Masaya Nakamura, Namco Founder & The Man Behind 'Pac-Man,' Passes Away At 91
Ceage SottoA sad day for the video game world, pioneer Masaya Nakamura has passed away at 91 years old. The Japanese game icon is notably known for founding the company behind "Pac-Man." Nakamura died on January 22.
Masaya Nakamura started out Namco with two mechanical horse rides on a department store rooftop. He later went on to pioneer game arcades and amusement parks for children.
The hit classic "Pac-Man" was designed by Namco engineer and video game maker Toru Iwatani. The game went on sale in 1980 and was a huge hit. At that time, there were only a few games that challenged its popularity.
The game is estimated to have been played more than 10 billion times. It even holds a Guinness World Record as the most successful coin-operated arcade game.
Nakamura reportedly chose the word "Pac," or "pakku" in the Japanese language, to represent the sound of the Pac-Man chomping ghosts. Reportedly, the idea for Pac-Man's design came from the image of a pizza with a carved out slice.
The game originally started out as an arcade item. Later on, it was available for the Nintendo Family Computer. The game has been emulated and adapted for smartphones and different console platforms. Other hits from Namco include "Ridge Racer" and an arcade drumming game.
Nakamura took pride in having fun and games for his job. He was a key player in Bandai Namco's global notoriety. As of this writing, the company has not released any other information regarding Nakamura's death. In respect to his family's wishes, details of his death were not divulged to the public.
most read
related stories
more stories from News
Delve into the complexities of managing screen time for children as parents navigate between practicality and idealism.
ernest hamiltonDiscover why the Pixel 7a outperforms the new Pixel 8a in this detailed comparison. Learn about the advantages in affordability, color options, and feature parity. Read now to make an informed choice!
ernest hamiltonDiscover the future of smartphone audio with Moondrop's MIAD 01. Explore its dual audio jacks and premium DACs in this in-depth review. Ready to elevate your music experience? Read now!
ernest hamiltonUnveiling Android's AI evolution with Gemini integration, Discover how AI is poised to combat scams and revolutionize security. Stay informed and secure!
ernest hamiltonDiscover how Samsung's innovative Knox Journals are revolutionizing user privacy and data control. Learn how cutting-edge features empower users to take control of their devices and safeguard their personal information.
ernest hamiltonThe latest AI breakthroughs unveiled at Google I/O 2024, from Project Astra's revolutionary AI assistance to Gemini integration in Google Workspace and Android 15 innovations. Dive into the future of technology with seamless AI experiences.
ernest hamiltonGoogle teases a new AI camera feature ahead of I/O 2024, offering real-time contextual recognition and voice interaction on Pixel devices. Discover how this innovative technology enhances your mobile experience.
ernest hamiltonDiscover the latest insights into Apple's highly anticipated iPhone 16 Pro, from its innovative display and camera advancements to powerful performance and software integration. Stay informed as anticipation builds for the official unveiling.
ernest hamilton