The Comic-Con Museum is thrilled to announce PAC-MAN as the second inductee into the Comic-Con Museum Character Hall of Fame.

Born in 1980 and widely considered the original digital game mascot, PAC-MAN made a profound impact on the video game industry, the role of storytelling in games, and popular culture as a whole.

For an entire generation, PAC-MAN ignited a love of video and arcade games.  Those of us who were there for the start of PAC-MAN remember going to the arcade and lining up for a chance to play while our friends stood around and cheered on. We were able to connect with PAC-MAN on an emotional level in a way we hadn’t with other video game characters.

For the generations that followed, PAC-MAN is an icon and one of the most widely recognized images on the planet. He plays a significant role in the history of video games, and his presence continues to pervade not only in the game industry but in all areas of popular culture today including fashion, film, food, music, and art.

By honoring PAC-MAN we pay homage to digital creators and the vision and values that inspire them. PAC-MAN’s creator, Toru Iwatani, had no training as a designer or programmer, but he had a powerful vision. A true pioneer and champion for inclusivity, Iwatani aimed to design a game that would appeal to female players. With the creation of PAC-MAN, Iwatani helped to open the doors of the gaming industry to include all players while also helping creators to understand the opportunity they have to not only make a fun game, but to make a positive impact as well.

As we reflect on 40 years of PAC-MAN, we are grateful for his contributions to popular culture, for the many decades of fun he has provided to us all, and we look forward to what he will bring us in the future.

Please join us as we celebrate PAC-MAN and his many accomplishments during the Comic-Con Museum Character Hall of Fame Virtual Induction Ceremony on December 17, 2020.

Click here for event details and to register.