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World Video Game Hall of Fame announces class of 2024 inductees
The prestigious World Video Game Hall of Fame revealed its class of 2024 inductees at a ceremony held at The Strong National Museum of Play. The esteemed winners unveiled at this event include Asteroids, Myst, Resident Evil, SimCity, and Ultima. These five iconic games were selected from a pool of finalists that also featured Elite, Guitar Hero, Metroid, Neopets, Tokimeki Memorial, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, and You Don’t Know Jack.
The enshrinement of these revered titles took place within the confines of the museum’s World Video Game Hall of Fame rotunda. This is a part of the ESL Digital Worlds exhibit situated at the museum located in Rochester, New York. It is worth noting that individuals within the judging panel, such as myself, are delighted to witness the fruition of their votes in this regard.
Asteroids
Originally released in 1979, Asteroids by Atari swiftly captured the attention of gamers worldwide. Recognized for its challenging gameplay, striking visuals, and intense sound effects set against a space-themed backdrop, the game proved to be a commercial success. Boasting the sale of over 70,000 arcade units, Asteroids managed to surpass the popularity of the renowned Space Invaders in various arcades. Furthermore, the introduction of a home version for the Atari 2600 propelled the game’s fame to new heights, making it a household name within millions of living rooms.
Jeremy Saucier, the assistant vice president for interpretation and electronic games, remarked, “Asteroids transformed a straightforward yet demanding concept of blasting asteroids into a game that resonated with a broad audience. The game’s numerous adaptations across different platforms solidified its position as one of the most played and impactful video games in the history of gaming.”
Myst
Broderbund’s release of Myst in 1993 marked a significant milestone in the realm of computer gaming. Myst beckoned players into a mesmerizing world filled with intricate puzzles and captivating landscapes. Leveraging the early CD-ROM technology, which boasted high storage capacity albeit slow loading times, the game managed to captivate players with its immersive storytelling. Selling over six million copies, Myst emerged as one of the bestselling computer games of the 1990s.
The reunion of Robin and Rand Miller to craft a new version of Riven, the sequel to Myst from the 1990s, speaks volumes about the lasting impact of the original game.
Resident Evil
Resident Evil, developed by game director Shinji Mikami and released by Capcom in 1996, is credited with popularizing the “survival horror” genre. It marked a turning point in video game narratives, catering to a more mature audience of teenagers and adults. The franchise, with its billion-dollar media empire, attested to the appeal of video games as a medium for mature storytelling. The Resident Evil films have collectively grossed over $1.2 billion, underscoring the franchise’s enduring popularity and commercial success.
SimCity
The release of SimCity by Maxis in 1989 represented a pivotal moment in video game history. Offering players a city-building simulator informed by real-life urban design principles, the game appealed to a diverse audience that included adults. Spawned numerous sequels and spinoffs, SimCity influenced an array of city-building and real-time strategy games, shaping the genre for years to come. Its impact extended to popular titles like The Sims, inducted into the World Video Game Hall of Fame in 2016, underscoring its enduring legacy.
Ultima
Ultima: The First Age of Darkness, designed by Richard Garriott and released in 1981, carved a niche for itself within the computer role-playing genre. Its innovative gameplay and sprawling fictional world laid the foundation for an enduring gaming franchise that spanned eight sequels. The game inspired a generation of game developers and served as a touchstone for the role-playing game genre, influencing titles like Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy.
Conclusion
The World Video Game Hall of Fame, located at The Strong National Museum of Play, has been instrumental in recognizing electronic games across various platforms that have left an indelible mark on popular culture and society at large. The 2024 inductees stand as a testament to the enduring power of video games as a cultural force and a medium for creativity and innovation.
Inductees were announced at The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York, on May 9, 2024 and are on permanent view on the museum’s second floor. Anyone may nominate a game to the World Video Game Hall of Fame. Final selections are made on the advice of journalists, scholars, and other individuals familiar with the history of video games and their role in society.
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