Pac-Man’s 45th Anniversary Celebration Announced by Bandai Namco

Overview of Pac-Man’s 45th Anniversary Celebration

The 45th Anniversary of Pac-Man will kick off celebrations spanning 2025 and 2026.
Collaborative campaigns will feature partnerships with organizations like the American Red Cross and various museums.

In early March 2025, Bandai Namco Entertainment America (BNEA) launched the festivities for Pac-Man‘s 45th Anniversary, reflecting on the franchise’s legendary history and announcing exciting collaborations designed to honor the iconic character. To accompany this announcement, the developers unveiled a short trailer showcasing beloved titles from the Pac-Man series that have delighted gamers across generations.

Originally debuting in Japanese arcades in July 1980, Pac-Man was developed by Namco and quickly gained popularity in Western arcades by December of the same year. In the classic arcade game, players guide Pac-Man through a maze to consume pellets while avoiding ghostly pursuers—Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde. By consuming a Power Pellet, Pac-Man can temporarily turn the tables on the ghosts, making him invincible. The gameplay continues through repeated levels until players achieve a Game Over. The game’s immense success paved the way for numerous sequels, including Ms. Pac-Man and Pac-Mania.

A Year of Celebrations: Pac-Man’s 45th Anniversary Campaign

We’re celebrating 45 years of chasing GHOSTS, chomping Dots, and making an imPACt on gaming and pop culture! Let’s keep the party going with festivities all year long.#PACMAN45 pic.twitter.com/oPrwwOHqJV — PAC-MAN (@officialpacman) March 4, 2025

The year-long 45th Anniversary celebrations will commence in 2025 and run into early 2026.
Pac-Man’s journey began in July 1980 when it was first introduced to Japanese gamers, reaching Western audiences later that year.
Upcoming festivities will include partnerships with museums and brands, notably the American Red Cross.
Additional news on the Shadow Labyrinth game is expected later in 2025.

As part of this extensive celebration, Pac-Man is set to join forces with various organizations, including a notable collaboration with the American Red Cross. Additionally, the franchise will be showcased at Seattle’s Museum of Popular Culture from April 30 to June 4, 2025, followed by an exhibition at the Great Park Gallery in Irvine, California, taking place from May 18 to September 28.

For fans of interactive gameplay, the Pac-Man Simulator on Roblox has become available, featuring ten unique zones. This exciting collaboration between Pac-Man and Supersocial allows gamers to experience the world of Pac-Man in a brand-new way. Moreover, details about the intriguing Shadow Labyrinth—a title first revealed during The Game Awards in December 2024—were reaffirmed by Bandai Namco, marking its anticipated release sometime in 2025. This game draws inspiration from an episode of the Prime Video series Secret Level.

As the 45th Anniversary celebrations unfold, fans eagerly anticipate further updates, particularly concerning the Shadow Labyrinth. With a series of engaging events and collaborations on the horizon, the legacy of Pac-Man continues to impact gaming culture in remarkable ways.

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