Google is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Pac-Man game by embedding a free version of the classic game on its homepage for the next 48 hours.

The game is played by clicking 'insert coin' or just waiting for about ten seconds. It has been recreated in its original 8-bit format, using the same game logic, graphics, sounds and ghost personalities. The original bugs in the code have also been included.

"Pac-Man seems like a natural fit for the Google homepage. They're both deceptively straightforward, carefully hiding their complexity under the hood," wrote Marcin Wichary, senior UX designer and developer at Google on the company's blog.

"There's a light-hearted, human touch to both of them. And we can only hope you find using Google at least a quarter as enjoyable as eating dots and chasing ghosts. You know, without actually needing any quarters."

The code also includes a subroutine that allows Ms Pac-Man to be activated for a second player when an extra coin is inserted. 

However, Star Wars fans will be disappointed that the company is honouring Pac-Man and ignoring another important anniversary. On 21 May 1980 'The Empire Strikes Back' opened in US cinemas and has gone on to be one of the most highly rated films of all time.

21 May 2010