BAFTA, the UK's renowned independent arts charity, has recently announced the results of a public poll to determine the most influential video game of all time. Contrary to what many might expect, the winner isn't a mainstream blockbuster like GTA or Minecraft, but rather the 1999 action-adventure game Shenmue.
Released on the Dreamcast, Shenmue follows protagonist Ryo Hazuki on his quest for vengeance following his father's murder. BAFTA highlights the game's detailed open-world setting, which authentically recreates the atmosphere of Yokosuka in the 1980s. Shenmue's creator, Yu Suzuki, expressed his deep honor and gratitude for the game's recognition, emphasizing its pioneering approach to realism and storytelling.
In the poll, the iconic first-person shooter Doom (1993) came in second, followed by Super Mario Bros. (1985) securing the third spot. Half-Life (1998) and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998) completed the top five.
Notably, several modern hits such as Grand Theft Auto 5, Halo, and Fortnite did not make the list. Suzuki also acknowledged the continued support of fans worldwide, promising that the Shenmue story would continue.
Here is the complete list of the top 21 most influential games, 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 Thank Goodness You're Here!, Black Myth: Wukong, and Helldivers 2 also receiving significant recognition.
Reflecting on last year's awards, Baldur's Gate 3 was a major winner in 2024, taking home five awards including Best Game. Other notable winners included Alan Wake 2, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and Viewfinder.
