World Video Game Hall of Fame 2025 Finalists Unveiled | Image Source: apnews.com
ROCHESTER, N.Y., 06 March 2025 – The Hall of Fame World Video Game announced its 2025 finalists, with a varied selection of games that have shaped the industry through several generations. The Strong National Museum of Play, home to the prestigious Hall of Fame, revealed the 12 candidates, ranging from pioneering arcade titles to modern trailers. The public vote has begun, and the last inductors will be honoured at a ceremony on May 8.
The 2025 candidates: a mix of classic and modern games
This year’s 12 candidates cover almost five decades of game history, reflecting the evolution of the medium and cultural sense. According to the Hall of Fame, finalists include:
- Age of Empires (1997) – A strategy game that helped define the real-time strategy (RTS) genre.
- Angry Birds (2009) – One of the most downloaded mobile games of all time.
- Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007) – The title that revolutionized multiplayer first-person shooters.
- Defender (1981) – A complex and challenging arcade game that pushed the limits of early video game design.
- Frogger (1981) – A beloved arcade classic that became a pop culture icon.
- GoldenEye 007 (1997) – A groundbreaking first-person shooter that influenced multiplayer gaming.
- Golden Tee (1989) – An arcade golf game that introduced tournament play.
- Harvest Moon (1996) – A relaxing farming simulation that set the foundation for games like Stardew Valley.
- Mattel Football (1977) – The first widely successful handheld electronic game.
- NBA 2K (1999) – A basketball simulation that became the foundation for modern esports leagues.
- Quake (1996) – A pioneer in 3D gaming and one of the earliest esports titles.
- Tamagotchi (1996) – A virtual pet phenomenon that bridged digital entertainment and real-life responsibilities.
Why these games matter
The games offered for this year’s Hall of Fame are milestones in the history of video games, each contributing to the growth and influence of the industry. Jon-Paul C. Dyson, Director of the International Centre for the History of the Strong Electronic Games, stressed the importance of this year’s candidates.
“This year’s finalists cover decades and range from arcade classics to one of the most popular mobile games of all time. All these games have greatly influenced the pop culture or the gaming industry itself.”
Some games, such as Defender and Frogger, showed that players were ready for more difficult arcade experiences. Others, like Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare and Quake, set new standards for multiplayer shooters and sports.
The influence of mobile and portable games
The inclusion of Angry Birds and Mattel Football highlights the evolving nature of the game platforms. According to The Strong, Mattel 1977’s hand game was a trailer for portable games, paving the way for devices such as the Game Boy and modern smartphones.
Similarly, Angry Birds is a global phenomenon that shows how mobile gambling can become a main form of entertainment. Posted in 2009, the game has been downloaded billions of times and developed in movies, merchandise and spin-off titles.
Competitive sports and games
Several candidates had a lasting impact on the sport scene. Quake was one of the first titles to establish professional gaming tournaments, while NBA 2K led to the creation of the NBA 2K League, a dedicated sports competition supported by the National Basketball Association.
Another notable entry, Golden Tee, introduced a tournament model in 1995 that allowed arcade players to compete in official competitions. This game has paved the way for the future of competitive games outside of traditional sports genres.
A phenomenon of pop culture
Some candidates have gained fame beyond the gaming industry. Frogger had a memorable moment in a 1998 episode of Seinfeld, in which George Costanza tried to maneuver a real arcade cabinet on a busy street, imitating the mechanics of the game.
Meanwhile, Tamagotchi became a cultural sensation in the late 1990s, teaching children’s responsibility through digital animal care. The game has since been redesigned in modern applications, demonstrating its lasting appeal.
How are the winners selected?
The World Video Game Hall of Fame receives thousands of applications per year. The selection process is to evaluate games based on their longevity, cultural impact and influence on game design. Finalists are selected by a group of industry experts and historians.
Public voting also plays a role in the selection process. According to the Hall of Fame, the three games that receive the most public votes will count as a vote in the final account. The public vote shall remain open until 13 March, after which the votes shall be determined.
Reviewing the induced past
Last year, the Hall of Fame caused asteroids, Myst, Resident Evil, SimCity and Ultima. Not all the nominated games make the cut: titles like Guitar Hero, Metroid and Tony Hawk Pro Skater were finalists in 2024 but were not induced.
According to The Strong records, usually four games are selected each year, although exceptions can be made. In 2024, five games were triggered instead of the usual four, which shows that the selection board is flexible depending on the size of each candidate.
The last inductors for 2025 will be announced at a special ceremony at the Strong National Museum of Play on May 8, which will officially cement their place in the history of video game.
