After sifting through a field of finalists including classics like Guitar Hero, Pole Position, Portal, andâŠFarmVille, the Strong National Museum of Play has announced the 2021 inductees into the World Video Game Hall of Fame. Letâs hear it for StarCraft, Animal Crossing, Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?, and Microsoft Flight Simulator
Each year the Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York, receives thousands of submissions for entry into its World Video Game Hall of Fame. Out of those initial submissions, three games voted by the public are placed on one ballot, while the rest are chosen by members of the International Selection Advisory Committee, which is made up of journalists and scholars familiar with the industry. This yearâs 12 finalists included that cool little handheld football game from Mattel, Midwayâs Tronâthe first movie-licensed arcade gameâ, and plain vanilla Call of Duty.

Now final voting is complete, and four iconic games are left standing. Microsoft Flight Simulator, edutainment pioneer Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?, StarCraft, and Animal Crossing are 2021âs additions to the World Video Game Hall of Fame. These four classics join the ranks of former inductees including Bejeweled, The Oregon Trail, Mortal Kombat, and Pong
Sorry, FarmVille. Thereâs always next year.