The Strong inducts four influential games into World Video Game Hall of Fame

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The verdict is in, the World Video Game Hall of Fame winners have been announced!

Based on feedback from all of you, the Strong Museum of Play has found the best of the best.

The 12 video game finalists, picked based on icon status, geographical reach, longevity and influence, have been whittled down to four winners.

Computer Space, Wii Sports, Barbie Fashion Designer, and The Last of Us came out on top.

“I think that theme of expansion this year is really something that all four fit into this mold,” says Jon-Paul Dyson, Director of the International Center for the History of Electronic Games at the Strong Museum of Play.

The 2023 inductees are games that hit players’ hands over a 40-year span and were history making.

Computer Space was released in 1971 and has had a big impact being the first coin operated arcade video game.

“So, Computer Space is a game in many ways that launched the video game industry,” says Dyson.

Wii Sports, made history with its accessibility.

“One of the reasons it was so popular because people knew how to play almost instantly. You went up there and you were playing tennis you were playing bowling in a way that made sense,” says Dyson.

Barbie Fashion Designer was a different kind of game entirely, allowing users to dream up outfits for their dolls.

“You see, after Barbie Fashion Designer, this huge explosion in games for girls that weren’t there before, it’s a really important game in expanding that market,” says Dyson.

Finally, The Last of Us transcended traditional gaming by getting users involved in storylines.

“The Last of Us shows the power of video games. Not only for play, but for story as well in a compelling narrative that really makes people feel like they’re in the moment,” says Dyson.

The latest class of inductees shows the true advancement of gaming and the amount of public reach. Dyson says the market is bigger than film and music combined