Pac-Man, the original video game star, celebrates 40th anniversary this year

Bandai Namco Entertainment is celebrating the 40th anniversary of Pac-Man this year with upcoming activities, products, and partnerships for fans around the world.

Pac-Man was “born” on May 22, 1980, and immediately rose in popularity, first in video game arcades, then in pop culture with the song “PAC-MAN Fever” and through branding and entertainment appearances in the 1980s and 1990s.

As part of his 40th anniversary, Pac-Man is making a special appearance in Minecraft DLC that enables players to enjoy Pac-Man mazes within the game. In addition, Bandai is bringing Pac-man Live Studio to Twitch, in partnership with Amazon Games, which enables four players to compete in one maze to see who can eat the most pellets and survive. Players will also be able to create their own mazes and share them with friends online, or play the classic game if they choose.

For classic arcade fans, a special Tastemakers 40th Anniversary Arcade 1UP machine is available now for $399, with 40th Anniversary Counter-cade, Party Cade, and Head-to-Head models coming later his summer. In addition, new Pac-Man games will be on the way later in 2020.

With products and technology, Pac-Man started the year by being featured on Bandai America’s newest Tamagotchi toy. The character will also return in “Pac-Man and the Ghostly Snack Attack,” the next chapter of his “Pac-Man Stories” series on Amazon’s Alexa platform—available this summer.

Pac-Man’s story will also be shared in a 40th Anniversary Book that takes a retrospective look at his creation and life leading up to his 40th birthday.

Music has always been a part of the Pac-Man legacy, and after composing the new Pac-Man 40th Anniversary theme song, “Join the Pac,” Japanese techno artist Ken Ishii is back with new tracks on “Pac-Man 40th Anniversary Collaboration vol. 1,” “Pac-Man 40th Anniversary Collaboration vol. 2,” and “Pac-Man 40th Anniversary Collaboration vol. 3.” These new tunes will be available on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Qobuz, and Deezer with new tracks launched every month from May 22 – July 24. Once all the tracks are released, a CD compilation will be issued with album art created by The Designers Republic. Fans looking for the game soundtracks will be happy to hear that the soundtracks from “Pac-Man & Galaga Dimensions,” “Pac-Mania,” and “Pac-Man Championship Edition DX” are also be available on the music streaming services listed above.

With Pac-Man entering his 40s, his health is more important than ever. Because of this, the character is partnering with Giants Enterprises on multiple races, including a special Virtual Challenge. Fans can register online now and run or walk a total of 40 miles between now and September to receive a limited-edition Pac-Man 40th Anniversary Race Kit, which features a commemorative medal, race bib, and finisher’s sticker to showcase their achievement.

“Pac-Man was truly the first breakout superstar of our industry and his enduring staying power says a lot about the experiences he’s given to fans and the love they’ve given him in return,” said Ross Borden, vice president of Marketing at Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. “While 2020 has been a trying year for everyone, we hope our fans embody Pac-Man’s drive to always move forward, to never back down from adversity, and come out of any challenge on top!”

To learn more about Pac-Man’s 40th Anniversary celebration, visit PacMan.com/en.