In early March, Bandai Namco Entertainment America (BNEA) kicked off the Pac-Man 45th Anniversary festivities by revisiting the franchise’s origins and sharing details of some collaborations held to honor the company’s mascot. The Pac-Man publisher also revealed a short trailer that spotlighted the series’ different titles fans have enjoyed across generations.
First launched in Japanese arcades in July 1980, Pac-Man was created and developed by Namco before making its way to Western arcades five months later. In the original arcade game, the titular Pac-Man navigates through a maze to eat as many pellets as possible before being caught by the mischievous ghosts Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde. However, Pac-Man can eat a Power Pellet to turn himself temporarily invincible and send the ghosts back to their base by eating them. Levels would repeat until players got a Game Over. Namco’s arcade hit was a worldwide success and led to several subsequent titles like Ms. Pac-Man and Pac-Mania.
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Now, years after Pac-Man’s dominance in the arcade scene, Bandai Namco revealed what fans can expect throughout 2025 and early 2026. Bandai Namco stated that Pac-Man’s 45th Anniversary would be highlighted by the franchise’s impact on popular culture across four decades. This impact was highlighted in a one-minute short that shared gameplay from titles like the original Pac-Man arcade cabinet and the platformer Pac-Man World Re-Pac. The trailer spotlighted how gamers have played through the Pac-Man franchise since 1980, from arcades to home consoles, and smartphones.
Pac-Man Celebrates Franchise’s 45th Anniversary With Year-Long Campaign
- Pac-Man’s 45th Anniversary celebration will be held throughout 2025 and into early 2026.
- Pac-Man was first launched in Japanese arcades in July 1980 before heading West that December.
- The campaign will include crossovers with museums and brands like the American Red Cross.
- More details about Shadow Labyrinth will arrive later in 2025.
Throughout the 45th Anniversary campaign, Pac-Man will collaborate with various brands, including the American Red Cross. The Pac-Man franchise will also be spotlighted at Seattle’s Museum of Popular Culture from April 30 to June 4, followed by an exhibition at the Great Park Gallery in Irvine, California from May 18 to September 28.
As for gaming-focused events, players can now participate in the Pac-Man Simulator on Roblox, which includes up to 10 unique zones. Pac-Man Simulator is a collaboration between Pac-Man and Supersocial. The gritty Shadow Labyrinth, which was revealed during The Game Awards in December 2024, was reconfirmed by Bandai Namco to launch sometime in 2025. Shadow Labyrinth is based on an episode of the Prime Video series Secret Level.
Fans will have to wait a little longer for more news, as Bandai Namco stated that more Shadow Labyrinth details will arrive in the months ahead. Between Shadow Labyrinth and the planned collaborations, how Pac-Man’s 45th Anniversary celebration will be remembered remains to be seen.
