BAFTA, the UK's leading independent arts charity dedicated to celebrating excellence in film, games, and TV, has unveiled the results of a public poll to determine the most influential video game of all time. The surprising winner? Shenmue.
This 1999 action-adventure game, released on the Dreamcast, follows protagonist Ryo Hazuki on a quest for vengeance in a meticulously crafted open-world setting that captures the essence of 1980s Yokosuka. BAFTA praised Shenmue for its groundbreaking approach to immersive storytelling and world-building.
While iconic titles like GTA, Tetris, World of Warcraft, Minecraft, Doom, and Half-Life 2 also made the list, Shenmue topped the rankings based on public votes.
Doom, the pioneering first-person shooter from 1993, took second place, followed by Super Mario Bros. from 1985 in third. Completing the top five are Half-Life and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, both released in 1998.
Notably absent from the top rankings are contemporary hits like Grand Theft Auto 5, Halo, and Fortnite.
Yu Suzuki, the creator of Shenmue, 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."
Suzuki also acknowledged the fans' support: "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:
- 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! received seven nominations, Black Myth: Wukong six, and Helldivers 2 is up for five awards.
Reflecting on the 2024 BAFTA Game Awards, Baldur's Gate 3 emerged as a major winner, securing five awards, including Best Game. Other notable winners included Alan Wake 2, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and Viewfinder.
