BAFTA Reveals 'Most Influential Video Game' - Surprising Choice Revealed

BAFTA, the UK's independent arts charity dedicated to celebrating excellence in film, games, and TV, has unveiled what they believe to be the most influential video game of all time. The result might surprise you—it's not the usual suspects like GTA or Minecraft, but rather Shenmue.

The British public's votes placed Shenmue at the top, ahead of well-known titles such as GTA, Tetris, World of Warcraft, Minecraft, Doom, and Half-Life 2. Released in 1999 for the Dreamcast, Shenmue is an action-adventure game that follows Ryo Hazuki's quest for vengeance against his father's killers. BAFTA highlights its "detailed open-world setting that truly captures the essence of Yokosuka in the ‘80s."

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

Yu Suzuki, the creator of Shenmue, expressed his deep honor and gratitude for the game being 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 said. He also extended heartfelt thanks to the fans around the world, acknowledging their passion and support that have guided the franchise's journey. "And the story is not over yet, there is more to come! Thank you very much!" he added.

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)

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! garnered seven nominations, Black Myth: Wukong six, and Helldivers 2 is up for five awards.

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