by ArtiSiN

Created on: September 03, 2009   Last Updated: September 07, 2009

If the gaming industry were a sports league undoubtedly the consoles would play the role of the teams. Die hard fans choose their favorite team, don their controllers as if they were foam #1 hands, and fill up the stadium-like forums in droves. The game lineup serves as the team players, with a few stand outs being the stars, or the killer apps. While one chosen game will serve a special purpose not unlike that of the mascot, but more appropriately, the logo. These games will go on to represent their respective teams, err, consoles, for many generations, and therefore earned their right to hold the title of icon.

The original icon, and perhaps to some the icon of the entire gaming industry, is none other than Pacman. The sound of this yellow binge eater still rings in our collective ears today as he chomps his way through mazes of orbs, fruit, and ghosts. Recognized by the Davie-Brown Index as the most popular gaming icon ever due to 94% of Americans familiarizing with Pacman and co. - Pacman proves its more than just a meager video game. Pacman was/is a pop culture phenomenon. It's no surprise that the game spawned comic books, TV shows, music, and 30+ spin offs. Long live Pacman, the symbol of the Arcade!

To find out just how iconic this next character is, go ask your mom or dad what they think of when they hear the word "Nintendo". Almost certainly you'll hear a mispronounced "Mario" fall from their lips. Originally dubbed "Jumpman" in the 1981 Donkey Kong video game, Mario didn't really blossom until the arrival of Super Mario Bros. on the NES. Mario is essentially the anti-icon; a short, fat, plumber with a big nose and overalls. Despite his shortcomings, Mario's goomba flattening steps paved the way for other icons. Even today, Mario serves as Nintendo's go-to guy when they need an ace in the hole, or should I say pipe?

Sega recognized Mario's influence in selling consoles, and they too desperately needed a special icon to be the face for their Genesis. That position would be filled, rather quickly, by Sonic The Hedgehog. The blue blur countered Mario's commonness by introducing an in your face attitude that meshed perfectly with the memorable attitude of the "SEGA!" ads. Lighting fast speed, spiky hair, and plenty of 'tude to boot, Sonic represented the new direction of Sega, and also solidified the importance of having an icon. Even though Sonic now appears on non Sega platforms, the name Sonic and Sega are inseparable, interchangeable even.

The new

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