Quake Inducted into World Video Game Hall of Fame in 2025

Quake Joins World Video Game Hall of Fame in 2025 Induction

The legendary FPS finally earns its place alongside gaming greats.

Quake Officially Enters the Hall of Fame — But Why Did It Take So Long?

It’s official: Quake has been inducted into the World Video Game Hall of Fame. The 1996 classic joins three other 2025 inductees—GoldenEye 007, Tamagotchi, and the arcade favorite Defender—in one of the most prestigious honors in gaming.

But for many longtime fans and developers alike, the reaction was something closer to: “Wait, Quake wasn’t already in the Hall of Fame?”

The delay may seem baffling, especially considering Quake's undeniable influence on everything from 3D game engines and esports to online multiplayer architecture. Fortunately, the oversight has now been corrected.

Why Quake Deserved This Honor Years Ago

Launched in 1996 by id Software, Quake was a monumental leap forward from Doom, moving from 2D sprites to full real-time 3D rendering. It also introduced native mouse-look control, which, while standard today, was groundbreaking at the time when most players still relied on keyboards alone.

But the game’s legacy runs far deeper than its visuals. As noted in its official Hall of Fame citation:

"Quake has been influential in nearly every category a game can be influential in..."

That includes:

• Modding support that inspired countless user-generated maps and total conversions.

• A robust server-client architecture that set the standard for modern multiplayer design.

• The Quake Engine, which has since powered iconic titles including Half-Life, Call of Duty, Hexen, and Heretic.

• The birth of competitive esports, with tournaments like QuakeCon paving the way for global gaming competitions.

Industry Reactions and Developer Gratitude

Co-creator John Romero celebrated the news on social media, sharing his appreciation for the recognition:

“It’s a huge honor for Quake to be inducted into the World Video Game Hall of Fame! On behalf of the entire original Quake team, thanks so much @museumofplay!”

The Hall of Fame further emphasized Quake’s enduring influence through what it calls the “Quake Engine Family Tree”, mapping how the game’s core code continues to live on across gaming’s most iconic franchises—even nearly 30 years later.

Who Joined Quake in the 2025 Induction?

In addition to Quake, the 2025 Hall of Fame class includes:

• GoldenEye 007 (1997) – The groundbreaking Nintendo 64 shooter that revolutionized console multiplayer FPS.

• Defender (1981) – The coin-op classic that set new standards for side-scrolling arcade action.

• Tamagotchi (1996) – The digital pet craze that bridged gaming and everyday life for millions of kids.

All four titles left indelible marks on gaming culture and are now officially recognized for their contributions.

Why the Hall of Fame Still Matters

Managed by the Strong National Museum of Play, the World Video Game Hall of Fame was established in 2015 to honor games that have significantly shaped the industry and global culture. Previous inductees include Tetris, Halo, Minecraft, and The Sims.

With Quake now finally joining the ranks, the Hall takes another step toward recognizing the technological and cultural pillars of the medium.

Quake’s belated but well-deserved inclusion is a reminder of the game’s profound legacy in code, competition, and community. And while some fans are still baffled it took this long, it’s better late than never.

Stay tuned to The Horizons Times for more on classic games, Hall of Fame news, and the evolution of gaming’s greatest titles.