BAFTA Reveals 'Most Influential Video Game' - Surprising Choice Stuns Gamers

BAFTA, the UK's esteemed independent arts charity, has unveiled the most influential video game of all time according to a public poll, and the result might surprise you. While iconic titles such as GTA, Tetris, World of Warcraft, Minecraft, Doom, and Half-Life 2 made the list, it's Shenmue that claimed the top spot.

Released in 1999 for the Dreamcast, Shenmue is an action-adventure game that follows protagonist Ryo Hazuki on his quest for vengeance in a meticulously crafted open-world setting, capturing the essence of 1980s Yokosuka as praised by BAFTA.

The "pioneering first-person shooter" *Doom* took the second spot, with 1985's *Super Mario Bros.* rounding out the top three. *Half-Life* and *The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time* completed the top five.

Notably, games like Grand Theft Auto 5, Halo, and Fortnite did not make the list.

Yu Suzuki, the creator of the Shenmue franchise, expressed his gratitude, 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. 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!”

The full list of the top 21 most influential games, as voted by the public, is as follows:

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, Astro Bot, and Still Wakes the Deep with 11, eight, and eight nominations respectively. Thank Goodness You're Here! has received seven nominations, Black Myth: Wukong six, and Helldivers 2 is up for five awards.

In 2024, the BAFTA Game Awards saw Baldur's Gate 3 triumph with five wins, including Best Game. Other winners included Alan Wake 2, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and Viewfinder.