Bandai Namco Entertainment is celebrating PAC-MAN’s 45th anniversary with a year-long campaign packed with events, partnerships, and special releases. The campaign, running throughout 2025 and into early 2026, is themed “imPACt” to highlight PAC-MAN’s enduring influence on gaming and popular culture. As one of the most recognizable video game icons, PAC-MAN continues to engage fans across generations with innovative experiences and collaborations.
A Nostalgic Journey Through Time
Originally released on May 22, 1980, PAC-MAN became an instant classic in arcades worldwide. To honor this milestone, Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. has produced a visually captivating anniversary trailer. Directed by Miles Cable of Bodega Virtual and produced by LEFT, the trailer was created entirely in Unreal Engine, blending nostalgic elements with modern visuals to reimagine PAC-MAN’s iconic world.
New Games and Interactive Experiences
PAC-MAN’s anniversary celebrations will feature exciting new gaming experiences. A brand-new title, SHADOW LABYRINTH, will launch later this year, offering a fresh, genre-twisting take on the PAC-MAN universe. More details on this 2D action platformer will be revealed in the coming months.
Additionally, fans of Roblox can dive into the 45th anniversary-themed PAC-MAN Simulator, developed in collaboration with Supersocial. Special-edition PowerA gaming accessories for Nintendo Switch and Xbox consoles will also be released alongside new 45th Anniversary electronic toys by dreamGEAR and arcade machines by Arcade1Up.
PAC-MAN in Food, Fashion, and Pop Culture
PAC-MAN is making an impact beyond gaming, with collaborations spanning food, fashion, and lifestyle. A PAC-MAN cookbook, set for release by Insight Editions, will offer themed recipes, giving fans the chance to experience what a Ghost or Power Pellet might taste like.
In the sports world, Club América will release limited-edition PAC-MAN-branded soccer jerseys, followed by themed stadium events. Meanwhile, collaborations with retailers such as Justice at Walmart and Five Below will introduce new PAC-MAN-themed toys, apparel, and accessories.
Exhibitions and Live Experiences
As part of the anniversary festivities, PAC-MAN will be featured in museum exhibitions and live attractions. The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) in Seattle will host a PAC-MAN showcase from April 30 to June 4, 2025, with a themed event scheduled for May 10.
In Irvine, California, the Great Park Gallery will present a PAC-MAN retrospective exhibition from May 18 to September 28, featuring themed events and interactive programming.
In the UK, Little Lion Entertainment and Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe S.A.S. will launch the “PAC-MAN Live Experience” at Manchester’s Arcade Arena on March 22. This life-sized interactive attraction will bring the classic arcade experience to fans in an immersive way.
Community Engagement and Charitable Initiatives
PAC-MAN’s 45th anniversary is also about fostering connections within the gaming community. Bandai Namco has launched a dedicated PAC-MAN Discord channel (discord.gg/Pacman), where fans can engage with one another online.
In a bid to make a broader impact, Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. is partnering with the American Red Cross for a nationwide blood drive program. This initiative aligns with the “Make imPACt” theme by encouraging community involvement and charitable giving.
The Legacy of PAC-MAN
Since its debut in 1980, PAC-MAN has remained one of the most influential and enduring video game franchises. Originally designed as a coin-operated arcade game, PAC-MAN captivated audiences with its simple yet engaging gameplay, in which players guide PAC-MAN through mazes while avoiding colorful Ghosts. Over the decades, PAC-MAN has inspired sequels, merchandise, animated series, and even a hit music single. It holds numerous accolades, including the Guinness World Record for “Most Successful Coin-Operated Game.”
PAC-MAN’s 45th-anniversary celebrations promise to bring exciting new experiences to fans worldwide. For more information on upcoming events, partnerships, and special releases, visit www.bandainamcoent.com/pac-man-45th-anniversary.
Source: Bandai Namco News
