On the eve of the 21st BAFTA Games Awards, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) launched a player poll to determine the most influential game in history. The original “Shenmue” (1999) emerged at the top, thanks to its groundbreaking design, surpassing other classics like “Doom” and “Super Mario Bros.”
**1st Place:** *Shenmue* (1999)
A Sega Dreamcast title that laid the groundwork for modern open-world games with its cinematic storytelling, dynamic NPCs, and day-night weather system.
**2nd Place:** *Doom* (1993)
A trailblazer in the FPS genre that defined core first-person shooter mechanics.
**3rd Place:** *Super Mario Bros.* (1985)
A platformer that set a new standard and helped globalize Nintendo’s IP.
**5th Place:** *The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time* (1998)
A benchmark in 3D game design that influenced future open-world titles.
**7th Place:** *Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2* (2023)
Praised by players for its high level of freedom and immersive gameplay experience.
**16th Place:** *Baldur’s Gate 3* (2023)
Acclaimed for its intricate storyline and character interactions; also a nominee for this year’s BAFTA Game of the Year.
**19th Place:** *Grand Theft Auto III* (2001)
A pioneer in modern open-world narratives that influenced later GTA titles and similar games.
Other notable entries include *Half-Life* (6th), *Minecraft* (8th), and *Final Fantasy VII* (17th). This ranking focuses on the historical impact of these games rather than their commercial success. The BAFTA awards ceremony will take place on April 8, where winners across 17 categories including Game of the Year will be announced.
