Four legends of the gaming industry have been inducted into the Video Game Hall of Fame: Quake, GoldenEye 007, Tamagotchi, and Defender receive well-deserved recognition
In 2025, the Strong National Museum of Play's Video Game Hall of Fame was expanded to include four iconic games that changed the way we think about genres, gameplay, and even the culture of gaming. This year's inductees are Quake, GoldenEye 007, Tamagotchi, and Defender, each of which has left a unique mark on the history of the industry.
Here's What We Know
Quake (1996) is a real breakthrough in the world of first-person shooters. The game not only set a new standard for three-dimensional graphics but also influenced multiplayer modes and modifications. It was Quake that launched the development of eSports, and its server architecture became the basis for many subsequent games. Legendary game designer John Romero called it a "huge honour" for the entire development team, emphasising that Quake has finally taken its place alongside Doom, which was inducted into the Hall of Fame back in 2015.
GoldenEye 007 (1997) for Nintendo 64 is a game that proved that shooters can be successful not only on PC but also on consoles. Its split-screen and unique approach to missions have become the benchmark for all console FPS games of the next generations. GoldenEye 007 has been nominated for the Hall of Fame many times, and only this year the game received a well-deserved place among the best.
Defender (1981) is a classic of the arcade era that proved gamers are ready for complex gaming challenges. The Williams Electronics game was marked by high dynamics, complex controls and ruthless gameplay, which raised the bar for arcade shooters and made Defender a real challenge for the most loyal fans.
Tamagotchi (1996) is not a traditional video game, but rather a phenomenon that taught a whole generation to take care of virtual pets. Over 20 million units were sold in Japan in the first year, and another 20 million worldwide. Tamagotchi has become a symbol of the emotional connection with digital games and influenced the development of the care simulation genre.
The Hall of Fame is selected based on several criteria: recognition, longevity, geographic popularity, and impact on the industry or pop culture. This year's winners were chosen from among 12 finalists, including such hits as Age of Empires, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Angry Birds, and NBA 2K15.
Source: @museumofplay
