# Gamified Map Hacks The Google Maps Pac-Man Cheat Transform the App into the Classic Game By Rebecca Byers | Published 2015-03-31 | Pop Culture Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/google-maps-pacman References: [theverge](http://www.theverge.com/2015/3/31/8319531/google-maps-pac-man) & [kotaku](http://kotaku.com/you-can-play-pac-man-on-google-maps-right-now-1694756745) Just in time for April Fool's Day 2015, the [Google](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/katamari-damacy-1) Maps Pac-Man hack transform the trusted location service into an interactive throwback to the [classic retro video game](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pacman-world-2-repac). The clever April Fool's Day application of Google Maps follows up last year's much talked about Google Maps Pokemon game. A particularly cool facet of the Google Maps Pac-Man incarnation is that it actually transforms the actual maps, so one is able to play the game as its been retrofitted to their favorite city. Google has made its animated banner almost a daily occurrence, often celebrating little known but relevant celebrities' birthdays or symbolic holidays. Another successful Google feature is there personalized birthday homepage, which appears customized on a user's birthday. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.2/10 - Popularity: 47% | Activity: 72% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture) > [Viral](https://www.trendhunter.com/viral) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Gamified Maps:** The success of Google Maps Pac-Man hack and other retro video game implementations on digital maps highlights the opportunity for companies to offer gamified location-based services. - **Interactive Advertising:** Using interactive hacks and games as a form of digital advertising can create engaging and memorable experiences for consumers and drive brand awareness. - **Personalized Content:** Personalized birthday homepages and other customized features on digital platforms can increase user engagement and create a more personalized user experience. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Digital Mapping:** Companies specializing in digital mapping services can leverage gamification to provide unique and engaging experiences for users. - **Advertising:** Advertising agencies and brands can use gamification as a form of interactive advertising to create memorable experiences and increase brand awareness. - **Digital Media:** Digital media companies and platforms can provide personalized content to users, such as customized homepages and other features, to increase user engagement and satisfaction. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Game-Themed Browser Hidden Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/katamari-damacy-1.md) - [Digital Personality Tool Quizes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/find-your-doodle.md) - [Gamified Cookie Packs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oreo-pacman.md) - [Mobile Game Release Pranks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/palworld-go.md) - [Alien-Hunting AR Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/taito.md) - [Gamified Geography Applications](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/geoguessr-steam-edition.md) - [Historical Photographic Maps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/historical-street-view.md) - [Playful Holiday Tracking Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/google-santa-tracker.md) - [Nostalgic Gamer Donut Ranges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/krispy-kreme-x-pacman-collection.md)