World Video Game Hall of Fame Frequently Asked Questions

What is the World Video Game Hall of Fame?

The World Video Game Hall of Fame at The Strong recognizes electronic games of all types that have enjoyed popularity over a sustained period and have exerted influence on the video game industry or on popular culture and society in general.

When did the World Video Game Hall of Fame start?

The Strong National Museum of Played launched the World Video Game Hall of Fame in 2015.

Where can I see the World Video Game Hall of Fame?

The World Video Game Hall of Fame is housed in the ESL Digital Worlds: High Score exhibit at The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, NY. The exhibit includes examples of many of the inductees, alongside playable versions of some on giant screens, including Sonic the Hedgehog, Street Fighter II, and Super Mario Bros.

Who can nominate a game?

Anyone can nominate a game for the World Video Game Hall of Fame! The hall accepts nominations year-round online: Nominate a Game – The Strong National Museum of Play

What is the deadline for nominations?

For consideration in a particular year, nominations must be received by February 28/29 of that year. Any nominations received after that date will be considered for the following year.

What are the criteria for induction?

The World Video Game Hall of Fame recognizes individual electronic games of all types—arcade, console, computer, handheld, and mobile—that meet the following criteria:

• Icon-status: the game is widely recognized and remembered.
• Longevity: the game is more than a passing fad and has enjoyed popularity over time.
• Geographical reach: the game meets the above criteria across international boundaries.
• Influence: The game has exerted significant influence on the design and development of other games, on other forms of entertainment, or on popular culture and society in general. A game may be inducted on this criterion alone without necessarily having met the first three.

Who chooses the finalists?

An internal committee of museum staff—including curators, gaming historians, and educators—reviews the nominees each year. They choose the 12 finalists based on the criteria of icon-status, longevity, geographic reach, and influence, and they also try to ensure that the finalists provide a range of game types (console, home computer, handheld) and a blend of returning and first-time finalists.

When are the 12 finalists announced?

The 12 finalists are announced in the middle of March each year.

How many inductees are chosen?

The World Video Game Hall of Fame typically inducts four games each year, but the number may change depending on a variety of factors.

Who chooses the inductees?

The inductees are chosen with the help of an International Selection Advisory Committee, who submits ranked ballots. The public may vote in a Player’s Choice ballot, too, counting collectively as one ballot.

What is the International Selection Advisory Committee?

The International Selection Advisory Committee is made up of individuals from across the globe, including historians, scholars, educators, and journalists from gaming media.

When are the inductees announced?

The inductees are announced at the beginning of May each year.

How many games have been inducted so far?

As of early 2026, there are 49  games enshrined in the World Video Game Hall of Fame.

What games have been inducted?

The full list of World Video Game Hall of Fame inductees can be found at:
Inducted Games – The Strong National Museum of Play