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

BAFTA, the UK's premier independent arts charity that celebrates excellence in film, games, and television, has unveiled the results of a public poll to determine the most influential video game of all time. The winner, which might come as a surprise to many, is the 1999 action-adventure game Shenmue.

Released on the Dreamcast, Shenmue follows protagonist Ryo Hazuki on his quest for vengeance 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." This pioneering title secured the top spot, outranking other iconic games such as GTA, Tetris, World of Warcraft, Minecraft, Doom, and Half-Life 2.

In second place is the "pioneering first-person shooter" Doom, released in 1993, while the classic Super Mario Bros. from 1985 claimed the bronze medal. Rounding out the top five are Half-Life and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, both from 1998.

Notably absent from the top ranks are modern hits like Grand Theft Auto 5, Halo, and Fortnite. Yu Suzuki, the creator of the Shenmue franchise, expressed his gratitude and honor at the game's recognition, emphasizing the team's goal to explore the limits of realism in gaming. He also thanked fans worldwide for their continued support and hinted at more to come from the Shenmue series.

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

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. Other notable nominees include Thank Goodness You're Here! with seven nominations, Black Myth: Wukong with six, and Helldivers 2 with five.

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