s largest Pacman mosaic! Their goal? To break a Guinness World Record and commemorate one of gaming’s most iconic characters in epic fashion. But we had some questions about these giant pixels. Why was it 3,000 blocks instead of 4,000?
An appreciation from those who made it possible
It’s been 30 years since Pacman was released into arcades and stole all of our coins. To celebrate, players from around the world are having meetups and parties. From museums showing vintage arcade games, exhibits about Namco and Pacman as pop culture icons, to even people dressing up as Pacman—Pacman 30th Anniversary is in full swing with events happening across different countries.
