BAFTA Announces 'the Most Influential Video Game of All Time,' and It's a Real Head-Scratcher

BAFTA, the UK's renowned independent arts charity, has unveiled what they've determined to be the most influential video game of all time. The surprising winner, based on a public vote, is the 1999 action-adventure game Shenmue, released for the Dreamcast. This game, which follows protagonist Ryo Hazuki on his quest for vengeance in a meticulously crafted open world set in 1980s Yokosuka, has been recognized for its pioneering approach to immersive gaming.

While iconic titles such as GTA, Tetris, World of Warcraft, Minecraft, Doom, and Half-Life 2 also made the list, it was Shenmue that topped the charts. Doom, lauded as a "pioneering first-person shooter," came in second place, followed by the classic Super Mario Bros. from 1985. Half-Life and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time completed the top five.

Notably absent from the top spots were 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. He highlighted the game's ambition to push the boundaries of realism and storytelling in gaming, a vision that continues to resonate with players today.

Suzuki also thanked the global fanbase for their unwavering support and teased that the Shenmue story is far from over, promising more to come.

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

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

Reflecting on the recent past, the 2024 BAFTA Game Awards saw Baldur's Gate 3 take home five awards, including the coveted Best Game, alongside wins for Alan Wake 2, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and Viewfinder.