The World Video Game Hall of Fame has announced its 12 finalists for induction into the hall’s collection. The nominees include a range of influential games that have shaped the industry and pop culture over the years.
The finalists, which will be enshrined at The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester on May 8, include classic arcade titles such as Frogger and Defender, as well as more modern games like Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. Rovio’s Angry Birds, which was downloaded billions of times, is also among the finalists.
According to Jon-Paul C. Dyson, director of The Strong’s International Center for the History of Electronic Games, this year’s finalists “span the decades and range from arcade classics to one of the most popular mobile games of all time.” The Hall of Fame recognized the significant influence these games have had on pop culture or the game industry itself.
Among the nominees are several influential esports titles, including Golden Tee: Fore!, Sega’s NBA 2K, and Id Software’s Quake. Tamagotchi, which created a digital pet for its owner to raise, is also among the finalists, having bridged toys and video games in 1996.
The World Video Game Hall of Fame receives thousands of nominations each year, with staff members choosing finalists based on their longevity, geographical reach, and influence on game design and pop culture. The inductees are then chosen through a ballot vote by an international committee of experts.
Source: https://techxplore.com/news/2025-03-angry-birds-frogger-finalists-world.html