BAFTA, the UK's independent arts charity that celebrates excellence in film, games, and TV, has unveiled what they consider the most influential video game of all time, and the winner might surprise you. Through a public poll, BAFTA determined that while iconic titles such as GTA, Tetris, World of Warcraft, Minecraft, Doom, and Half-Life 2 made the cut, it was Shenmue that clinched the top spot.
Released in 1999 for the Dreamcast, Shenmue is an action-adventure game that follows protagonist Ryo Hazuki on a quest to avenge his father's death. BAFTA praises the game for its "detailed open-world setting that truly captures the essence of Yokosuka in the ‘80s."
The "pioneering first-person shooter" *Doom* came in second, with *Super Mario Bros.* from 1985 taking third place. Rounding out the top five are *Half-Life* and *The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time*, respectively.Notably, popular games like Grand Theft Auto 5, Halo, and Fortnite did not make the list.
Yu Suzuki, the creator of the Shenmue franchise, expressed his gratitude, stating, "I am deeply honoured 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 extended his thanks to the fans, 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!"
Here's the complete 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)
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! received seven nominations, Black Myth: Wukong six, and Helldivers 2 is up for five awards.
At the 2024 BAFTA Game Awards, Baldur's Gate 3 emerged as a major winner, securing five awards, including Best Game. Other notable winners included Alan Wake 2, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and Viewfinder.
