Internet Fun With Tatiana: PAC-MAN in Google Maps

March 31, 2015

Google, presumably unable to hold back its avalanche of April Fools Day related gags, decided to treat The Internet on Tuesday by unveiling multiple playable levels of PAC-MAN–all within Google Maps.

Google is is known for infusing its hugely popular products with beloved gaming properties around this time of year (think: Pokémon on Google Maps back in 2014). These mini events are moreso Easter Eggs rather than your usual April Fools gags, but the result is still the same–major time being ~~wasted~~ enjoyed by the Internet at large. This year they look to continue the tradition with PAC-MAN. When you go to Google Maps (either through your devices browser or through your Google Maps app) you’ll notice either a PAC-MAN view option next to the Earth view in the browser, or a PAC-MAN icon if you’re in the app. Once you click on either of these the map you’re looking at is converted into a maze level. You then use the arrow keys to control PAC-MAN’s movements on your computer, or your finger if you’re on a mobile device.

PACMAN in Statue of Liberty

While not every location is pac-man playable, there are tons of real world locations that have maze levels built in; such as the Eiffel Tower, the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, and tons of others. Google even compiled a list of clues to help you find all the locations. Each “level” has its own unique design as well as all the typical PAC-MAN accouterments–fruit, regular pellets, power pellets, and of course the Ghosts. There’s even an option to play PAC-MAN, augmented reality style with the Ingress app.

Have fun!