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.”
Here is a ranking that looks beyond just sales figures, focusing instead on the lasting historical impact and influence these titles have had on the gaming industry.
Taking the 1st Place spot is Shenmue (1999). This Sega Dreamcast title was a true visionary, often credited with paving the way for modern open-world games through its groundbreaking cinematic storytelling, the way its non-player characters felt like they had their own lives, and its realistic day-night and weather systems. It aimed to create a truly living, breathing virtual world.
At 2nd Place is the legendary Doom (1993). A visceral, fast-paced experience that didn’t just enter the scene; it arguably defined the fundamental mechanics of the first-person shooter (FPS) genre for years to come, establishing a template for countless titles that followed.
Claiming 3rd Place is the instantly recognizable Super Mario Bros. (1985). This wasn’t just a game; it was a cultural phenomenon. As a pioneering platformer, it set entirely new standards for level design and gameplay fluidity, playing a massive role in bringing Nintendo’s iconic characters to a global audience.
Further down the list, at 5th Place, sits The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998). This was a monumental leap in 3D game design, crafting an expansive world and innovative mechanics that served as a benchmark for future adventure and open-world titles, showing the potential of interactive 3D environments.
Making a significant recent impact, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (2023) lands at 7th Place. Players have widely praised this title for the remarkable degree of freedom it offers within its immersive world and the depth of the gameplay experience it provides.
Recognized for its intricate design, Baldur’s Gate 3 (2023) is ranked at 16th Place. This game has garnered significant acclaim for its deeply woven storyline and the complex, reactive character interactions it presents, allowing players’ choices to genuinely shape the narrative. Its quality was also acknowledged with accolades, including a nomination for a prestigious Game of the Year award in a recent awards cycle.
Rounding out these highlighted entries is Grand Theft Auto III (2001) at 19th Place. This title was revolutionary for its time, fundamentally reshaping the concept of open-world games with its vibrant, interactive urban environment, setting a new standard for narrative structure and influencing subsequent Grand Theft Auto installments and the broader sandbox genre.
Other highly regarded entries on the list include the narrative-pushing FPS Half-Life (6th Place), the endlessly creative sandbox survival game Minecraft (8th Place), and the critically important RPG Final Fantasy VII (17th Place), known for its impactful story and cinematic presentation that pushed boundaries for the genre at the time. This ranking primarily serves to highlight the lasting influence and historical impact these games have had on the evolution of the video game industry.
Orange Man