PAC-MAN CELEBRATES ITS 45th ANNIVERSARY
PAC-MAN CELEBRATES ITS 45th ANNIVERSARY WITH SHADOW LABYRINTH AND LICENSING NEWS
Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe is proud to celebrate PAC-MAN 45th anniversary with several new announcements. First released in 1980, PAC-MAN has continued for the past four decades to be a synonym of fun for all audiences, while growing to enter different media and genres of games, with the latest examples of the Secret Level episode and Shadow Labyrinth announcement.
Watch the new Shadow Labyrinth trailer here: https://youtu.be/LIsB_pmpFd8
SHADOW LABYRINTH, the upcoming 2D action exploration platformer set in a dark Sci-Fi world inspired by PAC-MAN and other legendary arcade era games receives a brand-new look today. Released fittingly on the video game icon’s 45th anniversary – PAC-MAN was released in Japanese arcades on May 22, 1980 – an all-new trailer showcases how elements of the original game and the many memorable titles that followed in the franchise are creatively woven into the title’s game play. SHADOW LABYRINTH takes players on an epic journey on a hostile planet where dangers lurk everywhere, and where a mysterious yet recognizable companion named PUCK imparts familiar wisdom – to survive, they must explore this maze-filled world and consume everything around them to become the apex predator. The title is slated for release on July 18, 2025, and is available now for pre-orders on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch™ and PC via Steam® in Digital Standard and Digital Deluxe Editions. It is also launching on Nintendo Switch™ 2, with digital pre-orders opening soon. For more information, visit www.shadowlabyrinthgame.com.
Developed by Bandai Namco Studios, SHADOW LABYRINTH blends a modern fast-paced take on the platformer genre with both story and game play nods that draw from Bandai Namco’s arcade legacy. As shown in the latest reveal, a dark vision of the PAC-MAN universe factors large in the game, with PUCK as both guide and a source of powerful – and often familiar – skills and abilities. Taking on the role of a warrior named Swordsman No. 8, and accompanied by PUCK at every turn, players explore this vast world to discover powerful weapons and overcome formidable foes, along the way uncovering terrifying secrets about the planet and its inhabitants. Throughout the game, SHADOW LABYRINTH weaves iconic PAC-MAN game play into the experience, with twisting corridors, pursuit-style mechanics, nostalgic sights and sounds, and one massive, memorable, and very familiar boss known as the G-HOST Bug. Like the original PAC-MAN, surviving the horrors of this labyrinthine world by consuming everything that stands in their way is the beating heart that will keep players alive.
SHADOW LABYRINTH features a rich universe and narrative that draws wider inspiration than just PAC-MAN, tapping into Bandai Namco’s broader library of beloved games from the arcade era. Between now and launch, Banda Namco is planning surprise reveals of the many inspirations behind this game, unveiling nods that are sure to evoke nostalgia in longtime gamers and open up the worlds and characters of legendary arcade IP to a new generation of players.
In celebration of PAC-MAN’s 45th Anniversary, a variety of exciting collaborations and experiences have been launched, bringing together iconic brands from around the world.
Bandai Namco Entertainment has teamed up with the OXO Video Game Museum to create a one-of-a-kind experience for PAC-MAN fans. This collaboration will feature a series of events and exhibitions in Madrid and Malaga, Spain, paying tribute to the ground-breaking game that changed the gaming industry and pop culture forever.
For those who love premium collectibles, Montegrappa offers a new high-quality pen inspired by the 80s PAC-MAN video game, bringing the playful spirit of the game into everyday life with a sleek and functional design.
Next up, Quoridor, the award-winning strategy game, introduces a new variant that beautifully blends the classic PAC-MAN video game elements with engaging board game mechanics. This version has already become a global hit, captivating fans of both PAC-MAN and strategy games alike.
Brio presents a brand-new version of its popular, classic LABYRINTH game, maintaining its traditional appeal while offering a fresh twist with a PAC-MAN Maze design. This updated version appeals to fans of all generations, blending the beloved game’s timeless charm with the exciting world of PAC-MAN.
Australian accessory label Glomesh has teamed up with the 80s arcade game icon to release a limited-edition collection. Featuring characters from the game recreated in classic 8-bit graphics, the designs are seamlessly integrated into Glomesh’s pixel-like mesh, with intricate hand-crafted details that add to the collection’s charm.
Adding some sweet flair to the celebrations, Krispy Kreme is offering limited-edition PAC-MAN-themed donuts, available until June 1st, giving fans a delicious way to enjoy the anniversary festivities.
Also celebrating the 45th Anniversary, Candy Can will soon release a colorful, pop-inspired drink collection featuring the iconic yellow character alongside other beloved figures. Stay tuned for the exciting design reveal!
Later this year, Leblon Delienne, a French sculpture workshop, will unveil a series of artistic statues featuring beloved characters, blending meticulous craftsmanship with pop culture to create unique pieces for collectors and fans.
For a fun and colorful twist, Knobby, Australia’s underwear brand, celebrates the 45th anniversary of the game with an exclusive, vibrant collection. It’s perfect for those looking to show their love for PAC-MAN in style.) (more info https://knobby.com.au/products/mens-trunk-pac-man-waka-waka)
To wrap up our exciting collaborations, Little Lion Entertainment‘s “PAC-MAN LIVE EXPERIENCE” – a life-sized, glowing maze that brings the virtual arcade world to life – recently won a Licensing International Excellence Award. This immersive attraction has already been a major success in Manchester and has now opened in Dubai this month, offering fans a completely new way to experience PAC-MAN.
These collaborations and experiences showcase how PAC-MAN continues to inspire creativity and connect with fans across generations, celebrating its iconic legacy in the world of pop culture.
For more information on SHADOW LABYRINTH and other products from other titles from Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe please visit: https://www.bandainamcoent.eu. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok or join the conversation on X.
About the Author
Andrew Bistak When he's not trying to save the world, Andrew enjoys travel (although loathes turbulence), going to the movies, reading and being a dad to his two dogs (and now twins) with his wife.
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