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“Shenmue’ Named BAFTA’s Most Influential Game Ever in Shock Poll
In a surprise upset, SEGA Shenmue has been crowned the “most influential game of all time” by the British Academy Games Awards (BAFTA) ahead of its 2025 Games Awards on April 8. The poll saw over 2,800 respondents share their opinions in a free-text format, with an apparent fan campaign helping Shenmue secure the top spot.
While Shenmue’s position at the top is certainly noteworthy, it’s not the most shocking aspect of this year’s results. The BAFTA survey has produced a list that is both bizarre and seemingly affected by collective amnesia. Among the finalists are some notable omissions, including any fighting game, horror game, or racing/sports title.
Moreover, games like Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 and Baldur’s Gate 3 seem to have been included due to their recent release dates rather than any significant influence on the industry. This raises questions about how voters interpreted the term “most influential” – was it meant to be a reflection of personal preference or a genuine acknowledgment of impact?
It is undeniable that Shenmue has had a profound effect on the gaming landscape, pioneering open-world gaming and introducing quick-time events, among other innovations. However, this year’s BAFTA poll may not provide a complete picture of the most influential games in history.
Shenmue’s surprise win highlights an ongoing issue with public polls, which often prioritize personal sentiment over objective historical significance.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/mattgardner1/2025/04/03/shenmue-named-baftas-most-influential-game-ever-in-shock-poll/
