World Video Game Hall of Fame Reveals 2024 Finalists: From Asteroids to Guitar Hero, a Celebration of Gaming History!
The World Video Game Hall of Fame announces its 12 finalists for this year's induction. Fans have the opportunity to vote for their favorite games online until March 21. The top three games with the most public votes will form a "Player's Choice" ballot.
The World Video Game Hall of Fame has announced its 12 finalists for this year's induction, representing four decades of gaming history. The nominees range from classic arcade games like Atari Asteroids to modern favorites like Guitar Hero.
Among the finalists are Asteroids, which made its debut in 1979, and Guitar Hero, which arrived on the scene in 2005. They are joined by other iconic games from the 1980s and 1990s, including Elite, Metroid, SimCity, Ultima, Myst, Neopets, Resident Evil, Tokimeki Memorial, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater, and You Don't Know Jack.
Fans have the opportunity to vote for their favorite games online until March 21. The selection process takes into account factors such as longevity, global impact, and influence on video game design and pop culture.
According to Jon-Paul Dyson, the director of the International Center for the History of Electronic Games, there is no shortage of worthy contenders. Each year, thousands of nominations pour in for games of all types, from arcade to console, computer to handheld, and mobile.
Dyson highlighted the significance of the finalists, stating, "Asteroids is an icon of the late '70s arcade. Myst showcased the potential of CD-ROM technology in the '90s. Neopets became a staple of browser-based, free games in the 2000s. And Guitar Hero, despite being less than 20 years old, has already proven its staying power."
The top three games with the most public votes will form a "Player's Choice" ballot, which will be combined with other ballots submitted by a committee of journalists and scholars with expertise in video games. The final inductees will be announced on May 9.
Let's take a closer look at some of the finalists:
- Asteroids: This Atari classic sold over 70,000 arcade units and became the company's bestselling coin-operated game. It was later released as a home version for the Atari 2600.
- Guitar Hero: With its licensed music and social gameplay, Guitar Hero has sold more than 25 million units and earned over $2 billion. Originally launched by Harmonix and later acquired by Activision, it has become a household name for music-loving gamers.
- Metroid: Nintendo's Metroid introduced the gaming industry to its first playable human female character, Samus. The franchise has sold over 20 million units worldwide and has left a lasting impact on the industry.
- Myst: Released by Broderbund, Myst became the best-selling computer game of the 1990s, selling over 6 million copies. It showcased the potential of early CD-ROM technology, despite its slow loading times.
- Resident Evil: Known as Biohazard in Japan, Resident Evil popularised the "survival horror" genre. The game, created by Shinji Mikami and released by Capcom, inspired a successful film franchise that has grossed over $1.2 billion.
- SimCity: Developed by Maxis, SimCity expanded the audience for video games by offering an urban design simulator that appealed to both children and adults. It became a beloved franchise with numerous sequels.
These are just a few examples of the diverse and influential games that have made it to the finals. The World Video Game Hall of Fame celebrates the impact and cultural significance of these games, recognising their contributions to the gaming industry.
The World Video Game Hall of Fame announces its 12 finalists for this year's induction.
Fans have the opportunity to vote for their favorite games online until March 21.
The top three games with the most public votes will form a "Player's Choice" ballot.
Source: AP NEWS