Pacman cabinet arcade

The Pac-Man arcade cabinet, an icon of the 80s, revolutionized the video game industry with its yellow design and dot-maze gameplay.

About this subject

The Pac-Man arcade cabinet, released by Namco in 1980, is one of the most recognizable symbols of video game pop culture. Designed by Toru Iwatani, the game was originally called Puck-Man in Japan but was renamed Pac-Man in the West to prevent vandalism at arcades. The classic cabinet features side art with colorful mazes, ghosts, and the yellow protagonist, along with a control panel with a four-way joystick and a start button.

Pac-Man's success was overwhelming: it became the best-selling arcade game of all time, with over 400,000 units sold globally. Its popularity spawned a franchise including sequels, cartoons, music, and even a Guinness World Record for the highest score. The cabinet's design, with its bright yellow color and simplistic graphics, influenced generations of games and remains a sought-after item for collectors.

Interestingly, Pac-Man's maze was inspired by a pizza missing a slice, according to Iwatani. The four ghosts (Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde) have distinct AI, making each game unique. The original cabinet used a 19-inch CRT monitor and Z80-based hardware. To this day, original working machines can fetch thousands of dollars at auction, and miniature home versions are popular among retrogaming enthusiasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Pac-Man arcade cabinets were sold worldwide?

Over 400,000 original arcade cabinets were sold worldwide, making Pac-Man the best-selling arcade game in history.

Why was the name changed from Puck-Man to Pac-Man?

In the United States, the name Puck-Man was changed to prevent vandals from altering the 'P' to an 'F' on arcade machines, forming an obscene word.

Who created Pac-Man and what inspired the maze design?

Designer Toru Iwatani created Pac-Man, and the maze was inspired by a pizza missing a slice. He aimed to attract a broader audience, including women.