BAFTA Reveals 'Most Influential Video Game' - Surprising Choice

BAFTA, the UK's premier arts charity dedicated to celebrating excellence in film, games, and television, has recently announced the results of a public poll to identify the most influential video game of all time. The results may surprise many, as the top spot was claimed by Shenmue, a title that might not have been the first guess for many gaming enthusiasts.

The 1999 Dreamcast release, Shenmue, an action-adventure game, tells the story of Ryo Hazuki's journey to avenge his father's murder. BAFTA highlights the game's "detailed open-world setting that truly captures the essence of Yokosuka in the ‘80s," a feature that has evidently resonated deeply with the British public. Other notable games like GTA, Tetris, World of Warcraft, Minecraft, Doom, and Half-Life 2 also featured prominently on the list but couldn't outrank Shenmue.

Taking the second spot was the "pioneering first-person shooter" Doom, while the iconic 1985 platformer Super Mario Bros. secured third place. The top five was rounded out by Half-Life and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, respectively. Interestingly, some modern giants like Grand Theft Auto 5, Halo, and Fortnite did not make the cut.

Yu Suzuki, the creator of the Shenmue franchise, expressed his gratitude and honor at the game's recognition, stating, "I am deeply honoured and grateful that Shenmue has been selected as the Most Influential Video Game of All Time. At its inception, we set out to explore the question, 'How real can a game become?,' aiming to portray a world and story unprecedented in scale and detail. This distinction serves as a powerful reminder that the challenge we embraced continues to resonate with and inspire so many people even today. It is truly the greatest of encouragement."

Suzuki further acknowledged the fans' role in the game's enduring legacy, saying, "Above all, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the fans around the world who have continued to love and support Shenmue. Your passion and encouragement have guided this journey every step of the way. And the story is not over yet, there is more to come! Thank you very much!”

Here is the complete list of the top 21 most influential games of all time, as voted by the public:

Shenmue (1999)
Doom (1993)
Super Mario Bros. (1985)
Half-Life (1998)
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998)
Minecraft (2011)
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (2025)
Super Mario 64 (1996)
Half-Life 2 (2004)
The Sims (2000)
Tetris (1984)
Tomb Raider (1996)
Pong (1972)
Metal Gear Solid (1998)
World of Warcraft (2004)
Baldur's Gate 3 (2023)
Final Fantasy VII (1997)
Dark Souls (2011)
Grand Theft Auto 3 (2001)
Skyrim (2011)
Grand Theft Auto (1997)

The 2025 BAFTA Game Awards are scheduled for Tuesday, April 8, 2025. Leading the nominations are Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 with 11, Astro Bot and Still Wakes the Deep with eight each. Thank Goodness You're Here! has received seven nominations, while Black Myth: Wukong and Helldivers 2 are up for six and five awards, respectively.

In the previous year, the 2024 BAFTA Game Awards saw Baldur's Gate 3 clinching five wins, including the prestigious Best Game award. Other notable winners included Alan Wake 2, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and Viewfinder.