The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York, has announced four groundbreaking games as the latest inductees into the World Video Game Hall of Fame. Quake, GoldenEye 007, Defender, and Tamagotchi were officially enshrined on 8 May 2025, marking a significant milestone in gaming history.
These iconic titles emerged victorious from an impressive field of twelve finalists, including contemporary powerhouses like Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare and cultural phenomena such as Angry Birds. The selection process emphasised the games’ lasting influence, global impact, and innovative contributions to the gaming industry.
Quake, the revolutionary first-person shooter from id Software, stands as a testament to technological innovation in gaming. Released in 1996, it pioneered true 3D graphics engines and established new standards for online multiplayer gaming. Following in the footsteps of its predecessor Doom, which entered the Hall of Fame in 2015, Quake’s induction acknowledges its fundamental role in shaping modern competitive gaming.
The Nintendo 64 classic GoldenEye 007, developed by Rare in 1997, finally secured its place in the Hall of Fame after appearing on the finalist list three times. The game’s revolutionary split-screen multiplayer mode and sophisticated mission-based gameplay transformed the landscape of console gaming, influencing countless titles that followed.
Defender, the challenging 1981 arcade shooter from Williams Electronics, represents the golden age of arcade gaming. The game’s inclusion recognises its role in establishing higher competitive standards in arcade culture, demanding unprecedented levels of skill and dedication from players.
Perhaps the most unique inductee, Tamagotchi, transcended traditional gaming boundaries when it debuted in 1996. Bandai’s virtual pet device sparked a global phenomenon, introducing millions to the concept of digital companionship and demonstrating the broader potential of interactive entertainment.
The Strong Museum’s selection criteria focused on each game’s “icon-status,” considering factors such as longevity, geographical reach, and industry influence. Jeremy Saucier, assistant vice president for interpretation and electronic games at The Strong, highlighted how each inductee pushed the boundaries of gaming in its respective era.
This year’s cohort reflects the remarkable diversity of gaming history, spanning multiple decades and platforms. From arcade cabinets to handheld devices, from single-player experiences to multiplayer innovations, these games collectively chronicle the evolution of interactive entertainment.
The 2025 inductees join an illustrious roster of titles in the World Video Game Hall of Fame, which continues to document and celebrate the medium’s most influential works. Through a rigorous selection process involving public nominations, scholarly evaluation, and committee deliberation, the institution ensures a comprehensive representation of gaming’s rich heritage.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, these newly honoured titles serve as benchmarks of excellence and innovation, inspiring future generations of developers and preserving crucial chapters in the ongoing story of interactive entertainment.
News Source: Polygon
