'Madden,' 'Tomb Raider' among 2018 inductees in Video Game Hall of Fame

(Circa) — The World Video Game Hall of Fame announced its Class of 2018 Thursday at a ceremony honoring the games for their enduring popularity and influence.

The 2018 inductees in the exhibit, housed at the Strong Museum in Rochester, New York, are "Spacewar!," "Final Fantasy VII," "Tomb Raider," and the original "John Madden Football."

A list of finalists announced in March had also included "Ms. Pac-Man," ''Asteroids," ''Call of Duty," ''Dance Dance Revolution," ''Half-Life," ''King's Quest," ''Metroid," and ''Minecraft."

The exhibit opened in 2015, and games featured in it have ranged from early PC and arcade titles to more recent console and online games. Previous inductees include “Donkey Kong,” “Grand Theft Auto III,” “The Oregon Trail,” “Super Mario Bros.,” and “World of Warcraft.”

To be chosen for a slot in the museum, a game has to demonstrate icon status, longevity, geographical reach and/or significant influence on “the design and development of other games, on other forms of entertainment, or on popular culture and society in general.”

According to the museum, anyone can nominate a game to be considered for induction, but finalists are chosen based on input from a Player’s Choice ballot and an international selection committee. Nominations are now open for its 2019 class.