The International Video Game Hall of Fame was conceived in Ottumwa, Iowa, as a nonprofit museum project honoring the people, companies, and games that shaped video game history. It grew from Ottumwa’s claim as the “Video Game Capital of the World,” linked to Twin Galaxies and arcade high-score contests. Although the planned museum was never built, the Hall of Fame began recognizing inductees in 2010 during the Big Bang event, drawing thousands of visitors. Its selection process blended nominations, public input, and voting by journalists, executives, and gamers. In 2016, Ottumwa also created a Video Game Walk of Fame, while the Hall continued inductions through 2022.