BAFTA, the UK's renowned independent arts charity, has announced the most influential video game of all time, and the winner may come as a surprise. In a public poll, BAFTA found that while iconic titles like Grand Theft Auto, Tetris, World of Warcraft, Minecraft, Doom, and Half-Life 2 made the list, it was Shenmue that claimed the top spot based on the number of votes.
Released in 1999 for the Dreamcast, Shenmue is an action-adventure game that follows Ryo Hazuki's quest for revenge following his father's murder. 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* took second place, while the classic *Super Mario Bros.* from 1985 secured the bronze medal. Rounding out the top five are *Half-Life* and *The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time*.Surprisingly, 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: "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."
He further added, "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 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! received seven nominations, Black Myth: Wukong 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.
