BAFTA Reveals 'Most Influential Game Ever': Surprising Choice

BAFTA, the UK's independent arts charity that celebrates excellence in film, games, and TV, has unveiled what it considers to be the most influential video game of all time, and the result might surprise you. In a public poll conducted by BAFTA, the top spot was claimed by the action-adventure game Shenmue. Released in 1999 on the Dreamcast, Shenmue follows the protagonist Ryo Hazuki on his quest for vengeance in a meticulously crafted open-world setting that authentically recreates the essence of 1980s Yokosuka.

The game's creator, Yu Suzuki, expressed profound gratitude for Shenmue's selection as the most influential game, stating, "I am deeply honoured and grateful that Shenmue has been selected as the Most Influential Video Game of All Time." He highlighted the game's initial ambition to explore the limits of realism in gaming, aiming to create an unprecedented world and story in terms of scale and detail. Suzuki also thanked the fans worldwide for their continued support and passion, hinting at more to come from the franchise.

While Shenmue took the top spot, other notable games like Doom, hailed as a pioneering first-person shooter, secured second place, and the iconic Super Mario Bros. from 1985 came in third. Rounding out the top five were Half-Life and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

Interestingly, the list also included games such as GTA, Tetris, World of Warcraft, Minecraft, Doom, and Half-Life 2, but some modern favorites like Grand Theft Auto 5, Halo, and Fortnite were notably absent.

Here is the full 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)

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 last year's awards, the 2024 BAFTA Game Awards saw Baldur's Gate 3 take home five wins, including Best Game. Other winners included Alan Wake 2, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and Viewfinder.