BAFTA Names 'Most Influential Video Game' - Surprising Choice Revealed

BAFTA, the UK's independent arts charity dedicated to celebrating excellence in film, games, and television, has recently unveiled what they consider to be the most influential video game of all time. The announcement might surprise many, as the top spot went to Shenmue, an action-adventure game released in 1999 for the Dreamcast. This game, which follows protagonist Ryo Hazuki on his quest for vengeance in a meticulously crafted open-world setting reminiscent of 1980s Yokosuka, Japan, was chosen by the British public over other iconic titles.

While games like GTA, Tetris, World of Warcraft, Minecraft, Doom, and Half-Life 2 also made the list, Shenmue secured the highest number of votes. Doom, hailed as a pioneering first-person shooter, came in second, followed by Super Mario Bros. from 1985 in third place. Rounding out the top five are Half-Life and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.

Notably absent from the top ranks are modern hits like Grand Theft Auto 5, Halo, and Fortnite. Yu Suzuki, the creator of the Shenmue franchise, expressed his deep honor and gratitude for the game's recognition, emphasizing the team's initial goal to explore the limits of realism in gaming. He highlighted the ongoing support from fans worldwide and teased that the Shenmue story is far from over.

Here is the complete list of the top 21 most influential games of all time, as voted by the public:

1. Shenmue (1999)
2. Doom (1993)
3. Super Mario Bros. (1985)
4. Half-Life (1998)
5. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998)
6. Minecraft (2011)
7. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (2025)
8. Super Mario 64 (1996)
9. Half-Life 2 (2004)
10. The Sims (2000)
11. Tetris (1984)
12. Tomb Raider (1996)
13. Pong (1972)
14. Metal Gear Solid (1998)
15. World of Warcraft (2004)
16. Baldur's Gate 3 (2023)
17. Final Fantasy VII (1997)
18. Dark Souls (2011)
19. Grand Theft Auto 3 (2001)
20. Skyrim (2011)
21. 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 the 2024 BAFTA Game Awards, Baldur's Gate 3 emerged as a major winner, securing five awards, including Best Game. Other winners included Alan Wake 2, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and Viewfinder.