BAFTA Names Most Influential Game, Surprising Choice Revealed

BAFTA, the renowned UK arts charity dedicated to celebrating excellence in film, games, and television, has recently announced the results of a public poll identifying the most influential video game of all time. Contrary to what many might expect, the winner is not a mainstream blockbuster but the 1999 action-adventure game, Shenmue.

Released on the Dreamcast, Shenmue follows protagonist Ryo Hazuki on a quest for vengeance following his father's murder. BAFTA highlights the game's detailed open-world setting, which authentically recaptures the essence of 1980s Yokosuka, Japan. This immersive environment has earned Shenmue the top spot in the poll.

The runner-up position went to the pioneering first-person shooter, Doom (1993), while Super Mario Bros. (1985) claimed the bronze medal. The top five list is rounded out by Half-Life (1998) and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998).

Interestingly, several modern hits like Grand Theft Auto 5, Halo, and Fortnite did not make the list, showcasing a preference for games that have had a lasting impact on the industry.

Yu Suzuki, the creator of Shenmue, expressed his gratitude and honor at the game's selection as the most influential. He reflected on the game's initial goal to explore the limits of realism in gaming and thanked the fans worldwide for their continued support, hinting at more to come from the franchise.

Here is the complete list of the top 21 most influential games, 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. Other notable nominations include Thank Goodness You're Here! with seven, Black Myth: Wukong with six, and Helldivers 2 with five.

Reflecting on the past, the 2024 BAFTA Game Awards saw Baldur's Gate 3 take home five awards, including Best Game, with other winners including Alan Wake 2, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and Viewfinder.