Okay, so here we go down the rabbit hole of video game stardom — or something like that. Four legendary games just snagged a spot in the World Video Game Hall of Fame, according to the Strong National Museum of Play. Who made the cut? Drumroll, please: Williams Electronics’ Defender, Rare’s GoldenEye 007, id Software’s Quake, and Bandai’s Tamagotchi. Quite the eclectic mix, right?
Now, imagine this. These games were plucked from a pool of nominees — it sounds dramatic, doesn’t it? A lineup so packed, you’d think they were competing for Oscars. Age of Empires? Missed it. Angry Birds? Not today. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare? Sorry, soldier. Frogger, Golden Tee, Harvest Moon, Mattel Football, and NBA 2K also got the “better luck next year” nod. Quite a crew though, right?
These four winners? They’re big deals, apparently. “They influenced pop culture and the gaming industry,” the museum folks said, like some wise old sage in a press release. Oh, criteria nerds in the house? They were judged on icon status, longevity, reach — what kinda globe-trotters they were — and influence. Pretty fancy.
Quake’s induction was almost like watching a sequel unfold. They’re the second from id Software to make it. Doom broke ground way back in 2015. Kind of like a family reunion with guns and monsters. Makes you wonder, was this always the plan, or just a happy little accident?
Looking at these newcomers, you’ve got judges and curators spilling the beans on why Defender, GoldenEye 007, Quake, and Tamagotchi left such a lasting mark. I mean, Tamagotchi, those little digital pets we tried not to neglect — remember that? Who knew they’d end up with such VIP status?
Since this whole thing kicked off in 2015, 49 games have been basking in their Hall of Fame glory. Just last year, they opened the gates for Asteroids, Myst, Resident Evil, Ultima, and SimCity. Quite a lineup, wouldn’t you say? Like the who’s who of pixel legends. Anyway, where was I? Oh, right — just another day in the chaotic, whimsical world of video games.
