The concept of Hall of Fame-type accolades within the gaming industry is often met with a sense of skepticism. Many view it as a mere marketing ploy to glorify certain games and creators. However, amidst the cynicism lies a desire to see the true pioneers and innovators of the industry rightly acknowledged and celebrated. The Strong, a New York-based “museum of play,” has been at the forefront of curating a Hall of Fame that showcases a diverse range of games, tabletop games, and toys.
What sets The Strong’s Hall of Fame apart is its willingness to induct unconventional picks alongside commercial successes. The inclusion of items like “sand,” sidewalk chalk, the stick, and the humble cardboard box speaks to the essence of play and creativity. Alongside these unconventional additions are iconic commercial products such as Dungeons & Dragons, Magic: The Gathering, Wii Sports, and Tetris. This blend of the whimsical and the mainstream creates a unique tapestry of gaming history.
The recent additions to The Strong’s Hall of Fame were carefully selected from a list of twelve finalists, including notable titles like Guitar Hero, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, and Metroid. The five games that ultimately made the cut were Atari arcade classic Asteroids, the original Resident Evil, Myst, SimCity, and Ultima. Each of these games holds a special place in the history of gaming, with groundbreaking innovations and lasting impacts on the industry.
Myst was lauded for its immersive world and early use of CD-ROM technology, earning its title as the best-selling PC game of the nineties. SimCity’s influence on simulation and city-building games was highlighted, paving the way for games like The Sims. Ultima’s impact on the fantasy roleplaying genre, influencing titles like Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy, solidified its place in the Hall of Fame. These games are not just relics of the past but pillars of gaming history.
The inductees of The Strong’s Hall of Fame are now enshrined in a permanent exhibition at the museum in Rochester, NY. They join over forty other video games that have been recognized since the Hall of Fame’s inception in 2015. The museum serves as a testament to the rich tapestry of gaming history, showcasing the evolution of the medium and the contributions of both mainstream hits and niche favorites.
As the Hall of Fame continues to grow, one cannot help but wonder about the future additions that will be honored. Games like Doom, World of Warcraft, and Minecraft are among the names on the full list, each deserving of recognition for their impact on the industry. The ongoing quest to identify the video game equivalents of “sand” or “stick” sparks curiosity and invites suggestions from the gaming community. The journey of exploring the world of the Video Game Hall of Fame is an ongoing and ever-evolving tribute to the artistry and innovation of game creators.
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