Google, Bandai Namco Mark Pac-Man's 45th Year With Doodle

Google and Bandai Namco Entertainment have launched a collaborative game to commemorate the 45th anniversary of Pac-Man, deploying an interactive Doodle on the search giant's homepage that analysts say underscores the enduring commercial appeal of vintage gaming properties.

The Doodle, which went live Oct. 30, features eight playable mazes: four faithful to the 1980 arcade original and four new "haunted house" levels incorporating the franchise's signature ghost characters. The promotion runs for a limited period on Google homepage, a digital storefront that draws hundreds of millions of daily visitors world-wide.

The release forms part of a broader merchandising push by Bandai Namco tied to the milestone. The company has also rolled out Pac-Man World 2: Re-Pac, an updated version of a 3D platformer, alongside Shadow Labyrinth, a new action-adventure title.

How Pac-Man Google Doodle Games Drive Brand Engagement

The campaign illustrates how established intellectual property can generate renewed revenue streams decades after initial release. Bandai Namco has struck licensing deals with Krispy Kreme Inc., which produced themed donuts, and Volkswagen AG, which integrated Pac-Man gameplay into select 2025 vehicle models through the AirConsole application.

The Google partnership delivers premium exposure: placing the game directly in front of a global audience without requiring downloads or additional hardware. Such collaborations allow legacy brands to reach younger demographics while capitalizing on nostalgia among older consumers, a dual-audience strategy that has proven lucrative in the gaming sector.

For Bandai Namco, maintaining visibility for aging franchises remains critical in an increasingly competitive market dominated by live-service games and mobile platforms. The Pac-Man anniversary campaign demonstrates how cross-platform licensing and strategic digital partnerships can extend the commercial lifespan of decades-old properties.