Pac-Man - Games

Pac-Man represents a foundational game design archetype: the maze-chase mechanic. Its core loop of navigating confined spaces while evading pursuers has been adapted across genres, from platformers to stealth games. The iconic power pellet mechanic, which temporarily reverses the predator-prey dynamic, established a lasting template for risk-reward gameplay. Visually, the simple, expressive character design demonstrates how minimalism can create enduring cultural symbols. Beyond gameplay, Pac-Man symbolizes the golden age of arcades and the transition of video games into mainstream entertainment, influencing both game mechanics and popular culture for decades.