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

BAFTA, the UK's esteemed independent arts charity dedicated to celebrating excellence in film, games, and television, has recently unveiled what it deems the most influential video game of all time. The result might surprise you, as it certainly defies expectations set by popular opinion.

In a public poll conducted by BAFTA, iconic titles such as GTA, Tetris, World of Warcraft, Minecraft, Doom, and Half-Life 2 secured spots on the list, but it was Shenmue that emerged at the pinnacle, garnering the highest number of votes.

Released in 1999 for the Dreamcast, Shenmue is an action-adventure game that immerses players in the journey of Ryo Hazuki, who seeks vengeance for his father's murder. BAFTA praises the game for its meticulously crafted open-world environment, capturing the spirit of 1980s Yokosuka with unparalleled detail.

The "pioneering first-person shooter" Doom claimed the second spot, while the timeless classic Super Mario Bros. from 1985 took third place. Rounding out the top five are Half-Life and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, highlighting a rich diversity of genres and eras in gaming history.

Notably absent from the list are contemporary heavyweights like Grand Theft Auto 5, Halo, and Fortnite, which speaks to the unique criteria and preferences of the voters.

Yu Suzuki, the visionary behind Shenmue, expressed his gratitude, saying, "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 extended his thanks to the global fanbase, stating, "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's the complete lineup 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)

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 nods, followed by Astro Bot and Still Wakes the Deep, each with eight nominations. Thank Goodness You're Here! boasts seven nominations, Black Myth: Wukong has six, and Helldivers 2 is in the running for five awards.

Reflecting on the past year, the 2024 BAFTA Game Awards saw Baldur's Gate 3 emerge as a major winner, clinching five awards, including Best Game. Other notable winners included Alan Wake 2, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and Viewfinder.