Google’s 2015 Pac-Maps let users play Pac-Man on the streets shown in Google Maps.
For the April Fools’ Day feature, Google added a “Pac-Man View” that transformed selected real-world road networks into playable mazes. Instead of moving through a purpose-built arcade screen, players guided Pac-Man along map streets, collecting dots and avoiding ghosts while the underlying geography remained recognizable.
The feature was developed by Google software engineer John Tantalo and mathematician Mary Radcliffe. Google had to select locations with sufficiently dense and connected street layouts so that the roads could function as workable game boards. The map interface also received playful substitutions, including Pac-Man-themed replacements for familiar navigation icons.
Pac-Maps was temporary rather than a permanent Google Maps mode. Reports describe it as remaining available for roughly ten days. It is also distinct from Google’s 2010 Pac-Man Doodle and the 2017 Google Maps version featuring Ms. Pac-Man.