BAFTA Names Most Influential Video Game Ever: Surprising Choice Revealed

BAFTA, the UK's independent arts charity dedicated to celebrating excellence in film, games, and television, has recently announced the most influential video game of all time, and the result might surprise you. In a public poll conducted by BAFTA, iconic games such as GTA, Tetris, World of Warcraft, Minecraft, Doom, and Half-Life 2 made the list, but it was Shenmue that topped the rankings, garnering the highest number of votes.

Released in 1999 for the Dreamcast, Shenmue is an action-adventure game that follows 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."

Claiming the second spot was *Doom*, a pioneering first-person shooter, while *Super Mario Bros.* from 1985 secured the third position. The top five was rounded out by *Half-Life* and *The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time*, respectively.

Notably absent from the list were popular titles like Grand Theft Auto 5, Halo, and Fortnite.

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:

• 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)

The 2025 BAFTA Game Awards are scheduled for Tuesday, April 8, 2025, with Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2, Astro Bot, and Still Wakes the Deep leading the nominations 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 the 2024 BAFTA Game Awards, Baldur's Gate 3 emerged as a major winner, taking home five awards, including Best Game. Other winners included Alan Wake 2, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and Viewfinder.