Quck answer

Pac-Man was invented by a Japanese video game designer named Toru Iwatani. He created the game while working for the company Namco in 1980. Pac-Man quickly became a huge success and is still one of the most iconic and popular video games of all time. Iwatani was inspired to create a game that would appeal to both men and women, and he came up with the idea of a yellow character eating dots and avoiding ghosts. His invention revolutionized the video game industry and has had a lasting impact on popular culture.

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Today’s Wonder of the Day features some of our beloved things. It combines specters, electronic games, and even pizza! It has been adored by millions of people worldwide for more than four decades. What are we referring to? Pac-Man, obviously!

Have you ever played Pac-Man? Nowadays, it is a must-have in any arcade. People of all ages and backgrounds are attracted to the game’s distinctive music. They navigate the main character through the labyrinth, evading ghosts and chasing various kinds of fruit and other score-boosting objects. Pac-Man can be a lot of fun! Have you ever pondered about the person who invented the game?

It all began with a Japanese company called Namco. Toru Iwatani, an employee of the company, aimed to create a new video game. He wanted this game to stand out in a significant manner. At that time, many video games had violent themes. Iwatani wanted to design a game that would be more playful and enjoyable for families to play together.

Iwatani also aimed to develop a game that would appeal to more women. Of course, women and girls have played video games since their inception. However, when Iwatani was designing his game, men and boys in the arcades greatly outnumbered women and girls. Iwatani wanted to diversify the gaming world and make it more appealing to a broader audience.

Where did Iwatani find inspiration for the main character in Pac-Man? Believe it or not, it happened while he was eating pizza! After taking the first slice from a pizza pie, he noticed that the remaining pizza resembled a head with an open mouth. This inspired him to model the yellow character in his game after that shape.

As for the name, Iwatani drew inspiration from the onomatopoeia “paku-paku.” In Japan, it is used to describe the sound of someone eating. For the appearance and design of the game, he looked to Japanese anime and manga. After countless hours of experimenting and perfecting the designs, Pac-Man was born!

Namco began marketing Pac-Man in 1980. It immediately became a sensation. As it spread from Japan to the rest of the world, Namco even started collaborating with other companies to create different versions of the game. One example is Ms. Pac-Man. It was created by the American company Midway and later authorized by Namco.

Today, you don’t have to visit an arcade to play Pac-Man. While the original style of gameplay is still popular, it is also available on home gaming consoles and as a smartphone app. Kids and adults everywhere can enjoy the game from the comfort of their own homes.

Have you ever played Pac-Man? If you enjoy the game, maybe you’d like to attempt a world record! David Race of Ohio currently holds the record for the fastest perfect game of Pac-Man. He scored 3,333,360 points in just over three and a half hours. Can you beat his record? We’re certain that some of our Wonder Friends would love to give it a try!

Give It a Shot

Ready to continue learning? Find a friend or family member who can assist you in trying out the activities below.

Discussing Video Games

Have you ever played Pac-Man? Take some time today to play the game and think about your experience. How do you feel about it compared to other games you’ve played? Can you understand why it’s such a popular game? Discuss your thoughts with a friend or family member.

If you’re someone who frequently plays video games, you’ve probably been advised not to spend too much time on them. And it’s true, it’s important to have a balance between video games and other activities like outdoor play and socializing with friends and family. However, some experts believe that certain video games can be beneficial for you in moderation. Summarize what you’ve read about this topic and share it with a friend or family member.

What’s your favorite game to play? It doesn’t have to be a video game, it can be a board game, card game, or even an outdoor game. What do you enjoy about it? Create a poster or brochure about your favorite game. Include some pictures, reasons why you like the game, and instructions for playing. If you want, ask an adult to help you take a picture of your creation and share it on social media. Don’t forget to tag us @wonderopolis!

Wonder Sources

• https://www.thoughtco.com/pac-man-game-1779412 (accessed 12 Nov. 2020)
• https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/why-players-around-world-gobbled-up-pac-man-180974902/ (accessed 12 Nov. 2020)
• https://money.cnn.com/2017/01/30/technology/pac-man-father-dies/index.html (accessed 12 Nov. 2020)
• https://learnersdictionary.com/ (accessed 12 Nov. 2020)

FAQ

1. Who invented Pac-Man?

Pac-Man was invented by a Japanese video game designer named Toru Iwatani. He created the game while working for the company Namco, which is now known as Bandai Namco Entertainment. Iwatani came up with the idea for Pac-Man after observing people eating pizza, as he wanted to create a game that was cute and appealing to both men and women. The game was first released in Japan in 1980 and quickly became a global sensation.

2. How did Toru Iwatani come up with the idea for Pac-Man?

Toru Iwatani was inspired to create Pac-Man while eating pizza with his colleagues. He noticed that when a slice of pizza was taken, it resembled a mouth opening and closing. This observation led him to design a game character that would move around a maze, eating pellets and being chased by ghosts. He wanted to create a game that would appeal to a wide audience, including women, as most video games at the time were considered to be targeted towards men.

3. When was Pac-Man first released?

Pac-Man was first released in Japan in May 1980. It was developed by the company Namco, which is now known as Bandai Namco Entertainment. The game quickly gained popularity and was later released in the United States in October 1980. It became a huge success both in Japan and internationally, and is now considered one of the most iconic and influential video games of all time.

4. What are the main objectives in Pac-Man?

In Pac-Man, the main objective is to control the character, Pac-Man, and guide him through a maze while he eats all the pellets. The player must avoid being caught by the four ghosts that roam the maze. The game consists of multiple levels, and the player must clear each level by eating all the pellets and avoiding the ghosts. Bonus items, such as fruits, can also be collected for extra points. The ultimate goal is to achieve a high score and complete as many levels as possible.

5. Why is Pac-Man considered a classic video game?

Pac-Man is considered a classic video game because of its innovative gameplay, simple yet addictive mechanics, and its widespread cultural impact. It introduced the concept of maze-chase gameplay and was one of the first games to feature distinct characters with personalities. Pac-Man also appealed to a wide audience, including both men and women, which was rare for video games at the time. The game’s success led to numerous sequels, spin-offs, merchandise, and even an animated TV series. Its iconic character design and memorable music have made it a beloved and enduring part of video game history.