The Strong National Museum of Play made four new additions to its World Video Game Hall of Fame for 2023. Barbie Fashion Designer, Computer Space, Wii Sports and The Last of Us join the hall of fame after beating out other finalists, including Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare and Angry Birds. As of June 30th, the games will be on display in the new 90,000-square-foot expansion to the World Video Game Hall of Fame.
Barbie Fashion Designer?
Barbie Fashion Designer launched in 1996 and was one of the first successful games with a target audience of young girls. The game sold over half a million copies in two months and was innovative in merging the digital and physical worlds by letting children design and print dresses for their Barbies.
“Barbie Fashion Designer became a jumping-off point for the girls’ games movement and shook up the software and gaming scene. It also sparked important questions and debate, says Kristy Hisert, collections manager. “What does it mean to be a game for girls? Should there even be games ‘for girls’? What are the implications of these games? What are the consequences of gendering games?”
Computer Space earns its place in the World Video Game Hall of Fame for being the first commercial video game. Released in 1971, the game was proof that video games could appeal to those outside computer labs.
Wii Sports launched on the Nintendo Wii in 2006, making motion-based gaming easy and accessible. The game featured sports like tennis, golf and bowling that players participated in through simple movements.
The Last of Us
The Last of Us launched on PlayStation 3 in 2013 and remains a popular fan favourite largely due to its exceptional emotionally charged storyline. HBO’s recent live-action series adaptation is set to receive a second season after millions tuned in for Ellie and Joel’s journey.
“Despite debuting in 2013, The Last of Us remains popular because of its quality of gameplay and strength of story,” says video game curator Lindsey Kurano. “The 2023 HBO adaptation has expanded the game’s reach and popularity. Created with Naughty Dog’s involvement, the show has garnered support from both critics and fans as one of the best video game adaptations ever made.”
Jack Brassell is a freelance journalist and aspiring novelist. Jack is a self-proclaimed nerd with a lifelong passion for storytelling. As an author, Jack writes mostly horror and young adult fantasy. Also an avid gamer, she works as the lead news editor at Hardcore Droid. When she isn't writing or playing games, she can often be found binge-watching Parks & Rec or The Office, proudly considering herself to be a cross between Leslie Knope and Pam Beasley.
