Pac-Man: A 16KB Masterpiece Every Dev Should Study

The original Pac-Man code is a masterpiece of efficiency and smart design, studied in AI and Game Design courses. It showcases how simple mathematical rules can create complex behavior. The game uses a state machine to alternate between 'chase' and 'scatter' modes, creating a 'tension curve' for the player. This demonstrates classic state management applied to User Experience. The game's breaking point is due to an integer overflow bug, highlighting the importance of respecting hardware limitations.