BAFTA Reveals 'Most Influential Video Game Ever': Surprising Choice

BAFTA, the UK's independent arts charity that celebrates excellence in film, games, and television, has recently announced the most influential video game of all time, and the results might surprise you. Through a public poll, BAFTA found that iconic titles such as GTA, Tetris, World of Warcraft, Minecraft, Doom, and Half-Life 2 made the list, but it was Shenmue that topped the charts, receiving the highest number of votes.

Released in 1999 for the Dreamcast, Shenmue is an action-adventure game that follows Ryo Hazuki on his quest for vengeance following his father's murder. BAFTA praised the game for its "detailed open-world setting that truly captures the essence of Yokosuka in the ‘80s," highlighting its pioneering approach to immersive storytelling and world-building.

Interestingly, games such as Grand Theft Auto 5, Halo, and Fortnite did not make the list, despite their widespread popularity.

Yu Suzuki, the creator of the Shenmue series, expressed his deep honor and gratitude for the game's selection as the Most Influential Video Game of All Time. He reflected on the game's inception, stating, "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 heartfelt thanks to the fans worldwide who have supported Shenmue, noting, "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!"

Below is 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! garnered seven nominations, Black Myth: Wukong received six, and Helldivers 2 is up for five awards.

The winners of the 2024 BAFTA Game Awards included Baldur's Gate 3, which won five awards, including Best Game. Other winners were Alan Wake 2, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and Viewfinder.