The 2019 finalists for induction into The Strong’s World Video Game Hall of Fame have been announced, and it is no doubt a list full of iconic titles, as well as a few surprises.
This year’s twelve finalists include: Candy Crush, Centipede, Colossal Cave Adventure, Dance Dance Revolution, Half-Life, Microsoft Windows Solitaire, Mortal Kombat, Myst, NBA 2K, Sid Meier’s Civilization, Super Mario Kart, and Super Smash Bros. Melee.
The inductees will be formally announced at The Strong Museum during a ceremony on May 2nd. The winning titles will be selected based on the following criteria:
Icon-status – The game is globally recognized, having made an everlasting impact on not only the industry, but people’s lives and memories as well.
Longevity – The game has withstood the test of time, with high playability years after its original release.
Geographical reach – Sort of along the lines of icon-status, the game’s impact crosses borders and has a globally diverse fanbase.
Influence – The game has had an effect on other forms of media and entertainment, or has been reflected in pop culture in some way.
For many of the titles, this will be their second year being nominated since The Strong’s World Video Game Hall of Fame began in 2015. Some of those titles, which include Sid Meier’s Civilization, Microsoft Windows Solitaire, Mortal Kombat, Myst, Dance Dance Revolution, and Half-Life, should have a considerably better shot for Hall of Fame glory than the others, especially considering the first-time nominees.
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While Candy Crush might have had a global impact, the fact that it got its start as a Facebook and mobile game would likely cause many gamers to consider it laughable that it is even being considered as a nominee. Although it was a Gamecube success and has certainly had an impact on the world of competitive gaming, the nomination of Super Smash Bros. Melee is also a bit surprising and might also have a tougher road to the Hall of Fame, given the fact that the game’s audience is relatively niche, which has clearly not been enough to get the previously nominated fan-favorite titles of Metroid and Minecraft added to the Hall.
On the other hand, given next month’s release of Mortal Kombat 11, if Mortal Kombat is ever going to get added to the Hall of Fame, this would be the year to do it. The Half-Life franchise has also continually remained a major topic for the gaming industry, with a hope from many gamers that the further we get from Half-Life 2’s release, the closer we are getting to Half-Life 3.
As we wait for the induction ceremony, players can vote for their favorite nominee via the Player’s Choice Ballot.