I must admit, this is really cool but on a serious note, it's just another way for Google to generate web views on their Google Maps. Perhaps, their trying to advertise their app again in a different approach. It will work, way to go! It's a unique and interesting concept of incorporating Pacman into google maps.
Sure, I completely agree with you that it is for promotion, but it's also unique and funny way how to do it, so why not? Rather this than "oldschool" marketing way :).