What arcade game, released in 1980, became the first major video game to feature a female protagonist?
Ms. Pac-Man
The answer was Ms. Pac-Man. Here's the why, the decoys, and the source trail.
Know someone who'd pause on this one? Send them the question.
Try today's live question, or browse previous answers when you want another quick dive.
Like this answer? Get tomorrow's question around 8 AM.
Ms. Pac-Man, released in 1980, was a landmark arcade game and the first major video game to star a female character. Originally titled Crazy Otto, the game became an unofficial sequel to Pac-Man and was so popular that it eventually outsold the original in arcades. Ms. Pac-Man's red bow and distinctive sprite made her an instantly recognizable figure in gaming history.
A good trivia question makes the wrong answers feel close. Here is the clean read on the set.
- Ms. Pac-Man - correct answer.
- Dig Dug - a decoy; it may live near the same topic, but it does not answer this exact clue.
- Donkey Kong Junior - a decoy; it may live near the same topic, but it does not answer this exact clue.
- Space Invaders - a decoy; it may live near the same topic, but it does not answer this exact clue.
We may earn a commission.
Sources: Smithsonian Open Access