Atari 2600 Pacman sounds used everywhere, why?

Factual Questions
1

Remember the 2600 version of Pacman - it sounded like the pacman was poping matress springs instead of eating dots. I have noticed that sound effect used to represent video games in movies and tv (even if you don’t see the screen you still hear the distinctive sound).

Did anyone else notice that the 2600 pacman sounds were used more often then any other video game sound combined? And is there a reason for this - like did Atari pay money to the movies if they used that sound?

2

The place I most remember noticing this was in Superman III, when they’re attacking Supe with missles.

No idea as to the why of it, though. Not even a WAG, which is unusual for me.

3

I’ve noticed that and 2600 Donkey Kong a few times. What’s really funny is I remember recognizing one of them in a recent commercial for Best Buy. My guess is it’s part of some sound effect library.