Even as he nears middle age, the public remains as hungry for Pac-Man as the yellow video game character is famished for pellets. To celebrate the video game character's 35th anniversary on May 22, and promote their upcoming summer blockbuster Pixels — where the little muncher plays a big role, literally and narratively — Sony hosts a global party event online and in cities across the globe.
Announced in a press release, the company revealed moviegoers who join Pixels' Facebook page can not only watch the new Pixels trailer but also get updates from the launch of the new Pixels Defense mobile game, available from Bandi Namco Entertainment America Inc. The new game features Pac-Man and other classic video game characters featured in the film.
That's far from it, however. If you stop at any Dave & Buster's in the United States on this day, you get the chance to play the gigantic, multi-player Pac-Man Battle Royale arcade game for free if you have a Power Card. These patrons also get the chance to win thousands of D&B dollars to enjoy throughout the summer.
Meanwhile, in Tokyo — the birthplace of Pac-Man — citizens can be among the masses who attempt to break the all-time Guinness World Records title for Largest Human Image of Pac-Man. In attendance will be actor Shingo Yanagisawa and comedian Naomi Watanabe during this Tokyo Tower event. Hundreds of people are expected to be there, but one person who won't be is Toru Iwatani, the creator of the character of the hour.
That's because, in Chicago, the video gamer creator-turned-professor will be at Level 257, the Pac-Man themed restaurant hosting a special 1980s-style event from 7 p.m.- midnight where gaming industry VIPs, Pac-Man’s official 35th birthday cake, and free game play, including the rare chance to play the fabled 255th and 256th levels, are just some activities available to the public. Additionally Jerry Buckner, of Bucker & Garcia, is in attendance to perform their 1982 song "Pac-Man Fever." Also scheduled to be there is no other than Pac-Man himself.
The following day, Level 257 continues the celebration with celebrity discussion panels, photo opportunities, prizes and game play contests, including the chance to play against the notorious gamer Billy Mitchell, the subject behind the 2007 documentary The King of Kong and first person to ever achieve a perfect Pac-Man score.
“It is hard to believe that 35 years has passed since we created Pac-Man," Iwatani said. "It has been very exciting to see the world accept him as their own. Like any creator, I wanted to make something lasting, but this has surpassed everything I hoped for. I also feel very proud that Pac-Man is playing an important role in Pixels – the visual effects of the giant Pac-Man in New York will be extraordinary, and something that you’ve never seen on film before. My birthday wish is that Pac-Man can continue to make people happy.”
In Spain, four of the country's biggest YouTube stars face off to the game for the "ultimate bragging rights." People can follow their gaming online. In Paris, Serena Williams, who, like Iwatani, has a cameo in Pixels, prepares a special greeting for her co-star at the French Open.
"Pac-Man is one of the most recognizable videogame characters in history, so we wanted to be there for him as he bites into the big 35," said Josh Greenstein, president of worldwide marketing and distribution for Sony Pictures. "Before he makes his big-screen appearance in Pixels, we’re celebrating with birthday parties all around the world. We’re excited that Pac-Man is a part of the movie and can’t wait to share his performance with the world this summer."
Pixels comes out on July 24, where Pac-Man is also joined by other classic video game characters like Donkey Kong, Centipede, Galaga, Space Invaders and more. In the meantime, you can check out the movie's latest trailer below:
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