Summary
Bandai Namco has announced thatPac-Man Championship Edition, a modern reimagining of the classic 1980 arcade game, can now be played in European Volkswagen cars.Pac-Manis one of the most iconic and recognizable characters in the video game industry, and now, select Volkswagen owners will have the opportunity to feature the game in their vehicles.
Pac-Manhas a long history, dating back to just about the very beginning of the video game industry, and it also represents one of thebest Namco arcade classics. The game, with quite a simple premise—eating all the dots in a labyrinth while trying to avoid some colorful ghosts—turned into a smash hit both critically and commercially. In addition to resonating with players of different ages, the yellow guy inspired a whole bunch of merchandising, songs, and an animated TV show, and helped the industry break into pop culture. In 2007, Namco Bandai Games, in collaboration with the original creator ofPac-Man, launchedPac-Man Championship Edition, a new version of the game that introduced some modern features and better graphics. Now, this version of the game has made it to an unusual place.
Bandai Namco andVolkswagen are bringingPac-ManChampionship Editionto a select range of European cars, including the 2025 Golf, Golf Variant, Passat, Tayron, Tiguan, Volkswagen ID.3, ID.4, ID.5, and ID.7.Pac-Manhas been ported many times, and now it will be available through the optional AirConsole (an app that can be used on the car’s infotainment display). Users can use their smartphones as controllers, turning the car into a gaming station with sound and even a background lighting system.
Pac-Man Championship Edition Now Playable in Select Volkswagen Cars
This particular reimagined version ofthe oldPac-Mangameincludes some neat details, such as power pellets being swapped out for the car’s logo. To gain points, players can touch the silhouettes of the Volkswagen Beetle, VW Bus, and Golf 4 R32, as well as brands such as GTI, GTX, R, and Volkswagen wheel rims.
While Volkswagen adds the iconic game to its AirConsole in-car app, thePac-Manfranchise is gearing up for therelease ofShadow Labyrinthon July 18. This new entry, developed by Bandai Namco, introduces a fresh take on the well-known game, offering a 2D action-adventure experience that retains somePac-Man“concepts” but looks more like a Metroidvania instead. In the trailer revealed by the developer,Pac-Mancan be seen exploring a maze and battling different kinds of enemies, with an aesthetic that resembles games likeOri and the Blind Forest.
