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The Strong Museum, known for its dedication to preserving and celebrating the history of video games, has recently announced the 12 finalists for the World Video Game Hall of Fame Class of 2024. The museum selected these titles from thousands of nominations, considering factors such as the game’s iconic status, longevity, geographical reach, and influence on the gaming industry and popular culture.
A Diverse Range of Finalists
The list of finalists spans several decades and genres, showcasing the evolution of video games over time. The oldest title on the list is Atari’s Asteroids, released in arcades in 1979, while the most recent is Activision’s Guitar Hero, the 2005 rhythm game that took the world by storm and led to countless plastic guitars flooding second-hand video game stores.
The full list of finalists includes:
- Asteroids
- Elite
- Guitar Hero
- Metroid
- Myst
- Neopets
- Resident Evil
- SimCity
- Tokimeki Memorial
- Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater
- Ultima
- You Don’t Know Jack
Voting Process and Induction Ceremony
Fans can now cast their votes for their favorite games on the Player’s Choice Ballot. The top three games from the public vote will be counted as a single ballot, joining the ballots submitted by the International Selection Advisory Committee, which consists of journalists and scholars in the gaming industry.
Voting will remain open until March 21st, and the final inductees will be revealed at a special ceremony at The Strong Museum on Thursday, May 9, at 10:30 a.m. (EDT). The museum has a dedicated page showcasing the previous years’ inductees, highlighting the most influential and groundbreaking games in history.
The Significance of the World Video Game Hall of Fame
The World Video Game Hall of Fame at The Strong Museum plays a crucial role in recognizing and preserving the legacy of the most important and influential video games ever created. By inducting titles that have left a lasting impact on the industry and popular culture, the museum ensures that these games and their contributions are remembered and celebrated for generations to come.
As the gaming community eagerly awaits the announcement of the final inductees, the diverse list of finalists serves as a reminder of the rich history and rapid evolution of the video game medium. From the simple yet addictive gameplay of Asteroids to the genre-defining experiences of Metroid and Resident Evil, each of these games has played a significant role in shaping the industry as we know it today.
The Impact of the World Video Game Hall of Fame Finalists
Each of the 12 finalists for the World Video Game Hall of Fame Class of 2024 has made significant contributions to the gaming industry and popular culture. Let’s take a closer look at some of these titles and their impact:
Asteroids (1979)
Released by Atari, Asteroids is a classic arcade game that helped define the early days of video gaming. Its simple yet addictive gameplay, combined with its innovative vector graphics, made it an instant hit and inspired countless clones and variations.
Metroid (1986)
Nintendo’s Metroid introduced players to the iconic bounty hunter Samus Aran and popularized the concept of non-linear exploration in video games. The game’s atmospheric setting, memorable soundtrack, and innovative gameplay mechanics have made it a beloved classic and spawned a successful franchise.
Myst (1993)
Developed by Cyan, Myst is a groundbreaking adventure game that captivated players with its immersive world, stunning visuals, and intricate puzzles. It became one of the best-selling PC games of all time and demonstrated the potential of the CD-ROM format for delivering rich, engaging experiences.
Resident Evil (1996)
Capcom’s Resident Evil revolutionized the survival horror genre with its cinematic presentation, intense atmosphere, and memorable characters. The game’s success led to numerous sequels, spin-offs, and adaptations in other media, cementing its status as a cultural phenomenon.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater (1999)
Developed by Neversoft, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater brought skateboarding culture to the mainstream and redefined the sports game genre. Its intuitive controls, addictive gameplay, and iconic soundtrack made it an instant classic and sparked a series of successful sequels.
Asteroids (1979)
Released by Atari, Asteroids is a classic arcade game that helped define the early days of video gaming. Its simple yet addictive gameplay, combined with its innovative vector graphics, made it an instant hit and inspired countless clones and variations.
Metroid (1986)
Nintendo’s Metroid introduced players to the iconic bounty hunter Samus Aran and popularized the concept of non-linear exploration in video games. The game’s atmospheric setting, memorable soundtrack, and innovative gameplay mechanics have made it a beloved classic and spawned a successful franchise.
Myst (1993)
Developed by Cyan, Myst is a groundbreaking adventure game that captivated players with its immersive world, stunning visuals, and intricate puzzles. It became one of the best-selling PC games of all time and demonstrated the potential of the CD-ROM format for delivering rich, engaging experiences.
Resident Evil (1996)
Capcom’s Resident Evil revolutionized the survival horror genre with its cinematic presentation, intense atmosphere, and memorable characters. The game’s success led to numerous sequels, spin-offs, and adaptations in other media, cementing its status as a cultural phenomenon.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater (1999)
Developed by Neversoft, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater brought skateboarding culture to the mainstream and redefined the sports game genre. Its intuitive controls, addictive gameplay, and iconic soundtrack made it an instant classic and sparked a series of successful sequels.
The Selection Process for the World Video Game Hall of Fame
The Strong Museum’s World Video Game Hall of Fame has a rigorous selection process to ensure that only the most influential and important video games are inducted each year. The process involves several steps and the input of both industry experts and the general public.
Nomination Process
The first step in the selection process is the nomination phase. Anyone can nominate a game for consideration, including video game enthusiasts, industry professionals, and scholars. Nominations are accepted year-round through the Strong Museum’s website.
To be eligible for nomination, a game must meet the following criteria:
- It must have been released for public consumption more than ten years prior to the nomination year.
- It must have achieved icon status, meaning it is widely recognized and remembered.
- It must have longevity, with a significant influence on the gaming industry and popular culture.
- It must have geographical reach, having been played and enjoyed by people in multiple countries.
- It must have had a significant influence on the design and development of other video games, popular culture, or society in general.
Selection Committee Review
Once the nomination period closes, the Strong Museum’s International Selection Advisory Committee reviews the nominations. This committee is composed of journalists, scholars, and other industry experts who have a deep understanding of video game history and culture.
The committee evaluates each nominated game based on the criteria mentioned above, discussing its merits and impact on the gaming industry. After careful deliberation, the committee narrows down the list of nominees to a group of finalists, typically around 12 games.
Player’s Choice Ballot
After the finalists are announced, the public is invited to participate in the Player’s Choice Ballot. This online poll allows fans to vote for their favorite games among the finalists, giving them a chance to have their voices heard in the selection process.
The top three games from the Player’s Choice Ballot are then counted as a single ballot, which is added to the ballots submitted by the International Selection Advisory Committee.
Final Selection and Induction Ceremony
The ballots from the Selection Advisory Committee and the Player’s Choice Ballot are tallied, and the games with the most votes are chosen for induction into the World Video Game Hall of Fame. The final inductees are typically announced in a special ceremony at the Strong Museum, where industry professionals, gaming enthusiasts, and media gather to celebrate the newly honored games.
The selection process for the World Video Game Hall of Fame is designed to be thorough, transparent, and inclusive, ensuring that the games inducted each year truly represent the best and most influential titles in video game history. By combining the expertise of industry professionals with the passion and input of the gaming community, the Strong Museum has created a robust and respected institution that honors the rich heritage of the video game medium.
The Future of the World Video Game Hall of Fame
As the Strong Museum continues to recognize and celebrate the most influential video games through the World Video Game Hall of Fame, it plays a vital role in preserving the history and cultural significance of the medium. By inducting new titles each year, the museum not only honors the past but also highlights the ongoing evolution and innovation within the gaming industry.
As video games continue to grow and evolve as an art form and entertainment medium, the World Video Game Hall of Fame will undoubtedly expand to include even more groundbreaking and influential titles in the years to come. The Class of 2024 finalists represent just a small sample of the countless games that have shaped the industry and touched the lives of millions of players around the world.
