The Strong National Museum of Play has revealed the 2025 World Video Game Hall of Fame inductees: GoldenEye 007, Quake, Defender, and Tamagotchi. These four titles were chosen from a list of 12 finalists that also included Age of Empires, Angry Birds, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Frogger, Golden Tee, Harvest Moon, Mattel Football, and NBA 2K.

Legacy and Industry Impact

Each of the selected games earned its place for having a lasting impact on the industry and popular culture. The ceremony featured appearances by developers, including Quake co-creator John Romero, Defender lead Eugene Jarvis, and Tara Badie of Bandai Namco, who oversaw the Tamagotchi line.

GoldenEye 007 Redefines Console Shooters

Released in 1997 for the Nintendo 64, GoldenEye 007 helped redefine console shooters. Developed by Rare and based on the James Bond film, the game was praised for its immersive single-player campaign and its groundbreaking four-player split-screen mode. It became the third-best-selling game for the Nintendo 64 and introduced many players to competitive first-person shooting on consoles. Andrew Borman, director of digital preservation, said that the game’s influence is still felt in modern console shooters, including titles like Halo.

GoldenEye 007’s game-changing four-player split-screen multiplayer option and engaging single-player narrative transformed console first-person shooters. (Photo: GameStop)

Quake’s Lasting Influence on 3D Gaming and Esports

Quake, developed by id Software in 1996, is considered a cornerstone of the 3D first-person shooter genre. It introduced a true 3D engine, online multiplayer via client-server architecture, and an active modding community that shaped the early esports scene. Its codebase served as the foundation for future games and continues to influence development nearly three decades later. According to electronic games curator Lindsey Kurano, Quake’s legacy lives on not only in its gameplay but in the fact that its underlying code remains embedded in modern titles.

Quake introduced a true 3D engine and online multiplayer via client-server architecture, laying the foundation for modern esports and 3D gaming. (Photo: Steam)

Tamagotchi and the Rise of Digital Companionship

Tamagotchi, launched by Bandai in 1996, brought virtual pets into the hands of millions. Unlike typical video games of the time, it focused on emotional connection, daily care, and digital companionship. The egg-shaped handheld device allowed users to nurture a pet from birth to death through simple button controls. Kristy Hisert, collections manager at The Strong, explained that Tamagotchi offered a form of interactive play that was more about connection and less about competition, inspiring future pet simulation games like Neopets and Nintendogs.

Tamagotchi brought virtual pets into the hands of millions (Photo: eBay)

Defender Pushes the Limits of Arcade Gaming

Rounding out the 2025 class is Defender, an arcade classic released by Williams Electronics in 1981. Known for its high difficulty and fast-paced gameplay, Defender challenged players with a complex control scheme and a scrolling shooting environment. It became a top-selling arcade game, with over 55,000 units sold and millions of home console versions produced. Jeremy Saucier, assistant vice president at The Strong, said Defender raised the bar in arcades and proved that players would accept greater difficulty and depth in gameplay.

Defender was a top-selling arcade game that pushed the boundaries of arcade gaming by challenging players with its fast-paced gameplay and high difficulty. (Photo: Google Arts & Culture)

A Permanent Place in Gaming History

All four titles are now on permanent display in the World Video Game Hall of Fame at The Strong museum in Rochester, New York. The hall was established in 2015 to recognize games that have had enduring popularity and influence across arcade, console, computer, handheld, and mobile platforms.

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