8 Things about Pac-Man ~

Considering the wacky maze of news from this past week - coming at us from all directions, I am posting something lighthearted, as a fun and factual 80’s trivia throwback. Just like the #1 rule in the game of Pac-Man, you have to keep moving in life and stay sharp to keep one step ahead. So in that spirit, here are 8 interesting Pac-Man trivia facts that could possibly help you win the next time you are on the TV game show Jeopardy, or if you want to be an 80’s know-it-all at the family BBQ.

1. There were only three core people involved in the development of the original Pac-Man. The planning and designs were done by Toru Iwatani, and there was one additional person who worked on programming development, and one focused on music.

2. Within 15 months of its U.S. release, Namco/Bandai sold more than 100,000 arcade units and fans spent more than $1 billion in quarters to spark the pop-culture phenomenon.

3. Each of the four ghosts in the game has both Japanese and English names. In Japan they started as Fickle, Chaser, Ambusher and Stupid. Their English names are Inky, Blinky, Pinky and Clyde.

4. Due to the game's wild success, Pac-Man became an economic term. When a company that is about to be acquired instead takes over the hostile company that was attempting to acquire it, it's called the "Pac-Man" defense. The name was coined after the role reversal that occurs when Pac-Man eats power cookies.

5. Pac-Man Is Most Recognized Video Game Character.

6. Initially, the ghosts were referred to as monsters on the original arcade cabinets. It was not until later that they were known as ghosts. Inky, Blinky, Pinky and Clyde were each created with their own distinct personalities so that the game would never get boring yet would have behaviors that players could learn.

7. The 2010 Edition of the Guinness World Records Gamer's Edition named Pac-Man the Most Recognized Video Game Character at 94 percent of Americans recognizing the distinctive yellow ghost gobbler.

8. In 2005 Pac-Man received the Guinness World Records award for being the "Most Successful Coin-Operated Game".

"8 Things About PAC-MAN" Source: Namco/Bandai

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This ‘80’s trivia moment was brought to you by ACME. This should work!