The Video Game Hall of Fame is a museum that celebrates video games that have had a tremendous impact on the gaming industry and pop culture. The museum, created in Rochester, New York, in 2015, selects titles every year to join its prestigious list of honorees. To be considered for induction, games must have significantly influenced game design, innovation, popular culture, commercial success, and longevity.
The Hall of Fame has inducted classics such as Pac-Man, Space Invaders, Super Mario Bros., Tetris, Doom, World of Warcraft, Minecraft, and others. Being inducted into the Video Game Hall of Fame is an exceptional recognition and honor for developers. It’s also a way of preserving and celebrating the history of video games.
This year, four new games have joined this prestigious list: The Last of Us, Wii Sports, Barbie Fashion Designer, and Computer Space. Lindsey Kurano, the video game curator, noted the significant impact of The Last of Us since its debut a decade ago and after the release of the critically acclaimed TV adaptation airing on HBO in 2023.
The Last of Us, a post-apocalyptic game developed by Naughty Dog, won numerous awards and nominations for its quality of gameplay and story. The HBO adaptation has expanded the game’s reach and popularity. The success of the TV show, starring Bella Ramsey and Pedro Pascal, has been so massive that it has already been renewed for a second season.
The Last of Us is the first TV series based on a video game that HBO produces, and it’s a joint production of Sony Pictures Television, PlayStation Productions, Naughty Dog, The Mighty Mint, and Word Games. The first season of the show consists of nine episodes, written entirely by Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, co-president of Naughty Dog. The story follows Joel (Pascal), who must transport Ellie (Ramsey) across the country in a post-apocalyptic world, depending on each other to survive.
In conclusion, the Video Game Hall of Fame recognizes the most significant contributions made by video games to the gaming industry and popular culture. With the induction of The Last of Us, Wii Sports, Barbie Fashion Designer, and Computer Space, the list of honorees continues to celebrate the history of video games.
