Pac-Man

Pac-Man is the most recognized video game character after Mario, with the 1980 arcade machine generating over $2.5 billion in quarters by 1990. Its maze-chase gameplay captivated a global audience, achieving a cultural footprint that surpasses even #1's immediate niche—Pac-Man became the first game character on a cereal box and inspired a hit song. It remains faster than the typical arcade classic to onboard new players, with rules explainable in seconds.