The World Video Games Hall of Fame announced four new inductees this Thursday, honoring titles that have left a significant mark on the gaming world.
The 2025 honorees include: Defender, which set new standards in the arcade scene back in 1981; Tamagotchi, the digital pet that blended toys with gaming; Goldeneye 007, famous for its multiplayer mode; and Quake, a groundbreaking 3D game that debuted in 1996, shifting industry expectations.
These winners were chosen from a pool of 12 contenders, which featured games like Age of Empires, Angry Birds, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Frogger, Golden Tee, Harvest Moon, Mattel Football, and NBA 2K.
Each year, the Hall of Fame honors games across various platforms—arcade, console, computer, handheld, and mobile—that have influenced both gaming and broader pop culture.
Lindsay Kurano, an electronic gaming curator, remarked on Quake’s lasting legacy, pointing out that its code has impacted multiple games for almost three decades. John Romero, co-creator of Quake, expressed pride in the game’s ongoing significance and how it has been celebrated over the years.
“We understood that adding the programming language in the game would enhance the experience for players,” he noted. Romero also mentioned the satisfaction of seeing the impact of their work resonate globally.
Defender, released by Williams Electronics, demonstrated that players appreciate complex, challenging gameplay. It introduced intense action and intricate controls, leading to its popularity in arcades. Experts suggest it set a high bar for competitive gaming.
The release of Tamagotchi in 1996 is often credited with igniting a trend in virtual pet simulation games, where players would care for their digital pets. Collections Manager Kristy Hisert highlighted how Tamagotchi offered a different kind of engagement, prioritizing emotional connection and customization over competitive elements.
Goldeneye 007, based on the 1995 James Bond film, became one of the top-selling titles for the Nintendo 64, after Super Mario 64 and Mario Kart 64. The result of a collaboration between Nintendo and Rare, it gained acclaim especially for its iconic four-player multiplayer mode.
The Hall of Fame is housed within the National Play Museum, where anyone can submit their game nominations. Each year, a list of 12 finalists is shared, and votes are cast by experts and fans before the winners are announced.
