Upon hearing the news of Quake’s induction into the World Videogame Hall of Fame, one can’t help but feel a sense of surprise that it hadn’t already secured its place among the legends. After all, Halo has been a member of this esteemed group since 2017, making Quake’s absence all the more puzzling. What are we even doing here? Such questions could ignite spirited debates in dimly lit sports bars or fuel fervent discussions across social media platforms. However, with Quake now officially recognized as one of the four inductees for 2025, those debates can finally rest.
The Legacy of Quake
Quake, a pioneering first-person shooter designed with mouse controls at its core, marked a significant shift in gaming when many players were still reliant on keyboards. Its Hall of Fame page highlights this innovation, but the game’s impact extends far beyond its control scheme. The introduction of real-time 3D graphics was revolutionary, yet it was Quake’s extensive mod support that truly breathed life into the game, allowing it to thrive long after its initial release.
Moreover, Quake’s server-client architecture transformed online gaming, laying the groundwork for the esports landscape we recognize today. The Quake Engine Family Tree, as it is known, boasts numerous branches that connect various intellectual properties to Quake through its legacy code. Notable franchises such as Heretic, Hexen, Doom, and Call of Duty can trace their roots back to this iconic title.
As noted, Quake’s influence permeates nearly every facet of the gaming world. Few titles can claim that their foundational code continues to resonate in modern games more than twenty-five years after their debut. John Romero, co-creator of Quake, expressed his delight at the induction, describing it as a “huge honor.”
This year, Quake joins an illustrious class of 2025 inductees that includes the classic 1981 arcade game Defender, the beloved N64 shooter GoldenEye 007, and the nostalgic virtual pet Tamagotchi. Each of these games has left an indelible mark on the gaming landscape, but Quake’s legacy stands out as a cornerstone of innovation and influence in the industry.
