Bandai Namco launches PAC-MAY to mark PAC-MAN’s birthday with a month-long program of announcements, animated content and live activations.
PAC-MAN, which debuted in arcades in 1980, remains one of gaming’s most recognizable franchises.
The PAC-MAY initiative—branded under the theme “Connect the Dots”—is positioned to honor the series’ legacy while spotlighting new storytelling and cross-platform promotions.
The centerpiece of PAC-MAY is the animated short series PAC-MAN: Snack Breaks, produced in partnership with New York studio Cartuna.
The series is set to debut on the official PAC-MAN YouTube Channel on May 22, with new episodes planned monthly.
Directed by Noah Pardo and led by producers Adam Belfer, James Belfer, Monica Mazel, Garrett Beltis and Ben Bishop, the shorts relocate PAC-MAN from PAC-Village to the neon landscape of NEW PAC-CITY.
The principal voice cast includes Mike Cefalo (PAC-MAN, Inky), Mike Bodie (Blinky), Rebecca Wang (Pinky) and Lukas Arnold (Clyde).
Bandai Namco describes the “Connect the Dots” theme as an effort to link PAC-MAN’s past and present through narrative: the company says the shorts honor the franchise’s iconic history while launching the character into a new era of fast-paced, snack-fueled adventures.
The production combines action, high-energy comedy and retro-inspired visuals tailored for digital audiences.
Live events are a key component of the celebration.
On May 16, Bandai Namco will host a birthday event in New York City that coincides with The Paley Museum’s PAC-MAN exhibition.
The Paley event will feature a PAC-MAN: Snack Breaks panel, special screenings of the premiere episode prior to its official debut, classic arcade play, meet-and-greets, family activities and the PAC-MAN CHOMPIONSHIP tournament.
The tournament will award the highest-scoring player the title of “PAC-MAN NYC Chompion 2026.” Additional fan events in New York City and Los Angeles are scheduled to be announced.
In-game promotions accompany the celebrations.
A Fruit Ninja x PAC-MAN collaboration with Halfbrick Studios begins May 6 and includes four PAC-MAN-themed in-game events that unlock themed blades, dojos and rewards.
Bandai Namco also announced a free costume for PAC-MAN WORLD 2 Re-PAC players, which will be added to Nova’s Costume Shop.
PAC-MAY combines new animated content, museum exhibitions, live tournaments and cross-game promotions.
Fans can watch the PAC-MAN: Snack Breaks teaser now and tune in to the PAC-MAN YouTube Channel for the May 22 series premiere.
PAC-MAN, which debuted in arcades in 1980, remains one of gaming’s most recognizable franchises.
The PAC-MAY initiative—branded under the theme “Connect the Dots”—is positioned to honor the series’ legacy while spotlighting new storytelling and cross-platform promotions.
The centerpiece of PAC-MAY is the animated short series PAC-MAN: Snack Breaks, produced in partnership with New York studio Cartuna.
The series is set to debut on the official PAC-MAN YouTube Channel on May 22, with new episodes planned monthly.
Directed by Noah Pardo and led by producers Adam Belfer, James Belfer, Monica Mazel, Garrett Beltis and Ben Bishop, the shorts relocate PAC-MAN from PAC-Village to the neon landscape of NEW PAC-CITY.
The principal voice cast includes Mike Cefalo (PAC-MAN, Inky), Mike Bodie (Blinky), Rebecca Wang (Pinky) and Lukas Arnold (Clyde).
Bandai Namco describes the “Connect the Dots” theme as an effort to link PAC-MAN’s past and present through narrative: the company says the shorts honor the franchise’s iconic history while launching the character into a new era of fast-paced, snack-fueled adventures.
The production combines action, high-energy comedy and retro-inspired visuals tailored for digital audiences.
Live events are a key component of the celebration.
On May 16, Bandai Namco will host a birthday event in New York City that coincides with The Paley Museum’s PAC-MAN exhibition.
The Paley event will feature a PAC-MAN: Snack Breaks panel, special screenings of the premiere episode prior to its official debut, classic arcade play, meet-and-greets, family activities and the PAC-MAN CHOMPIONSHIP tournament.
The tournament will award the highest-scoring player the title of “PAC-MAN NYC Chompion 2026.” Additional fan events in New York City and Los Angeles are scheduled to be announced.
In-game promotions accompany the celebrations.
A Fruit Ninja x PAC-MAN collaboration with Halfbrick Studios begins May 6 and includes four PAC-MAN-themed in-game events that unlock themed blades, dojos and rewards.
Bandai Namco also announced a free costume for PAC-MAN WORLD 2 Re-PAC players, which will be added to Nova’s Costume Shop.
PAC-MAY combines new animated content, museum exhibitions, live tournaments and cross-game promotions.
Fans can watch the PAC-MAN: Snack Breaks teaser now and tune in to the PAC-MAN YouTube Channel for the May 22 series premiere.