BAFTA Names Most Influential Video Game: A Surprising Choice

BAFTA, the UK's independent arts charity that celebrates excellence in film, games, and television, has recently unveiled what the British public considers the most influential video game of all time. Surprisingly, the top spot went to Shenmue, an action-adventure game that first hit the Dreamcast in 1999. The game follows protagonist Ryo Hazuki on his quest for vengeance in a meticulously crafted open-world setting that captures the essence of 1980s Yokosuka, as noted by BAFTA.

While iconic titles like GTA, Tetris, World of Warcraft, Minecraft, Doom, and Half-Life 2 also made the list, it was Shenmue that clinched the top position based on the number of votes.

The runner-up was the "pioneering first-person shooter" Doom, released in 1993, and the bronze went to Super Mario Bros. from 1985. Rounding out the top five are Half-Life and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, both released in 1998.

Notably absent from the list are games like Grand Theft Auto 5, Halo, and Fortnite.

Yu Suzuki, the creator of the Shenmue franchise, expressed his gratitude and honor at the game being chosen as the most influential. He reflected on the game's original ambition to explore the boundaries of realism in gaming, emphasizing its unprecedented scale and detail. Suzuki also acknowledged the continued support from fans worldwide, hinting at more to come from the Shenmue series.

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

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