Toru Iwatani
Toru Iwatani is a Japanese video game designer best known as the creator of the arcade game Pac-Man.
Game Designer
January 25, 1955
70
Toru Iwatani, a renowned Japanese video game designer, is best known for creating the iconic arcade game Pac-Man in 1980. With over 30 years of experience at Namco, he has contributed to the development of other notable games, including Pole Position, Libble Rabble, and Phozon. In recognition of his significant contributions to the gaming industry, the International Game Developers Association awarded him a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011. Iwatani’s idea for Pac-Man was inspired by a pizza with a missing slice, and he aimed to develop a non-violent, adorable game that would attract both male and female players.