The World Video Game Hall of Fame has unveiled its Class of 2025, inducting four genres-defining titles—GoldenEye 007, Quake, Defender, and Tamagotchi—into its prestigious roster. Presented by The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York, the Hall of Fame recognizes games that have enjoyed popularity over time, exerted influence on the video game industry, and made significant contributions to gaming culture and technology.
GoldenEye 007, originally released for the Nintendo 64 in 1997, revolutionized console first-person shooters with its stealth missions and split-screen multiplayer for up to four players. Developed by Rare, it demonstrated that complex FPS gameplay could thrive outside of PCs, inspiring countless console shooters thereafter. Museum curators also praised its adaptive AI and mission objectives, which added depth far beyond the run-and-gun formula common at the time.
Quake, id Software’s landmark 1996 release, was celebrated for pioneering fully 3D-rendered environments, variable jump heights, and the client–server architecture that underpinned early esports. Its fast-paced multiplayer arenas and mod-friendly design fostered a thriving community that produced Total Conversion mods, the most famous being Team Fortress. Quake’s influence endures in the competitive shooter landscape and helped lay the groundwork for professional gaming leagues.
Defender, an arcade classic developed by Williams Electronics and released in 1980, dominated coin-op cabinets with its challenging side-scrolling action and advanced sprite graphics. Players defended humans from alien abductions across a horizontal planet surface, juggling speed, firepower, and strategic rescues. Despite its punishing difficulty, Defender became the highest-earning arcade game of 1981 and was later ported to home consoles and computers, selling millions of units on platforms like the Atari 2600.
Finally, Tamagotchi—the digital pet phenomenon launched by Bandai in 1996—introduced millions of children to handheld gaming and virtual caregiving. With simple pixel graphics and real-time care mechanics, these egg-shaped devices sold over 20 million units in Japan’s first year and captured global imaginations. Successive Tamagotchi generations and spin-off mobile apps continue the brand’s legacy, illustrating the enduring appeal of life-simulation games.
The Hall of Fame selection was made from a shortlist of ten finalists, including Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Age of Empires, Angry Birds, NBA 2K, and Stardew Valley. Nominees are evaluated on their longevity, impact on game design, cultural significance, and innovation. The World Video Game Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025 induction ceremony will be held at The Strong Museum later this year, with inductees permanently honored in a dedicated exhibit.
