BAFTA Reveals Top Video Game Ever, Surprising Fans

BAFTA, the UK's independent arts charity dedicated to celebrating excellence in film, television, and games, has just unveiled a surprising pick for the most influential video game of all time — *Shenmue*. While titles like Grand Theft Auto, Tetris, World of Warcraft, Minecraft, Doom, and Half-Life 2 also made the list, it’s *Shenmue* that captured the top spot based on public votes.

Shenmue, originally released in 1999 for the Sega Dreamcast, is an action-adventure title following Ryo Hazuki as he embarks on a quest to avenge his father's murder. BAFTA praised the game for its richly detailed open-world environment that authentically recreates the atmosphere of 1980s Yokosuka, Japan.

The “pioneering first-person shooter” Doom came in second place, while Nintendo’s iconic platformer Super Mario Bros. (1985) took third. Completing the top five are Half-Life (1998) and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998), both of which have left a lasting legacy in gaming culture.

Notably absent from the list were modern hits such as Grand Theft Auto V, Halo, and Fortnite, suggesting that influence doesn’t always equate with popularity or commercial success.

“I am deeply honoured and grateful that *Shenmue* has been selected as the Most Influential Video Game of All Time,” said Yu Suzuki, creator of the franchise. “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.”

Suzuki also expressed his gratitude to fans worldwide who have supported the series over the years. “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!”

Top 21 Most Influential Games of All Time (Public Vote)

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)
21. Grand Theft Auto (1997)

The 2025 BAFTA Games Awards will take place on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. Leading the nominations are *Senua's Saga: Hellblade II*, *Astro Bot*, and *Still Wakes the Deep* with 11, eight, and eight nods respectively. Other notable contenders include *Thank Goodness You're Here!* with seven nominations, *Black Myth: Wukong* with six, and *Helldivers 2* up for five awards.

The winners of the 2024 BAFTA Game Awards included *Baldur's Gate 3*, which took home five awards, including Best Game. Additional wins went to *Alan Wake 2*, *Super Mario Bros. Wonder*, and *Viewfinder*.