BAFTA, the UK's independent arts charity that honors excellence in film, games, and TV, has unveiled what it considers the most influential video game ever. And it might surprise you—it's not the usual suspects like GTA, Tetris, or Minecraft. According to a public poll conducted by BAFTA, the game that clinched the top spot is Shenmue.
Released in 1999 for the Dreamcast, Shenmue is an action-adventure game that follows the journey of Ryo Hazuki as he seeks to avenge his father's death. BAFTA praises it for its "detailed open-world setting that truly captures the essence of Yokosuka in the '80s."
Coming in second is the "pioneering first-person shooter" *Doom*, followed by the iconic *Super Mario Bros.* from 1985, which took home the bronze. Rounding out the top five are *Half-Life* and *The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time*.Interestingly, notable games like Grand Theft Auto 5, Halo, and Fortnite didn't make the cut.
Yu Suzuki, the creator of the Shenmue franchise, expressed his gratitude for the recognition: "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 thanked 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's 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! has garnered 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, with other winners being Alan Wake 2, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and Viewfinder.
