Another video game icon is joining the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and it’s none other than Pac-Man.
Bandai Namco and Macy’s announced the debut of the Pac-Man balloon in a press release on Wednesday, saying the yellow chomper was designed in collaboration with Macy’s Parade Studio to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the original arcade game and the recent release of Pac-Man World 2 Re-Pac. The company showed a photo of Pac-Man holding a pair of red cherries as a tribute to the first game, though his design is inspired by his appearance in the Pac-Man World 2 remake.
“For 45 years, Pac-Man has made a lasting impact by bringing people of all ages together through the power of play,” said Susan Tran, Sr. Director of Brand Development for Pac-Man at Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. “Seeing Pac-Man join one of America’s most cherished holiday traditions is an incredible way to celebrate the legacy and joy he continues to spark around the world. We can’t wait for fans everywhere to spot him chomping high above New York City this Thanksgiving.”
Pac-Man’s inclusion into this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade comes nearly a week after Nintendo announced that Mario would get his balloon in the parade to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Super Mario Bros. That makes two gaming legends flying through the streets of New York City this year.
The 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade airs November 27.
