As the video game industry continues to grow and evolve, it is important to recognize and celebrate the games and creators who have made significant contributions to the medium. One such institution that does just that is The Strong, a New York-based “museum of play” that curates a Hall of Fame to honor some of the most influential video games, tabletop games, and toys in history.
What sets The Strong’s Hall of Fame apart is its willingness to induct a diverse range of titles, including unconventional picks like “sand,” sidewalk chalk, the stick, and even the humble cardboard box. While some may scoff at these seemingly mundane choices, they are all recognized for their role in sparking creativity and imagination in children. Alongside these non-traditional inductees, commercial products like Dungeons & Dragons, Magic: The Gathering, Wii Sports, and Tetris are also celebrated.
This year’s video game additions to The Strong’s Hall of Fame were carefully selected from a list of twelve finalists. The five classics that ultimately made the cut are Atari arcade classic Asteroids, the original Resident Evil on PlayStation, Myst, SimCity, and Ultima. Each of these games has left a lasting impact on the gaming industry and has helped shape the medium into what it is today.
The Strong highlighted the groundbreaking world of Myst and its early use of CD-ROMs, as well as its status as the best-selling PC game of the nineties. SimCity was praised for popularizing simulation, real-time strategy, and city-building games, while Ultima’s influence on fantasy roleplaying games in the eighties was also acknowledged. These games have not only entertained players but have also pushed the boundaries of game design and storytelling.
The inductees will now be featured in a permanent exhibition at The Strong’s physical museum in Rochester, NY, alongside more than 40 other video games added since the Hall of Fame’s inception in 2015. This recognition serves as a testament to the cultural significance and artistic merit of these games, preserving them for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.
While the Hall of Fame already boasts an impressive roster of inductees, there are still many deserving titles yet to be recognized. Some notable PC games that have yet to make the list include Doom, World of Warcraft, Oregon Trail, Tomb Raider, Minecraft, and StarCraft, among others. Each of these games has had a profound impact on the industry and continues to be influential to this day.
The Hall of Fame serves as a reminder of the rich history and diverse array of video games that have shaped the medium over the years. By honoring these games and creators, The Strong Museum of Play is ensuring that their contributions are not forgotten and are celebrated for years to come.
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