BAFTA, the UK's independent arts charity, has recently announced the most influential video game of all time, and the winner might surprise you. In a public poll conducted by BAFTA, games such as GTA, Tetris, World of Warcraft, Minecraft, Doom, and Half-Life 2 were recognized, but it was Shenmue that topped the list with the highest number of votes.
Released in 1999 on the Dreamcast, Shenmue is an action-adventure game that follows protagonist Ryo Hazuki on his quest for revenge following his father's murder. BAFTA praised the game for its "detailed open-world setting that truly captures the essence of Yokosuka in the ‘80s."
The pioneering first-person shooter *Doom* came in second, while the iconic 1985 platformer *Super Mario Bros.* secured third place. Rounding out the top five were *Half-Life* and *The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time*, respectively.Interestingly, notable titles like Grand Theft Auto 5, Halo, and Fortnite did not make the list.
Yu Suzuki, the creator of the Shenmue franchise, expressed his gratitude for the accolade: “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 fans: "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!”
Below 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)
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! received seven nominations, Black Myth: Wukong six, and Helldivers 2 is up for five awards.
In 2024, the BAFTA Game Awards celebrated Baldur's Gate 3 with five wins, including Best Game, alongside other winners like Alan Wake 2, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and Viewfinder.
