10 Dumbest Reasons Why Video Games Were Cancelled

7. Ms Pac-Man: Maze Madness 2

Streets Of Rage
Namco

In 1980, Namco launched a little arcade game called Pac-Man. 40 years later, it has made over $14 billion, launched 30 sequels, got his own animated series, and appeared as the antagonist in a terrible Adam Sandler comedy.

Despite all the great games Namco has churned out in nearly half a century, Pac-Man is still the company's most profitable IP.

His female counterpart, Ms. Pac-Man, became so successful, she generated her own series including Ms. Pac-Man: Maze Madness. This game took place in a labyrinth like the original games but it was in 3D and had many creative mechanics to keep the gameplay exciting. The game sold well enough to warrant a sequel.

As Maze Madness 2 was approaching completion, Namco merged with Bandai, which led to some restructuring with their gaming properties. Bandai executives assumed Pac-Man had peaked and gamers were no longer interested in the series.

This is a little odd since Pac-Man is LITERALLY the mascot of the freaking company! Without researching sales, Bandai decided to cancel Ms. Pac-Man: Maze Madness 2.

Thankfully, the company learned the error of their ways (eventually) and has regularly pumped out Pac-Man games ever since.

Contributor

James Egan has been with Whatculture for five years and prominently works on Horror, Film, and Video Games. He's written over 80 books including 1000 Facts about Horror Movies Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts about The Greatest Films Ever Made Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts about Video Games Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts About James Bond 1000 Facts About TV Shows