Square Enix’s long running RPG series Dragon Quest has been officially inducted into the World Video Game Hall of Fame. The recognition was announced by the Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York, honoring the franchise’s lasting influence on the gaming industry and popular culture.
The Hall of Fame, established in 2015, celebrates titles that have achieved widespread recognition and demonstrated a significant, sustained impact on video games and entertainment. Dragon Quest joins the list ahead of Dragon Quest Day on May 27, which will mark the series’ 40th anniversary.
First released in 1986, Dragon Quest is widely regarded as a foundational title in the role-playing genre. Its accessible design, narrative focus, and distinct visual style helped shape the structure of modern RPGs. Over the decades, the franchise has grown into a global phenomenon, with more than 97 million units shipped across 11 mainline entries, alongside numerous spin-offs and adaptations across film, anime, novels, and other media.
The series’ influence continues to be reflected in recent releases, including the HD 2D remakes of the original trilogy. Dragon Quest I and II have been reimagined in a combined release featuring updated visuals, additional story content, and gameplay enhancements. Together with Dragon Quest III HD 2D Remake, these titles form the reworked Erdrick Trilogy, currently available across Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, and PC.
With its induction into the Hall of Fame, Dragon Quest receives formal recognition for its role in shaping the RPG genre and maintaining its relevance across multiple generations of players.
