Just like the majority of established sports, gaming has its very own hall of fame: the World Video Game Hall of Fame, established in 2015. Titles enshrined in the HoF are honored with a permanent display in The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York. The Strong exhibits the evolution of play and includes regular games, video games, and toys.
Different games are inducted into the HoF each year, with 28 titles from the past making the cut so far. Some of the games inducted so far include Tetris, Minecraft, Sonic the Hedgehog, Super Mario Kart, and Mortal Kombat. The panel decides which game makes it in based on nominations. Anyone can nominate their favorite game by filling in a form on the HoF’s website.
Before nominating a game, people need to read the criteria by which the panel will judge that game. It’s also worth checking which finalists have been held over from previous years, as they will be considered again without the need for fresh nominations. The criteria include icon status, longevity, geographical reach, and influence. Fortnite hasn’t even reached finalist status yet with the panel, but we believe it more than fills all of those criteria.
Icon Status
This one is a given when it comes to Fortnite. The HoF panel defines icon status as a game that is widely recognized and remembered. Is there any game that applies to more than Fortnite right now? Not that we can think of. Chances are most people will recognize scenes and skins from Fortnite when shown, whether that be because they play it, hate it, or simply have to pry their children away from it on a daily basis.
Geographical Reach
This and icon status go hand-in-hand, as is laid out in the HoF’s criteria. For a game to be seriously considered as a nominee, it needs to be recognized the world over - or at least most of the world. Anyone who has played Fortnite with a Squad of strangers will know that is definitely the case for the battle royale title. If you haven’t been screamed at in at least ten different languages while someone builds around you at the speed of light, are you really a seasoned Fortnite player?
Influence
This one will be the biggest winning criterion for Fortnite should it be considered by the HoF for the class of 2021. Very few games have had the influence Fortnite has had over not just the rest of the gaming industry, but entertainment as a whole. Yes, BR games existed before Fortnite came around, but Epic’s contribution to the genre forced the issue. Many developers now feel as if they need a BR title of their own or a variation related to an existing property to draw in gamers. As for Fortnite’s mainstream influence, its emotes are used as celebrations in the NFL and at the World Cup, and its crossover events have featured characters from some of the biggest franchises in the world.
Longevity
This might well be the criterion that is preventing Fortnite from being seriously considered by the HOF’s panel. Believe it or not, Fortnite is yet to even celebrate its third birthday. To be considered for a spot in the HoF, a title needs to prove it is more than just a passing fad. Fortnite’s recent resurgence has convinced us the game is here to stay, but perhaps the panel still needs to be swayed.
Although it may not make it in as soon as 2021, it’s hard to imagine Fortnite will not one day be considered a HoF game. It has already changed the industry in so many meaningful ways, and even after its popularity waned somewhat it remains one of if not the most popular game in the world right now. Anyone who thinks it warrants a spot, head to the HoF’s website and nominate Fortnite for the class of 2021.
