The World Video Game Hall of Fame has officially announced its newest inductees for 2025. The Strong National Museum of Play revealed that the latest entries into this prestigious institution include the iconic GoldenEye 007 developed by Rare, the groundbreaking Quake created by id Software, the classic arcade game Defender from Williams Electronics, and the beloved virtual pet sensation Tamagotchi by Bandai. According to the museum’s press release, these four games have “significantly influenced popular culture and the video game industry,” reflecting their lasting legacy. Additionally, other notable games nominated for induction this year include the strategy classic Age of Empires, the addictive mobile game Angry Birds, the action-packed Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, the classic arcade title Frogger, the popular sports game Golden Tee, the farming simulation Harvest Moon, the nostalgic Mattel Football, and the iconic basketball series NBA 2K.

These selections are sure to evoke a wave of nostalgia for many of us who cherished gaming during the 1990s. Personally, I recall feeling a pang of jealousy towards classmates who were fortunate enough to own Tamagotchi pets that they could nurture and care for. Moreover, I have fond memories of engaging in friendly rivalry with friends during intense late-night gaming sessions of GoldenEye. Last year’s inductees also celebrated beloved favorites from that era, including the immersive adventure game Myst, the horror classic Resident Evil, and the city-building simulation SimCity, each contributing to the rich tapestry of gaming history.