BAFTA Unveils Top Influential Video Game: Surprising Choice

BAFTA, the UK's premier arts charity dedicated to recognizing excellence in film, games, and television, has unveiled what it deems the most influential video game of all time, and the winner might surprise you. In a public poll conducted by BAFTA, iconic titles such as GTA, Tetris, World of Warcraft, Minecraft, Doom, and Half-Life 2 all featured prominently, yet it was Shenmue that claimed the top spot, based on the highest number of votes.

Released in 1999 for the Dreamcast, Shenmue is an action-adventure game that follows protagonist Ryo Hazuki on a quest to avenge his father's death. BAFTA praised the game for its "detailed open-world setting that truly captures the essence of Yokosuka in the ‘80s."

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

Yu Suzuki, the creator of the Shenmue franchise, expressed his gratitude: "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."

Suzuki also acknowledged the fans: "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, 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)

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 clinched five awards, including Best Game. Other winners were Alan Wake 2, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and Viewfinder.