4 Classic Games Join Video Game Hall of Fame

Four games that changed how we play earned their spot in gaming history this week at The Strong National Museum of Play's World Video Game Hall of Fame.

The class of 2026 includes Angry Birds, the catapult game that turned casual mobile gaming into a global phenomenon starting in 2009. Silent Hill joined the ranks for pioneering psychological horror in 1999, creating a franchise that still haunts players today.

Dragon Quest made the cut for laying the groundwork for modern roleplaying games when it launched in 1986. FIFA International Soccer earned its place as the 1993 game that sparked what became the world's biggest sports gaming franchise.

These four titles beat out eight other finalists, including beloved games like Frogger, Mega Man, and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Each finalist represented a different way games bring people together, from nostalgia to competition to creative exploration.

Why This Inspires

These games prove that great ideas can come from anywhere and last for generations. A simple concept like flinging birds at pigs became a cultural touchstone that introduced millions to gaming. A soccer simulation grew into a way for fans worldwide to connect over their love of the beautiful game.

The Hall of Fame now honors 53 influential games that shaped childhoods, sparked imaginations, and brought people together across countries and cultures. From the terror of Silent Hill to the joy of toppling a pig's fortress, these games remind us that play matters at every age.

Each inductee opened doors for creators who followed, proving that whether you're solving puzzles on your phone or exploring fantastical worlds, games create moments of pure human connection.

Gaming's greatest achievements now have their permanent home, celebrating how four simple ideas became part of our shared story.