Strong Museum announces this year's finalists for World Video Game Hall of Fame

March 6, 2026 - 00:07

The Strong National Museum of Play has unveiled the twelve finalists in contention for induction into the prestigious World Video Game Hall of Fame this year. The eclectic list spans decades and genres, highlighting titles that have left an indelible mark on popular culture and the gaming industry.

This year's nominees include legendary franchises and groundbreaking standalone titles. Among them are the iconic puzzle game Myst, the influential simulation SimCity, and the asteroid-blasting arcade classic Asteroids. The list also recognizes more recent phenomena, such as the battle royale sensation Fortnite and the endlessly creative building game Minecraft.

Other notable finalists are Elite, Guitar Hero, Metroid, Neopets, Resident Evil, Tokimeki Memorial, and Ultima. These games are judged on criteria including their icon-status, longevity, geographical reach, and overall influence on game design and society.

A committee of experts will now deliberate on this diverse roster. The final inductees, joining past honorees like Tetris and Super Mario Bros., will be announced in a ceremony later this year. The chosen games will be permanently enshrined at The Strong museum in Rochester, New York, celebrating their enduring legacy in interactive entertainment.