BAFTA Names 'Most Influential Video Game' - Surprising Choice Revealed

BAFTA, the UK's independent arts charity known for celebrating excellence in film, games, and television, has recently unveiled the results of a public poll identifying the most influential video game of all time. The winner may come as a surprise to many: it's Shenmue.

Released in 1999 for the Dreamcast, Shenmue is an action-adventure game that follows protagonist Ryo Hazuki on a quest to avenge his father's murder. Set in a meticulously detailed open-world environment, the game captures the essence of 1980s Yokosuka, Japan, according to BAFTA. This pioneering title topped the list, with the "pioneering first-person shooter" Doom coming in second, and the iconic 1985 platformer Super Mario Bros. taking third place.

Rounding out the top five are Half-Life and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, respectively. Notably, other influential games such as Grand Theft Auto 5, Halo, and Fortnite did not make the cut.

Yu Suzuki, the creator of the Shenmue franchise, expressed his gratitude for the 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 also extended his thanks to the global fanbase, 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:

1. Shenmue (1999)
2. Doom (1993)
3. Super Mario Bros. (1985)
4. Half-Life (1998)
5. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998)
6. Minecraft (2011)
7. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (2025)
8. Super Mario 64 (1996)
9. Half-Life 2 (2004)
10. The Sims (2000)
11. Tetris (1984)
12. Tomb Raider (1996)
13. Pong (1972)
14. Metal Gear Solid (1998)
15. World of Warcraft (2004)
16. Baldur's Gate 3 (2023)
17. Final Fantasy VII (1997)
18. Dark Souls (2011)
19. Grand Theft Auto 3 (2001)
20. Skyrim (2011)
21. Grand Theft Auto (1997)

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

In the 2024 BAFTA Game Awards, Baldur's Gate 3 emerged as a major winner, securing five awards, including Best Game. Other notable winners included Alan Wake 2, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and Viewfinder.