BAFTA, the UK's renowned independent arts charity that celebrates excellence in film, games, and TV, has recently announced what they consider to be the most influential video game of all time. In a surprising twist, the top spot goes to Shenmue, an action-adventure game released in 1999 for the Dreamcast. This choice might catch many by surprise, as classics like GTA, Tetris, World of Warcraft, Minecraft, Doom, and Half-Life 2 also made the list but didn't clinch the number one position.
Shenmue, developed by Yu Suzuki, immerses players in the quest of Ryo Hazuki to avenge his father's death. BAFTA highlights the game's "detailed open-world setting that truly captures the essence of Yokosuka in the ‘80s," marking its significant impact on the gaming industry.
Following closely behind Shenmue, the "pioneering first-person shooter" Doom secured the second spot, while the iconic Super Mario Bros. from 1985 took home the bronze. Rounding out the top five are Half-Life and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, both from 1998, showcasing the enduring influence of these titles.
Interestingly, notable games like Grand Theft Auto 5, Halo, and Fortnite did not make it onto the list, highlighting the unique criteria used by the British public in their voting.
Yu Suzuki, the creator of Shenmue, expressed his gratitude and honor at the game's recognition, stating, "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."
Suzuki also extended his thanks to the fans worldwide, acknowledging their passion and support as integral to the journey of Shenmue. He teased, "And the story is not over yet, there is more to come! Thank you very much!”
Here 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! also garnered seven nominations, while Black Myth: Wukong and Helldivers 2 are up for six and five awards.
Reflecting on the past, the 2024 BAFTA Game Awards winners included Baldur's Gate 3, which won five awards, including Best Game. Other notable winners were Alan Wake 2, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and Viewfinder.
