The World Video Game Hall of Fame has revealed its 12 finalists for induction this year, spanning four decades of gaming history.
From the classic arcade hit Asteroids to the immersive world of Guitar Hero, the finalists showcase the evolution and diversity of the gaming industry.
From Asteroids to Metroid
Among the finalists is Asteroids, released by Atari in 1979. The game captivated players with its challenging gameplay and vibrant graphics. Its popularity soared, quickly becoming Atari's bestselling arcade game and later expanding into millions of households with its home console version.
Elite, developed in Great Britain and released in 1984, is another finalist known for its innovative 3-D graphics and open-world concept. This laid the groundwork for a new generation of games, influencing classics like Grand Theft Auto 3 and Eve Online.
Guitar Hero, introduced in 2005, allowed players to unleash their inner rock star, strumming along to popular music with a plastic guitar controller. The game's widespread appeal and social gameplay spawned a series of sequels and spinoffs, earning over $2 billion in revenue.
Nintendo's Metroid, launched in 1986, was also recognized as one of the finalists as it transported players to a futuristic world filled with adventure and mystery. With its blend of platforming and nonlinear storytelling, Metroid left a lasting impact on the gaming landscape, inspiring a franchise with over 20 million units sold worldwide.
Myst, Neopets, Resident Evil, and SimCity
One of the finalists included is Myst, which was released in 1993. It captivated players with its mesmerizing puzzles and immersive environments. Leveraging early CD-ROM technology, Myst became the best-selling computer game of the 1990s, selling over six million copies.
Neopets, a browser-based game introduced in 1999, was also included. It offered players a vibrant virtual world where they could care for pets, explore lands, and interact with other users. At its peak, Neopets boasted 25 million active users and served as a pioneering example of online gaming.
Resident Evil, released by Capcom in 1996, popularized the survival horror genre, captivating players with its tense atmosphere and mature storytelling. The franchise has since spawned a billion-dollar media empire, including films and merchandise.
SimCity, launched by Maxis in 1989, allowed players to build and manage their own virtual cities, drawing from real-life urban design principles. The game's success led to numerous sequels and spinoffs, influencing the city-building simulation genre.
A Japanese Game Makes It to Hall of Fame Finalists
One of the finalists also included Tokimeki Memorial. Konami released it in 1994, revolutionizing the dating simulator genre with its engaging narrative and deep gameplay mechanics. While never localized outside Japan, Tokimeki Memorial left a lasting impact on game design worldwide, according to The Strong National Museum of Play.
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater, introduced in 1999, brought the thrill of skateboarding into living rooms around the world. The game became a cultural phenomenon, spawning sequels and generating billions in sales.
Another finalist is Ultima: The First Age of Darkness, released in 1981. This game helped define the computer role-playing genre with its expansive world and rich storytelling. The game's legacy lives on in its sequels and the many titles it inspired, shaping the future of RPGs.
The last finalist is You Don't Know Jack, which was introduced in 1995. It reimagined the game show format for home audiences, combining witty questions with humor in a multiplayer party game. The franchise continues to thrive with sequels and spinoffs across various platforms.
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