ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Celebrations echoed through the gaming world as the prestigious World Video Game Hall of Fame unveiled its 10th class of luminaries on Thursday. Among the illustrious honorees were Asteroids, Myst, Resident Evil, SimCity, and Ultima, hailed for their profound influence on both the video game industry and popular culture at large. These titans of gaming emerged over decades, pushing the boundaries of technology while captivating a diverse spectrum of players, from seasoned veterans to newcomers alike, revealed authorities from the Hall of Fame.

Spanning various platforms — arcade, console, computer, handheld, and mobile — the Class of 2024 was meticulously curated by experts from a pool of 12 finalists, including Elite, Guitar Hero, Metroid, Neopets, Tokimeki Memorial, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, and You Don’t Know Jack.

Asteroids, the brainchild of Atari, clinched its well-deserved spot 45 years after its 1979 arcade debut. Its hypnotic space-themed visuals and immersive sound effects mesmerized players worldwide, transitioning seamlessly from arcade cabinets to home consoles with the Atari 2600 release. Jeremy Saucier, assistant vice president for interpretation and electronic games at The Strong museum, hailed Asteroids' evolution, proclaiming it as one of the most enduring and transformative games of all time.

Next in line was Ultima, a lesser-known yet monumental figure in the annals of gaming history. Richard Garriott's brainchild, Ultima: The First Age of Darkness, stormed onto the scene in 1981, pioneering the computer role-playing genre and inspiring a legion of sequels. Digital preservation director Andrew Borman lauded Ultima's legacy, citing its seminal influence on revered franchises like Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy.

SimCity, the brainchild of Maxis, revolutionized the gaming landscape upon its 1989 release, captivating audiences of all ages with its innovative urban design premise. Aryol Prater, research specialist for Black play and culture, commended SimCity's intellectual allure, highlighting its pivotal role in broadening gaming horizons beyond traditional genres.

As the gaming world pays homage to these trailblazers, the World Video Game Hall of Fame continues its mission to honor the timeless classics that have left an indelible mark on our collective consciousness, ensuring their legacy endures for generations to come.

In the realm of gaming milestones, the iconic adventure game Myst stands tall as a towering titan, boasting a staggering sales record of over 6 million copies during the 1990s. Launched by Broderbund in 1993, Myst's utilization of cutting-edge CD-ROM technology revolutionized player immersion, setting a new standard for gaming experiences, proclaimed the Hall of Fame. Kristy Hisert, collections manager, lauded Myst's unparalleled ability to transport players to fantastical realms, describing it as a masterpiece of artistic ingenuity that captivated an entire generation of gamers, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of open-world gaming.

The roster of inductees culminates with the spine-chilling saga of Resident Evil, a trailblazing title that redefined the horror genre upon its 1996 debut by Capcom. Lindsey Kurano, video game curator, extolled Resident Evil's fusion of cheesy B-movie dialogue, immersive gameplay, and palpable suspense, which propelled the emergence of the "survival horror" genre, catering to a mature audience of older teenagers and adults. Crafted under the visionary direction of Shinji Mikami, Resident Evil not only spawned a blockbuster action horror film series but also amassed a staggering $1.2 billion in global box office revenue by 2022, according to the Hall of Fame.

In a testament to inclusivity, the World Video Game Hall of Fame welcomes nominations from all corners of the globe, inviting enthusiasts to champion their beloved titles. An esteemed international selection advisory committee sifts through the submissions, each member casting their top three choices from the pool of finalists. Furthermore, the public is granted a voice in the proceedings, acting as a collective committee member through online participation. As the gaming community continues to evolve, the World Video Game Hall of Fame remains steadfast in its mission to honor the timeless classics that have shaped the very fabric of interactive entertainment.

In closing, the World Video Game Hall of Fame stands as a beacon of recognition, celebrating the enduring legacy of gaming luminaries that have left an indelible mark on our collective consciousness. From the visionary realms of Myst to the heart-pounding thrills of Resident Evil, each inductee represents a chapter in the rich tapestry of gaming history. As the gaming landscape continues to evolve and diversify, the Hall of Fame remains dedicated to preserving the rich heritage of gaming, ensuring that these cherished classics continue to inspire and captivate audiences for generations to come.