BAFTA, the UK's leading independent arts charity dedicated to celebrating excellence in film, games, and television, has recently announced the results of a public poll to determine the most influential video game of all time. The winner might surprise you—it's not the usual suspects like Grand Theft Auto or Minecraft, but rather Shenmue.
Released in 1999 on the Dreamcast, Shenmue is an action-adventure game that follows Ryo Hazuki's quest for vengeance after his father's murder. BAFTA praised the game for its "detailed open-world setting that truly captures the essence of Yokosuka in the ‘80s."
The runner-up spot went to the "pioneering first-person shooter" Doom, while the bronze medal was awarded to the iconic 1985 game Super Mario Bros.. Rounding out the top five are Half-Life and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, in that order.
Notably absent from the top list are modern hits like Grand Theft Auto 5, Halo, and Fortnite.
Yu Suzuki, the creator of the Shenmue franchise, expressed his gratitude, stating, "I am deeply honored 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 thanked fans worldwide, 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!"
The full list of the top 21 most influential games, as voted by the public, is as follows:
- 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. Thank Goodness You're Here! has received seven nominations, while Black Myth: Wukong and Helldivers 2 are up for six and five awards, respectively.
Reflecting on the past, the 2024 BAFTA Game Awards saw Baldur's Gate 3 take home five awards, including Best Game. Other notable winners from 2024 included Alan Wake 2, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and Viewfinder.
