BAFTA, the UK's esteemed independent arts charity, has recently unveiled the public's choice for the most influential video game of all time, and the winner might surprise you. Contrary to what many might expect, iconic titles such as GTA, Tetris, World of Warcraft, Minecraft, Doom, and Half-Life 2 were outranked by the 1999 action-adventure game, Shenmue.

Set in a meticulously crafted open-world environment, Shenmue transports players to Yokosuka in the 1980s, following protagonist Ryo Hazuki on his quest for vengeance following his father's murder. BAFTA highlights the game's pioneering approach to creating a detailed and immersive setting, a hallmark of its influence in the gaming industry.

Claiming the second spot is Doom, recognized for revolutionizing the first-person shooter genre. Following closely, Super Mario Bros. from 1985 secured the third position, cementing its legacy in gaming history. Rounding out the top five are Half-Life and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, both from 1998, showcasing the enduring impact of these titles.

Interestingly, modern hits such as Grand Theft Auto 5, Halo, and Fortnite did not make the list, highlighting the British public's preference for games that have stood the test of time.

Yu Suzuki, the visionary behind Shenmue, expressed his gratitude and honor at the game's recognition. "I am deeply honoured and grateful that Shenmue has been selected as the Most Influential Video Game of All Time," Suzuki stated. He emphasized the game's original goal to push the boundaries of realism in video games, a mission that continues to inspire and resonate with players worldwide. Suzuki also acknowledged the unwavering support of fans, crediting their passion for guiding the franchise's journey, and hinted at more to come from the series.

The complete list of the top 21 most influential games, as voted by the public, is as follows:

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! has garnered seven nominations, while Black Myth: Wukong and Helldivers 2 are each up for six and five awards.

Reflecting on the previous year, the 2024 BAFTA Game Awards saw Baldur's Gate 3 triumph with five wins, including the coveted Best Game award. Other notable winners included Alan Wake 2, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and Viewfinder.