Ms. Pac-Mancreated in 1981 by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) student initiative, was the first game to be announced at an event streamed online Thursday.
The female version of the mythical Pac-Man arcade game, which capitalized on the success of its predecessor launched in 1980, joins its big brother, who was inducted in 2015. With some 125,000 arcade cabinets sold in within five years of its release, it was one of the top five hits for an arcade game.
This sequel featured more sophisticated mazes, smarter opponents, and new challenges
we mention in a blog post on the site of The Strong.
The game Ms. Pac-Man marked a turning point for female gamers in 1981.
Photo: Midway
It is also a symbolic game for the players, because the character has made it possible to recognize that video games are not just for men, but for everyone
said Julia Novakovic, senior archivist at The Strong museum.
” By featuring the first widely recognized female video game character, Ms. Pac-Man marked a turning point in the cultural conversation about the place of women in arcades and in society at large. »
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Timethe first 3D game in the popular Nintendo series, has in turn received its place in the Hall of Fame, adding to the original title of the character Link, registered since 2016.
” Even today, developers around the world believe that The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time influenced their way of creating games. »
The game’s sprawling 3D universe, fluid combat, intricate puzzles, and evolving story combine to inspire players with a sense of wonder they’ve never forgotten.
added the curator of the museum.
The first game in Konami’s Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) series was in itself a small revolution for music games, and it earned it the third induction of 2022. More than 100 versions of the game have been released since 1998, paving the way for other musical titles, such as the popular Guitar Hero and Rock Band series.
[DDR] took over Japanese arcades in 1998, challenging gamers to use their balance and dexterity to march to the beat of popular music, The Strong museum said. This game quickly spread to arcades around the world
and at home, with a version with a mat released the following year.
” Music has been an integral part of human life since prehistoric times, so it’s no surprise that DDR has enjoyed a unique popularity that has spanned ages, genders, and regions. »
Finally, it was the series of simulation and strategy games Sid Meier’s Civilization, which has captivated millions of players since 1991, which took the fourth place available in the Hall of Fame for 2022. The original title has also already crowned best video game of all time in 1996 by the American magazine Computer Gaming World.
The world conquest game “Civilization VI” includes Canada since 2018.
Photo: Civilization.com
The series invites players to develop their own empire over several centuries. It has sold over 50 million copies. The Strong estimates that over a billion hours have been spent playing Civilization games since its inception.
Classics will have to wait their turn
Among the 12 video games that were in the running for the induction were Assassin’s Creed, Candy Crush Saga, minesweeperResident Evil, Snape and NBA Jam.
In 2021, Microsoft Flight Simulator, Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?, StarCraft, and Animal Crossing game series were inducted.
Fans had until March 24 to make their voices heard, alongside those of the members of the jury. The final selections were made on the advice of journalists, academics and others familiar with the history of video games and their role in society, according to The Strong.
Since 2015, the Video Game Hall of Fame has rewarded arcade, console, computer and smartphone titles whose popularity and influence have been sustained over time.
Reference-ici.radio-canada.ca