World Video Game Hall of Fame Inducts Four New Honorees
The World Video Game Hall of Fame has announced its Class of 2025, inducting four games that have had a significant impact on the industry. The honorees are Defender, Tamagotchi, GoldenEye 007, and Quake, according to a report from the Associated Press, as published on the AP News website.
The World Video Game Hall of Fame, located within The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York, recognises games that have had staying power and influenced the video game industry or pop culture. The Hall of Fame experts selected the four winners from a field of 12 finalists, which included Age of Empires, Angry Birds, and Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare.
One of the inductees, Quake, was developed by Id Software and released in 1996. The game’s lasting influence was recognised by the Hall of Fame, with its game code being described as "a literal legacy" that continues to be used in some games nearly 30 years later. Quake co-creator John Romeo attended the induction ceremony, where he reflected on the game’s impact. "We’re just really happy with the impact that Quake made on the world," he said, as quoted by the AP News.
Defender, released by Williams Electronics in 1981, was also inducted into the Hall of Fame. The game’s complex and challenging gameplay raised the bar for arcade games, separating dedicated players from casual ones. Jeremy Saucier, assistant vice president for interpretation and electronic games at The Strong National Museum of Play, noted that "Defender’s punishing gameplay raised the level of competition in arcades, and it was among the first games to truly separate dedicated players from more casual ones."
The 1996 launch of Tamagotchi is credited with sparking the popularity of pet simulation video games. The handheld electronic game allowed owners to care for a virtual pet from birth through death, providing a unique experience that differed from popular video game electronics of the time. Kristy Hisert, collections manager at The Strong National Museum of Play, said that Tamagotchi "offered players with feelings of connection, caring, and customization, a respite from competition and fighting games."
GoldenEye 007, based on the 1995 James Bond spy film, was another inductee. The game’s four-person multiplayer mode influenced many multiplayer games that followed, and it remains one of the best-selling games for the Nintendo 64. The World Video Game Hall of Fame induction process involves nominating games, selecting finalists, and soliciting votes from experts and fans.
As noted by the AP News, anyone can nominate a video game for consideration, and the museum staff names 12 finalists each year. The winners are then announced, and the games are inducted into the World Video Game Hall of Fame. This year’s inductees join a growing list of iconic games that have had a lasting impact on the industry.
The induction ceremony was held at The Strong National Museum of Play, where the World Video Game Hall of Fame is located. The museum is a leading institution in the preservation and celebration of play, and the Hall of Fame is an important part of its mission. By recognising the contributions of games like Defender, Tamagotchi, GoldenEye 007, and Quake, the Hall of Fame continues to highlight the significance of video games in our culture.
The AP News report also mentioned that the World Video Game Hall of Fame has inducted numerous games since its establishment, showcasing the rich history and evolution of the video game industry. The Hall of Fame serves as a testament to the impact of video games on society, and its continued recognition of iconic games like these four inductees will help to preserve their legacy for future generations.
According to the AP News, The Strong National Museum of Play will continue to celebrate the world of play and the video games that have shaped it. With the induction of these four new games, the World Video Game Hall of Fame continues to provide a platform for gamers and non-gamers alike to appreciate the art, history, and cultural significance of video games.
The new inductees into the World Video Game Hall of Fame are a testament to the innovative and creative spirit of the video game industry. As the industry continues to evolve, it is essential to recognise and celebrate the games that have paved the way for modern gaming. The AP News report on the induction ceremony highlights the importance of preserving the history of video games and the impact they have had on our culture.
In conclusion, the World Video Game Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025 is a fitting tribute to the games that have shaped the industry. The induction of Defender, Tamagotchi, GoldenEye 007, and Quake recognises their lasting influence and contributions to the world of gaming. As reported by the AP News, the ceremony was a celebration of the games that have brought people together and provided countless hours of entertainment.
