GoldenEye 007, Tamagotchi, Quake inducted into Video Game Hall of Fame
FILE - Classic Nintendo consoles and game cartridges—including a translucent Nintendo 64 with "GoldenEye 007"—highlight the legacy of 2025 Hall of Fame inductees.
LOS ANGELES - Four genre-defining games were officially added to the World Video Game Hall of Fame on Thursday, celebrating their influence on both the video game industry and popular culture.
The 2025 inductees—Defender, Tamagotchi, GoldenEye 007, and Quake—were recognized by The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York, which hosts the Hall of Fame. Each of the titles challenged norms and introduced innovations that continue to shape modern gaming.
What made this year’s inductees special?
Why you should care:
These four titles span multiple decades and platforms but share one thing in common: long-lasting impact. According to museum officials, the selected games rose above a field of 12 finalists based on criteria including cultural influence, industry innovation, and sustained popularity.
Jeremy Saucier, assistant vice president for interpretation and electronic games at The Strong, noted that Defender, released in 1981, proved gamers were willing to embrace tough, complex arcade experiences. "Defender’s punishing gameplay raised the level of competition in arcades," he said. "It was among the first games to truly separate dedicated players from more casual ones."
What did the developers say?
What they're saying:
Co-creator John Romero reflected on the legacy of Quake, the 1996 PC game that pioneered 3D graphics engines and online multiplayer mechanics.
"We’re just really happy with the impact that Quake made on the world," Romero said during the ceremony, according to remarks aired by RochesterFirst.com.
He recalled how developers pushed boundaries by building a programming language into the game—a step up from their previous hit, Doom.
How did Tamagotchi make the list?
The backstory:
Tamagotchi, launched in 1996, blurred the line between toy and video game. Players cared for a digital pet in a pocket-sized egg-shaped device, managing feeding, play, and hygiene. Collections manager Kristy Hisert said it stood apart from the competitive games of its era. "It provided players with feelings of connection, caring, and customization," she said.
1979: Atari sees a future for video games
KTVU’s Lloyd La Cuesta takes a look at the "sophisticated" $150 Atari 2600 with its 32 game cartridges. Originally aired December 17, 1979.
The popularity of Tamagotchi laid the groundwork for titles like Neopets, Nintendogs, and later app-based pet simulations.
GoldenEye 007’s legacy in multiplayer gaming
Big picture view:
Based on the 1995 James Bond film, GoldenEye 007 became the third best-selling game for the Nintendo 64. Released in 1997, its four-player split-screen multiplayer mode helped shape the future of first-person shooters. The game emerged from a Rare–Nintendo partnership and is often cited as a blueprint for modern multiplayer FPS design.
Who selects the Hall of Fame winners?
Anyone can nominate a game for consideration. Museum staff select 12 finalists, and the final inductees are chosen based on votes from experts and the public. This year’s finalists also included Age of Empires, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Frogger, Golden Tee, NBA 2K, and Angry Birds.
The World Video Game Hall of Fame honors games from all platforms—arcade, console, computer, handheld, and mobile—that have had a broad impact on gaming history and culture.
The Source: This article is based on reporting from the Associated Press and official information released by The Strong National Museum of Play, which organizes and hosts the World Video Game Hall of Fame each year.