BAFTA Reveals Most Influential Video Game: A Surprising Choice

If you're a fan of gaming history, you might already know that BAFTA—the prestigious UK arts charity celebrating excellence in film, television, and games—has just announced what many consider the most influential video game of all time. Surprisingly, it's not Grand Theft Auto, Minecraft, or even Doom. Instead, the top spot goes to Shenmue, the groundbreaking action-adventure game released in 1999 for the Dreamcast.

Set in the vibrant backdrop of 1980s Yokosuka, Shenmue follows Ryo Hazuki’s journey to avenge his father’s murder. BAFTA describes it as a detailed open-world experience that redefined the possibilities of gaming at the time. It’s no wonder it claimed the crown in this public poll.

Coming in second was Doom, the pioneering first-person shooter that laid the foundation for countless FPS titles. Super Mario Bros., the iconic platformer that single-handedly saved the video game industry in 1985, rounded out the top three.

Other notable entries include Half-Life, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, and Minecraft, each celebrated for their revolutionary impact on the medium. Meanwhile, modern blockbusters like Grand Theft Auto V, Halo, and Fortnite missed the cut.

Yu Suzuki, the visionary behind Shenmue, expressed his gratitude for the recognition: “This distinction serves as a powerful reminder that the challenge we embraced continues to inspire so many people even today.” He also acknowledged the unwavering support of fans worldwide, promising more exciting developments ahead.

Here’s the full list of the top 21 most influential games, as chosen 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)

The 2025 BAFTA Game Awards are scheduled for April 8th. Leading the nominations are Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2, Astro Bot, and Still Wakes the Deep, each with 11, eight, and eight nods respectively. Thank Goodness You're Here! also earned seven nominations.

Winners from the 2024 BAFTA Game Awards include Baldur's Gate 3, which took home five awards, including Best Game, alongside Alan Wake 2, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and Viewfinder.