Pac-Man play to stay at Google

(Pacman TM)

Google on Monday made permanent a playable Pac-Man doodle posted in tribute to the classic arcade game's 30th birthday.

"We've been overwhelmed, but not surprised, by the success of our 30th anniversary Pac-Man doodle," Google vice president of search products and user experience Marissa Mayer said in a blog post.

"Due to popular demand, we're making the game permanently available."

The Pac-Man game, which spent the weekend incorporated into a logo atop the Google online search homepage, was given a new venue at www.google.com/pacman.

The game designed by Toru Iwatani was first released by Japan-based Namco into arcades on May 22, 1980.

The Google doodle Pac-Man comes complete with the arcade game's trademark music and sound effects, and an "Insert Coin" button where Google's "I'm feeling lucky" button usually is.

It was the first time Google made an interactive logo at its homepage, which routinely features artistic touches in keeping with holidays or special occasions.