Pac-Man Chaos: Google's 2010 Game Freaks Out Firefox
Marcin Wichary, the designer behind Google's playable Pac-Man logo, reveals how it caused issues for some Firefox users with the CoolPreviews extension
In 2010, Google celebrated the 30th anniversary of Pac-Man by changing its logo to a playable version of the game, causing unexpected issues for some Firefox users. Marcin Wichary, the designer who created the game, revealed how he built the playable Pac-Man game using HTML and CSS, with the goal of providing a full Pac-Man experience, including sound.
The game was set to start automatically if a user stayed idle on the homepage for 10 seconds. However, this feature caused problems for some Firefox users who had the CoolPreviews extension installed. Despite the technical issues, the game was a success, with Namco, the owner of Pac-Man, eventually giving permission for the game to be used on Google's homepage.
Google's decision to create a playable Pac-Man game was part of its tradition of changing its logo, known as Google Doodles, to celebrate special occasions. Wichary, who has held senior design roles at Figma, Medium, and Google, was tasked with building the game and navigating the challenges of recreating the classic game in HTML and CSS.
## What happened next The project was a success, with Google liking the game and Namco eventually getting on board. The game's creation was a complex process, with Wichary starting work before Google sought permission from Namco. The search giant was planning to wow Namco with a close-to-finished doodle, and the project ultimately paid off.
## Why it matters The creation of the playable Pac-Man game is a notable example of Google's ability to innovate and have fun with its logo. The game's impact on some Firefox users, however, highlights the potential technical issues that can arise when creating complex web-based games. The story of the game's creation also provides insight into the design process at Google and the importance of permission and collaboration in creating successful projects.
The success of the playable Pac-Man game has become a memorable part of internet culture, and its creation is a testament to the power of innovation and creativity in the tech industry. As Google continues to evolve and change, its tradition of creating fun and interactive logos remains an important part of its brand identity.
