Shenmue Tops BAFTA's Poll as Most Influential Game Ever
Apr 03, 2025 12:46 PMShenmue has been voted the most influential video game of all time in a BAFTA poll, surpassing iconic titles like Doom and Super Mario. Despite a challenging commercial launch in 1999, Shenmue has left a lasting impact on open-world game design and garnered a dedicated fanbase. Its creator, Yu Suzuki, expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the game's aim to push the boundaries of realism in gaming. Following Shenmue are classics such as Doom, Half-Life, and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Additionally, discussions arose about the recent inclusion of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 in the top rankings, raising questions about its early influence. This upcoming BAFTA Game Awards is set to showcase Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 among other nominated titles, further demonstrating the evolving landscape of gaming.
Why is Shenmue considered the most influential video game of all time?Shenmue is regarded as the most influential game due to its pioneering open-world mechanics and immersive storytelling that set new standards for future games. Its innovation and ambitious scope have inspired countless developers, leading to a significant influence in the genre.
Shenmue was initially released for Sega's Dreamcast in 1999. It was among the first games to feature a real-time day-night cycle and an open-world environment, allowing players to explore, engage in various mini-games, and interact with NPCs in profound ways. The game's attempt to deliver a cinematic experience was revolutionary for its time, solidifying its place in gaming history.
Samira Khan
Samira Khan is a narrative enthusiast with a keen eye for storytelling in games. Her literary approach to game criticism examines themes, character development, and plot structure, earning her a following among gamers who appreciate the art of narrating.
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N3rdo commented on: 2025-04-03 13:00:11
It’s cool to see Shenmue topping the list, but man, the competition was stacked—imagine being the game that beat out Doom and Ocarina of Time. Kinda funny how a game that felt niche back in the day is now the blueprint for so much of what we love in open-world RPGs today.
Stimpy commented on: 2025-04-03 12:54:11
Honestly, it's wild to see Shenmue finally get its flowers like this—talk about a game that was way ahead of its time Even if it didn’t blow up sales-wise back then, you can totally see its DNA in so many open-world games today. Also, shoutout to Yu Suzuki for sticking to his vision—dude basically planted the seeds for modern RPGs while the rest of us were still figuring out how to use memory cards.
