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Angry Birds, FIFA International Soccer, Dragon Quest and Silent Hill Inducted into World Video Game Hall of Fame
The Strong National Museum of Play announced the 2026 class on May 7, bringing the hall's total to 53 games in its 12th year. The inductees were added to the HOF rotunda in Rochester, New York, as part of the ESL Digital Worlds exhibit. They prevailed over finalists that included The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Mega Man and League of Legends.
May 7, 3:41 PM·3m read2 sources
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The World Video Game Hall of Fame inducted Angry Birds, FIFA International Soccer, Dragon Quest and Silent Hill on May 7, 2026. The four games were added at the Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York, and placed within the museum’s HOF rotunda as part of its ESL Digital Worlds exhibit. The announcement came during an onsite ceremony in the hall’s new home.
The 2026 inductions brought the total number of games in the World Video Game Hall of Fame to 53. The hall is in its 12th year as of 2026. , Tetris and World of Warcraft. Angry Birds and FIFA International Soccer were both nominated as finalists in that inaugural 2015 ceremony.
By contrast, 2026 was the first time Dragon Quest and Silent Hill were shortlisted. The 2026 finalists that were not selected included The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Frogger, Galaga, League of Legends, Mega Man, PaRappa the Rapper, RuneScape and Tokimeki Memorial. The World Video Game Hall of Fame recognizes games based on icon-status, longevity, geographical reach and influence.
Com reported that the 2026 class was chosen for meeting those criteria in distinct ways. Angry Birds was released in 2009. Kristy Hisert, director of collections management at the Strong, said it helped launch the mobile gaming revolution.
“Angry Birds helped launch not only billions of birds but the entire mobile gaming revolution. It shattered records and helped transform people’s relationships with the palm-sized communication and gaming devices they carry in pockets and purses,” Hisert stated. Ben Mattes, creative officer for Angry Birds, welcomed the recognition.
