The World Video Game Hall of Fame recently celebrated its 10th induction ceremony, honoring five iconic video games that have left an indelible mark on the industry and popular culture. The inductees spanned decades and technological advancements, reflecting the evolution of the gaming landscape.
Atari’s Asteroids, a game that debuted 45 years ago in 1979, was recognized for its influence. The game’s space-themed graphics and sound effects transitioned from over 70,000 arcade units to millions of living rooms with the release of a home version on the Atari 2600. Asteroids’ simple yet challenging gameplay about blasting rocks has made it one of the most widely played and influential video games of all time.
Next up was Ultima, a game that might not be a household name but has been a significant force in the development of the computer role-playing genre. Released in 1981 by Richard Garriott, Ultima: The First Age of Darkness inspired eight sequels and is credited with inspiring later role-playing games like Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy.
SimCity, released by Maxis in 1989, was recognized for its unique urban design-inspired gameplay. The game appealed to adults and children alike, challenging them to build their own city and respond to problems. SimCity’s success led to several sequels and offshoots, including the 2016 World Video Game Hall of Fame inductee, The Sims.
The adventure game Myst, which sold more than 6 million copies, was also inducted. Released in 1993, Myst used early CD-ROM technology to offer a level of player immersion that had not been available in computer games until then.
The World Video Game Hall of Fame recognizes electronic games of all types — arcade, console, computer, handheld, and mobile. The Class of 2024 was selected by experts from among a field of 12 finalists. The recognition of these games underscores their impact on the video game industry and popular culture, and their influence continues to be felt in the games we play today.
Read more: time.com