The Strong Museum of Play, based in New York, has been curating its Hall of Fame to honor influential games and creators within the industry. While some may see these accolades as simply a way to market awards shows and museums, there is something to be said about recognizing and preserving the contributions of important games and creators. The Strong Museum stands out for its diverse selection criteria, which includes not only commercial products but also unconventional choices like “sand,” sidewalk chalk, and the humble cardboard box. This year, the museum inducted five classic video games into its Hall of Fame, highlighting their significance and influence.
The five video games added to The Strong Museum’s Hall of Fame this year were Atari arcade classic Asteroids, the original Resident Evil for PlayStation, as well as three PC gaming giants: Myst, SimCity, and Ultima. These games were chosen for their groundbreaking contributions to the gaming industry, with each title leaving a lasting impact on the medium. Myst, for example, was recognized for its innovative world-building and early use of CD-ROM technology, becoming the best-selling PC game of the nineties. SimCity was honored for popularizing simulation and city-building games, while the first Ultima game was acknowledged for its influence on fantasy roleplaying games, paving the way for future classics like Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy.
The inductees will now be featured in a permanent exhibition at The Strong Museum’s physical location in Rochester, NY, alongside the other video games added to the Hall of Fame since its inception in 2015. The museum’s dedication to preserving and celebrating the history of video games is commendable, as it ensures that these influential titles are not forgotten or left to decay in the vaults of billion-dollar companies.
While the five inductees are worthy additions to the Hall of Fame, it’s interesting to note that there are other notable video games on the full list of finalists. Games like Doom, World of Warcraft, Oregon Trail, Tomb Raider, Colossal Cave Adventure, Minecraft, Bejeweled, King’s Quest, StarCraft, and even Microsoft Solitaire have been recognized for their contributions to the medium. These games have each played a significant role in shaping the landscape of video games, and their inclusion in the Hall of Fame speaks to their enduring influence.
The Strong Museum’s Video Game Hall of Fame serves as an important reminder of the rich history and cultural impact of video games. By honoring classic titles and influential creators, the museum helps to preserve the legacy of these games for future generations to appreciate and enjoy. The diverse selection of inductees, from arcade classics to PC gaming giants, reflects the wide range of experiences and innovations that have shaped the world of gaming. As the industry continues to evolve, it is essential to remember and celebrate the games that have paved the way for the medium we know today.
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