BAFTA Names Most Influential Game: Surprising Choice Revealed

BAFTA, the UK's esteemed arts charity that celebrates excellence in film, games, and television, has recently unveiled what it considers to be the most influential video game of all time, and the result might surprise you. In a public poll conducted by BAFTA, classics such as GTA, Tetris, World of Warcraft, Minecraft, Doom, and Half-Life 2 secured spots on the list, yet it was Shenmue that emerged as the top pick, based on the highest number of votes.

Shenmue, an action-adventure game that launched in 1999 for the Dreamcast, follows the protagonist Ryo Hazuki on a quest for vengeance following his father's murder. BAFTA praises the game for its meticulously crafted open-world setting, which authentically recreates the atmosphere of Yokosuka in the 1980s.

Notably absent from the list are modern giants like Grand Theft Auto 5, Halo, and Fortnite.

Yu Suzuki, the visionary behind Shenmue, expressed his gratitude for the game's recognition: “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.

“Above all, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the fans around the world who have continued to love and support Shenmue,” Suzuki added. “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 full 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)

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, Black Myth: Wukong six, and Helldivers 2 is up for five awards.

Reflecting on the past, the 2024 BAFTA Game Awards saw Baldur's Gate 3 triumph with five wins, including the prestigious Best Game award. Other notable winners included Alan Wake 2, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and Viewfinder.