The International Video Game Hall of Fame (IVGHOF) has unveiled its Class of 2025, honoring a diverse slate of players, developers, leaders, and games that have shaped gaming history.
Based in Ottumwa, Iowa, the IVGHOF has recognized industry icons and landmark titles for more than 15 years. This year’s class builds on that tradition, spanning everything from arcade pioneers to modern esports champions and legendary pinball machines.
The full list of the Class of 2025 inductees is as folllows:
- Golden Age Gamer: Tim Collum
- 1990s Era Gamer: Michael Tang
- 2000s Era Gamer: Jang Jae-ho
- Game Developer: Satoshi Tajiri
- Industry Leader: Tim Sweeney
- Community Action: Games Done Quick
- Walter Day Lifetime Achievement: Trip Hawkins
- Golden Age Game: Space Invaders
- 1990s Game: Half-Life
- 2000s Game: The Sims
- Pinball Electro-Mechanical: Humpty Dumpty
- Pinball Digital: Black Knight
- Pinball Modern: Medieval Madness
“These inductees showcase the incredible breadth and depth of talent and creativity that has driven the video game industry from its nascent beginnings to the global phenomenon it is today,” Lonnie McDonald, IVGHOF vice-president, said in a prepared statement. “We encourage everyone to visit our new website, learn about these extraordinary inductees, and join the conversation about their significance.”
Among the new members are industry titans whose influence spans decades. Satoshi Tajiri, the creator of Pokémon, redefined handheld and social play, while Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney reshaped development and distribution with Unreal Engine and Fortnite. Trip Hawkins, honored with the Walter Day Lifetime Achievement Award, was recognized for founding Electronic Arts, pioneering sports gaming, and championing developers as “software artists.”
On the community side, Games Done Quick earned recognition for raising over $56 million for charity since its speedrunning marathons began in 2010, proving how gaming can fuel large-scale philanthropy.
The IVGHOF also celebrated competitive players from across generations, including arcade champion Tim Collum, 1990s Sega tournament winner Michael Tang, and Warcraft III icon Jang “Moon” Jae-ho.
Equally important are the inducted titles. Space Invaders, Half-Life, and The Sims were each acknowledged for their groundbreaking design and cultural impact across three eras of gaming.
Pinball’s legacy was also in focus, with Humpty Dumpty honored as the first to feature flippers, Black Knight recognized for its two-level playfield and Magna-Save innovation, and Medieval Madness celebrated for blending humor, mechanical engineering, and accessibility.
For the IVGHOF, this 15th anniversary class is more than a roll call of legends; it’s a reminder of how wide-ranging the gaming medium has become. From arcade cabinets to billion-dollar franchises, from grassroots esports to global charity streams, the inductees reflect the industry’s evolution into one of the world’s most influential cultural forces.