BAFTA — the UK’s unbiased arts charity celebrating excellence in movie, video games, and TV — has simply revealed probably the most influential online game of all time… and it is most likely not what you suppose it’s.
BAFTA polled the British public to find that whereas video games like GTA, Tetris, World of Warcraft, Minecraft, Doom, and Half-Life 2 do make the listing, the highest as ranked by the variety of votes obtained is Shenmue.
Action-adventure sport Shenmue launched in 1999 on Dreamcast. It follows Ryo Hazuki’s quest to avenge his father’s loss of life in what BAFTA calls “an in depth open-world setting that actually captures the essence of Yokosuka within the ‘80s.”
“Pioneering first-person shooter” Doom secured the runner-up prize, while 1985’s Super Mario Bros. took the bronze.
Half-Life and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time spherical out the remainder of the highest 5, respectively.
Interestingly, video games like Grand Theft Auto 5, Halo, and Fortnite are conspicuously absent.
“I’m deeply honoured and grateful that Shenmue has been chosen because the Most Influential Video Game of All Time,” mentioned Yu Suzuki, creator of the Shenmue franchise.
“At its inception, we got down to discover the query, ‘How actual can a sport change into?,’ aiming to painting a world and story unprecedented in scale and element. This distinction serves as a strong reminder that the problem we embraced continues to resonate with and encourage so many individuals even right now. It is actually the best of encouragement.
“Above all, we wish to categorical our heartfelt because of the followers around the globe who’ve continued to like and help Shenmue,” Suzuki added. “Your ardour and encouragement have guided this journey each step of the way in which. And the story isn’t over but, there may be extra to return! Thank you very a lot!”
Here’s the total listing of the highest 21 most influential video games of all time, as voted by the general 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 set to happen on Tuesday April 8, 2025. Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2, Astro Bot, and Still Wakes the Deep lead the nominations with 11, eight, and eight nominations respectively. Thank Goodness You’re Here! additionally obtained seven nominations, Black Myth: Wukong six, and Helldivers 2 is up for 5 awards.
2024 BAFTA Game Awards winners included Baldur’s Gate 3, which secured 5 wins, together with Best Game, with different wins for Alan Wake 2, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and Viewfinder.
Vikki Blake is a reporter, critic, columnist, and marketing consultant. She’s additionally a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually High Chaos. Find her at BlueSky.
