Question: What food gave video game designer Toru Iwatani the inspiration for the Pacman character?
Show answer
Pizza.
The ubiquitous character of Pac-Man, which became an emblem of 1980s video game culture and remains instantly recognizable even today, owes its origin to a simple food item: a pizza. The Japanese video game designer Toru Iwatani, while working for Namco (now Bandai Namco Entertainment), was struck by inspiration when he took a slice out of a whole pizza, and the remaining shape bore a curious resemblance to a mouth opening and closing.
This pizza episode occurred in the late 1970s. At the time, most video games in the market were primarily focused on themes of war, sports, or space battles, showcasing tanks, paddles, or spaceships. Iwatani wanted to create something different, a game that could appeal to women as well as men because most video games of the time had themes that were more geared towards the male demographic. He felt that a game that revolved around eating would have universal appeal.
The concept was simple: a character that would navigate through a maze while eating dots and avoiding ghosts. However, this basic gameplay was revolutionary for its time. The design was not just about the character’s unique appearance but also about its non-combative nature, setting it apart from other games. Instead of shooting or destroying enemies, Pac-Man’s primary objective was to consume and avoid being consumed.
Iwatani’s inspiration from pizza translated into the game’s design, giving birth to one of the most iconic characters in video game history. Pac-Man went on to become a massive hit, spawning numerous sequels, merchandise, and even an animated series. Its cultural impact has been profound, and it’s often credited with being a significant factor in broadening the appeal of video games to a wider audience.
The story of Pac-Man’s pizza inspiration shows how sometimes, the most groundbreaking innovations can come from the simplest, everyday experiences. Iwatani transformed a casual meal into a concept that has entertained generations of gamers worldwide.
