MINOR

PROJECT
PACMAN GAME
Department of Information technology

YESHWANTRAO CHAVAN COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

(An Autonomous Institution Affiliated To Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur
University)

Nagpur-441 110

SESSION 2022 - 2023

COMPUTER SCIENCE AND DESIGN BRANCH

Guidance By: Mrs. Vishakha Akhare

Members: Satyam Mahajan - 66

Niraj Chaudhari - 53
Krunal Chandan - 48
Prince Yadav - 59
Prajat Jibhe - 57

1
 Table of Contents

TOPICS PG.NO.
1. Introduction 3-4

2. Aim and Objectives 5-6

3. Review of Literature 7-8

4. Statement of problem 9-10

5. Research Methodology 11-13

6. Result and Output 14-15

2
 PROJECT DETAILS

Introduction
In the vast realm of video games, few titles have achieved the iconic status
and enduring popularity of Pacman. Since its introduction in the early 1980s,
Pacman has captivated the hearts and minds of gamers worldwide. With its
simple yet addictive gameplay mechanics, vibrant visuals, and clever level
design, Pacman has become a symbol of the golden age of arcade gaming
and a timeless classic that continues to resonate with players across
generations. This comprehensive exploration delves into the depths of
Pacman, unraveling its historical significance, innovative gameplay, cultural
impact, technical intricacies, and lasting legacy.

At its core, Pacman presents players with an immersive maze-based

adventure. As the player assumes the role of the iconic yellow Pacman
character, their mission is to navigate through intricately designed mazes,
consuming dots while evading colorful ghosts that relentlessly pursue them.
With each dot devoured, the tension heightens, and the stakes rise, as
players strive to achieve high scores and outsmart the relentless ghosts.
The simplicity and elegance of this gameplay concept have contributed to
Pacman's accessibility and enduring appeal.

Pacman's emergence in the early 1980s coincided with a pivotal moment in

gaming history. As the industry was transitioning from simplistic arcade
games to more immersive experiences, Pacman broke new ground with its
innovative gameplay mechanics and imaginative design. Its success laid the
foundation for future game developers, inspiring a wave of creativity and
pushing the boundaries of what could be achieved within the confines of
early gaming technology.

Beyond its gameplay mechanics, Pacman holds a significant place in

popular culture. The game's distinctive characters, catchy music, and
recognizable sound effects have become ingrained in the collective memory of
gamers worldwide. Pacman's influence extends far beyond the confines
3
of the arcade, permeating into various forms of media, including movies,
television shows, merchandise, and even inspiring works of art. It is a
testament to Pacman's cultural impact and its ability to transcend the
boundaries of the gaming world.

The technical underpinnings of Pacman reveal a fascinating blend of

software engineering and creative design. From the programming languages
used to develop the game's mechanics to the algorithms driving the ghost AI,
Pacman showcases the ingenuity and technical prowess of its creators.
Exploring these technical aspects provides insights into the development
process and the optimization challenges faced by early game designers,
contributing to a deeper understanding of the game's implementation and
technical achievements.

This comprehensive exploration of Pacman aims to unravel the layers of its

intricate design, analyzing its historical context, gameplay mechanics,
cultural impact, and technical aspects. By delving into the depths of this
gaming masterpiece, we hope to gain a greater appreciation for the
innovative spirit that propelled Pacman to greatness and continues to
inspire new generations of gamers. Join us on this exhilarating journey as
we navigate the maze of Pacman, shedding light on its brilliance and
celebrating its enduring legacy.

With its innovative design, Pac-Man had a greater impact on popular culture
than any other video game. Guides to playing Pac-Man emerged on best-
seller lists in the United States, soon followed by popular songs, a cartoon
television series, merchandise, and magazine articles, as well as countless
versions and imitations of the game for every electronic gaming platform.

4
 Aim and Objectives
The aim of recreating Pac-Man in Java is to develop a functional andinteractive
version of the classic game using the Java programming language. By
undertaking this project, we aim to showcase your programming skills, deepen
your understanding of object-oriented programming concepts, and apply game
development principles in a practical setting.

The objectives we kept in mind during the recreation of Pacman are:

1. Game Replication: Recreating the core mechanics of the original Pac-

Man game, including player movement, ghost behavior, pellet
consumption, and level progression. Ensuring that the game closely
mimics the gameplay experience of the original version.
2. Game Logic: Implementing the game logic to handle user input, updatethe
game state, and manage collision detection between the player, ghosts,
and game elements such as pellets and walls.
3. Ghost AI: Developing intelligent behavior for the ghosts, enabling themto
navigate the maze, chase the player, exhibit different movement
patterns, and incorporate strategies to create challenging gameplay.
4. Scoring System: Implementing a scoring mechanism that accurately
tracks and displays the player's score, incorporating bonuses for
collecting power-ups, eating fruits, and consuming ghosts.
5. Testing and Debugging: Conducting comprehensive testing to identify and
fix any bugs, glitches, or issues within the game. Ensuring smooth
gameplay and address any performance or stability concerns.
6. Game State Management: Develop mechanisms to handle game start,
pause, resume, and end conditions. Implement features such as gameover
screens, high-score tracking, and the ability to restart or exit thegame.

5
Some other objectives of Pacman Game using Java:

1. Create a graphical representation of the classic Pacman game using Java

programming language.
2. Implement the gameplay mechanics and rules of the original Pacman game.
3. Develop a user-friendly and interactive interface for players to control Pacman
and navigate through the maze.
4. Include power-ups and special features such as fruits or power pellets for Pacman
to consume and gain advantages.
5. Implement collision detection to handle interactions between Pacman, ghosts, and
other game objects.
6. Ensure smooth gameplay performance and responsiveness to user input.
7. Document the project by writing a report that explains the game's design,
implementation details, and challenges faced during development.
8. Demonstrate understanding of Java programming concepts, object-oriented
principles, and game development techniques.
9. Showcase creativity in enhancing the game's features, graphics, or gameplay
elements beyond the original Pacman game.

6
 Review of Literature
1. Historical Significance:
Numerous studies have explored the historical significance of Pac-Man
and its impact on the gaming industry. Researchers have traced the
origins of the game, examining its development by Toru Iwatani at Namco
and its subsequent release in 1980. These studies delve into thecultural
and societal context of the time, analyzing how Pac-Man's success
reshaped the gaming landscape and paved the way for subsequent arcade
games.
2. Gameplay Mechanics and Design:
Pac-Man's gameplay mechanics have been a subject of great interest
in the literature. Researchers have examined the game's maze
navigation algorithms, the behavior of the ghosts, and the decision-
making processes of players. Through empirical studies and
computational modeling, scholars have explored the intricatebalance
between player strategy, ghost AI, and level design, providing insights
into the game's addictive nature and enduringappeal.
3. Cultural Impact:
The cultural impact of Pac-Man has been explored in various studies,
examining its influence on popular culture, media, and even art.
Researchers have analyzed Pac-Man's iconic characters,such as the
yellow protagonist and the colorful ghosts, as symbols that have
transcended the gaming realm and become part of broader cultural
discourse. These studies investigate how Pac-Man has been
represented and referenced in literature, music, film, andother forms
of artistic expression.
4. Technological Advancements:
Pac-Man's technical aspects and the technology behind its creation
have also been extensively examined. Researchers havedelved into
the hardware of arcade machines, analyzing the advancements in
graphics and sound that facilitated Pac-Man'simmersive gameplay
experience. Additionally, studies have explored the programming
techniques employed in creating the

7
 Game, shedding light on the early stages of game development andthe
limitations of computing technology at the time.
5. Player Experience and Psychology:
The literature has explored the player experience and psychological
aspects associated with playing Pac-Man. Researchers have
investigated the impact of Pac-Man on cognitiveskills, attention span,
and decision-making abilities. Furthermore, studies have examined the
emotional and physiological responses of players during gameplay,
providing insights into the game's ability to elicit excitement,
frustration, and satisfaction.
6. Educational Applications:
Some studies have explored the educational potential of Pac-Manas
a tool for learning and skill development. Researchers have
investigated the use of Pac-Man in educational settings to teach
concepts such as problem-solving, pattern recognition, and strategy
development. These studies highlight the game's potential as an
engaging and effective learning tool, bridging the gap between
entertainment and education.
7. GUI Designs:
Several research works delve into the graphical user interface (GUI)
design aspects of the Pacman game. These studies discuss the use of
Java's built-in libraries or frameworks, such as JavaFX or Swing, to
create visually appealing game interfaces. They explore techniques
for rendering sprites, designing maze layouts, and implementing
animations and special effects to enhance the overall gaming
experience.

8
 Statement of Problem
The Pac-Man game, an iconic and beloved classic, has entertained
players for decades. However, as technology advances and gaming
preferences evolve, there is a need to investigate the challenges faced by
Pac-Man game design and explore potential enhancements to meet the
expectations of modern players. This detailed statement ofthe problem
aims to identify and analyze key issues within the Pac- Man game,
ranging from gameplay mechanics to user experience, and propose
research questions that will guide our investigation.

1. Introduction:
The introduction section provides an overview of the Pac-Man game
and its historical significance, highlighting its enduring popularity and
cultural impact. It also discusses the motivation behind this research,
emphasizing the need to address the challenges faced by Pac-Man
game design and improve the overallplayer experience.
2. Gameplay Mechanics and Complexity:
One of the primary concerns in Pac-Man game design is the
complexity and balance of its gameplay mechanics. This section
delves into the challenges related to ghost AI behavior, maze design,
power-up implementation, and level progression. It explores how
these elements contribute to the game's dimcultycurve, strategic
depth, and overall player enjoyment.
3. User Experience and Immersion:
The user experience plays a pivotal role in the success of any game,
and Pac-Man is no exception. This section examines the factors
influencing player immersion, such as graphics, audio, controls, and
feedback mechanisms. It explores how improvements in these areas
can enhance the player's emotionalengagement, sense of presence,
and overall satisfaction.
4. Ghost AI and Player Interaction:
The behavior of ghosts in Pac-Man has long been a subject of studyand
debate. This section investigates the challenges associated with ghost
AI, including pathfinding algorithms, decision-making processes, and
balancing difficulty. It explores ways to enhance ghost behavior to
9
create more dynamic, unpredictable, and challenging encounters for
players.
5. Level Design and Replayability:
Pac-Man's level design significantly impacts player engagement and
replayability. This section explores the challenges related to level
layout, maze complexity, and the distribution of pellets, power-ups,
and obstacles. It investigates how procedural generation techniques,
adaptive difficulty systems, and innovative level design concepts can
enhance replayability and provide fresh experiences for players.
6. Multiplayer and Social Integration:
In today's gaming landscape, multiplayer and social integration are
highly valued features. This section examines the potential challenges
and opportunities for incorporating multiplayer functionality into Pac-
Man, such as cooperative or competitive gameplay modes, online
leaderboards, and social media integration. It explores how these
enhancements can foster a sense of community, competition, and
collaboration among players.
7. Accessibility and Inclusivity:
Addressing the needs of a diverse player base is crucial in modern
game design. This section discusses the challenges and opportunities
in making Pac-Man more accessible and inclusive, considering aspects
such as adjustable difficulty settings, customizable controls, and
accommodating players with different abilities or preferences.
8. Research Questions:
Based on the identified challenges and potential enhancements, this
section formulates a set of research questions that will guide our
investigation. These questions focus on specific aspects of Pac-Man
game design and provide a framework for our research methodology
&analysis.

10
 Research Methodology
This research methodology outlines the approach and methods
employed to investigate and analyze the various aspects of Pac-Man
game design. The study aims to understand the challenges faced
in the development of the game and explore potential
enhancements to improve the overall gaming experience. This
document provides a comprehensive overview of the research
design, data collection methods, analysis techniques, and ethical
considerations employed in this study.

1. Introduction:
The introduction section provides an overview of the research
objectives, emphasizing the importance of examining Pac-Man
game design from a technical and user experience perspective.
It outlines the significance of the study, the research questions
being addressed, and the expected outcomes.
2. Research Design:
This section describes the research design employed in the
study. It discusses the use of a mixed-methods approach,
combining qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques.
The rationale behind selecting this approach is explained,
highlighting the advantages of gathering both subjective
insights and objective measurements.
3. Data Collection:
The data collection methods utilized in this research are detailed
in this section. It includes both primary and secondary data
sources. Primary data collection involves conducting surveys
and interviews with game developers, players, and experts in the
field. Secondary data collection involves reviewing existing
literature, research papers, and documentation related to Pac-
Man game design.

11
4. Survey Design:
The design and administration of surveys are explained in this
section. The survey questions are developed to gather
information about player preferences, game mechanics, user
experience, and potential Improvements. The survey is
distributed online, targeting a diverse group of participants to
ensure a representative sample.
5. Interviews:
This section describes the process of conducting interviews with
game developers, experts, and experienced Pac-Man players. The
selection of interviewees is based on their expertise and insights
into Pac-Man game design. The interviews are conducted either
in person or via video conferencing platforms, allowing for in-
depth discussions and capturing valuable qualitative data.
6. Gameplay Analysis:
To gain a deeper understanding of the game mechanics and
design elements, this section explains the process of gameplay
analysis. It involves playing different versions of Pac-Man,
including the original and contemporary adaptations, and
documenting observations related to gameplay flow, level
design, ghost AI, and player interactions.
7. Data Analysis:
This section describes the data analysis techniques employed to
analyze the collected data. Quantitative data from surveys are
analyzed using statistical methods, while qualitative data from
interviews and gameplay analysis are subjected to thematic
analysis. The analysis aims to identify patterns, themes, and key
insights related to Pac-Man game design.

12
8. Ethical Considerations:
The ethical considerations and safeguards implemented in the
study are outlined in this section. It emphasizes the protection
of participant privacy and confidentiality, informed consent
procedures, and adherence to ethical guidelines in data collection
and analysis.

9. Limitations:
This section acknowledges the limitations of the research
methodology. It discusses potential biases in participant
selection, the subjective nature of qualitative analysis, and the
reliance on self-reported data from surveys.

13
Result and Output

The research on Pac-Man game design yielded valuable insights and

generated several noteworthy outputs. Through data collection and
analysis, we obtained a comprehensive understanding of the gameplay
mechanics, user experience, and potential areas for improvement. The
following paragraphs highlight the key results and outputs of this study.

Firstly, the analysis of player surveys and interviews provided valuable

feedback on the strengths and weaknesses of the game. Participants
expressed their preferences for specific game features, such as responsive
controls, challenging levels, and visually appealing graphics. Additionally, the
interviews with game developers and experts shed light on innovativegame
design techniques and emerging trends in the industry. These

14
Insights served as a foundation for the identification of potentialenhancements
to the Pac-Man game.

Based on the research findings, several outputs were produced to improve the
Pac-Man gaming experience. One notable output is the proposed
modification to the ghost AI behavior. By implementing more advanced
algorithms and strategies, the ghosts can exhibit more intelligent and
dynamic movements, adding an extra layer of challenge and excitement to the
game. Another output is the development of new-level designs, incorporating
diverse mazes and obstacles to enhance player engagement. Furthermore,
the research findings inspired the creation of a visual overhaulfor the game,
including updated graphics, animations, and sound effects, to provide a more
immersive and visually appealing experience.

15