The British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) has recently conducted a poll to identify the most influential video games of all time, engaging the gaming community in the decision-making process. This move marked a shift from traditional evaluative methods to a more inclusive, public-driven approach. The results, announced today, have sparked discussions across the gaming industry and among enthusiasts.
Previous assessments of influential video games often highlighted titles like Doom and Super Mario Bros, emphasizing their foundational impact on gaming genres and culture. This latest poll introduces Shenmue, a game released in 1999 for the Dreamcast, reversing established rankings and prompting a reevaluation of its long-term influence.
Why Did Shenmue Lead the Poll?
“Shenmue is a pioneer for open-world gameplay and laid a roadmap that others continued on in the years that followed,” BAFTA stated, also crediting it with popularizing Quick Time Events in subsequent games.
How Do Established Titles Compare?
Following Shenmue, Doom secured the second spot, recognizing its role in defining the first-person shooter genre. Other notable mentions include Super Mario Bros. and Half-Life, both of which have been consistently acknowledged for their significant contributions to gaming.
What Surprised Respondents About the List?
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, a recently released game, appeared in seventh place, despite its short time on the market. This inclusion suggests varied interpretations of ‘influence’ among voters, with entries like Minecraft and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time also ranking highly.
The BAFTAs’ decision to crowdsource the most influential video game has led to an unexpected and diverse ranking, highlighting both classic and contemporary titles. While traditional assessments favored well-established games for their enduring impact, the introduction of Shenmue at the top indicates a shift in community perspectives. This outcome underscores the complexity of defining influence in an ever-evolving industry, suggesting that both pioneering mechanics and recent innovations hold significant sway among gamers.
