Pac-Man

What happened

Debuting in 1980, Pac-Man (originally Puck-Man in Japan) sent players gobbling dots through a maze while fleeing four ghosts. It became the first breakout game to transcend the arcade and become a mass-culture phenomenon.

Why it matters

Pac-Man's friendly, non-violent character and universal appeal made gaming mainstream, spawning songs, cartoons, and a wave of merchandise.

Sources

• The Strong National Museum of Play. Pac-Man · Reputable source