BAFTA Names Shenmue as Most Influential Game of All Time 🤨

Was it even the most influential game of 1999?

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has unveiled its list of the 21 Most Influential Games of All Time to mark its 21st Game Awards, with 1999’s Shenmue claiming the top spot. The Dreamcast classic, renowned for pioneering open-world design, edged out titans like Doom (No. 2), Super Mario Bros. (No. 3), and Grand Theft Auto (No. 20) in a ranking already stirring discussion among fans and critics.

BAFTA emphasised Shenmue’s role in shaping modern gaming. Developed by Yu Suzuki at SEGA, the title introduced living, reactive worlds with day-night cycles, explorable interiors, and NPCs following their own schedules—mechanics later adopted by franchises like Grand Theft Auto III(2001). “Shenmue laid the groundwork for interactive storytelling,” BAFTA noted, highlighting its influence on sandbox titles and narrative-driven RPGs.

While classics like The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (No. 5) and Minecraft (No. 6) earned expected placements, the inclusion of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 at No. 7 raised eyebrows. The sequel, released just two months ago in May 2024, lacks a clear explanation for its ranking, surpassing staples like Dark Souls (No. 18) and Super Mario 64 (No. 8). BAFTA’s criteria for “influence” remains unspecified, leaving critics questioning how a recent title could already reshape the industry.
The list acknowledges foundational titles:

• Tetris (No. 11) and Pong (No. 13) for defining early gaming.
• Half-Life (No. 4) and Half-Life 2 (No. 9) for revolutionizing FPS storytelling.
• World of Warcraft (No. 15) and The Sims (No. 10) for mainstreaming MMORPGs and life sims.
  Yet absent are genre-definers like Street Fighter II or Halo, underscoring the subjective nature of such rankings.

BAFTA’s list reignites debates about how we measure a game’s legacy. While Shenmue’s technical innovations are undeniable, its commercial failure contrasts with the cultural ubiquity of lower-ranked titles like Grand Theft Auto V (No. 21). The inclusion of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 also highlights challenges in evaluating recent releases against decades-old benchmarks. As the industry evolves, such lists serve as conversation starters—but rarely consensus-builders.

Passionate about classic gaming? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for curated retro gaming content delivered directly to your inbox every Monday. Stay connected with our community on X, Instagram, YouTube, and Bluesky for daily nostalgia and gaming discussions!