The World Video Game Hall of Fame has inducted its 10th class of honors. Of its five inductees, this year some familiar titles include Resident Evil and SimCity. Yes it was definitely a year for the classics. The other members inducted this year were Asteroids, Myst, and Ultima. Previous years inductees include The Last of Us in 2023, Final Fantasy VII in 2018, and World of Warcraft in 2015.
The World Video Game Hall of Fame is managed by The Strong institute – an interactive and collection based institution devoted to the study of play. The Hall of Fame serves as one of their “Play Partners” and, with the International Center for the History of Electronic Games, focuses specifically on video games as opposed to other forms of play. The roster they’ve added this year has only bolstered their ranks.
Resident Evil, released in 1996, is often credited with spawning not only a successful franchise, but the entire survival horror genre. It sees the player take on the role of a Special Tactics and Rescue Service (S.T.A.R.S) member as they investigate a mansion in mountains filled with genetically modified monsters.
SimCity, released in 1989, is also the first in a long series of games. It’s also one of the most perennial simulators, and is credited with beginning the city simulator as it exists today. The game sees players adopting a bird’s eye view as they attempt to build and maintain a running modern city.
Asteroids, released in 1979, is an arcade multidirectional arcade shooter, and Atari’s response to Space Invaders. What was unique is how the game sold so well outside the arcade, becoming a home mainstay and helping the transition from arcade games to home based console games.
Myst, released in 1993, is an adventure game in which the player is transported via book to the mysterious island of Myst. Once there exploration can take them to different “Ages” which reveal the backstory of the island and its inhabitants, helping the player to make decisions.
Finally Ultima, released in 1981, is a role playing video game that has the players insert character be summoned to the world of Sosaria and destroy the Gem of Immortality being used by an evil wizard.
All of these games are officially part of the World Video Game Hall of Fame and are in very good company.