Video Game Hall of Fame adds 4 titles
‘Animal Crossing’ among 4 inductees to Video Game Hall of Fame
“Animal Crossing” is among the inductees honored for their influence on popular culture.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. >> The World Video Game Hall of Fame on Thursday inducted the groundbreaking “Microsoft Flight Simulator,” franchise-inspiring “Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?” award-winning “StarCraft” and “Animal Crossing,” whose popularity has surged during the pandemic.
The four games were honored for their influence on popular culture and the video game industry. They were chosen from a field of finalists that also included “Call of Duty,” “FarmVille,” “FIFA International Soccer,” “Guitar Hero,” “Mattel Football,” “Pole Position,” “Portal” and “Tron.”
Nintendo debuted the “Animal Crossing” game in 2001, offering a leisurely pace that appealed to a wider range of people than other titles of its time, said Racquel Gonzales, research historian at The Strong museum, where the World Video Game Hall of Fame is located.
“These elements may help explain why its latest installment proved such a huge hit during the COVID-19 pandemic, when everyone was searching for a little neighborly sociability,” Gonzalez said in a news release.
“Microsoft Flight Simulator” has remained the most popular and longest lasting simulator since its launch in 1982, The Strong said, providing realistic recreations of actual aircraft.
California-based developer Blizzard Entertainment debuted “StarCraft” in 1998, and it went on to win multiple awards.
“Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?” was released by Brøderbund in 1985 and became a best-selling “edutainment” franchise.