You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games hereSEGAs Shenmue is damn-near perfect. Initially a Virtua Fighter RPG, Yu Suzikis adventure of Ryo Hazuki on his quest for vengeance is still an amazing game today, and one that has influenced a tonne of modern titles.In a recent poll with the British public, BAFTA (the British Academy Film Awards) sought out to discover what the UK deems as the most influential video game of all time. Alongside titles like Half-Life 2, DOOM, Minecraft, GTA, World of Warcraft and more, Britain has deemed Shenmue as the industrys most influential title.Shenmue crowned the most influential video game of all timeIn the surprise poll, BAFTA awarded Shenmue the title of most influential video game. The 1999 open-world adventure game was heralded for its detailed open-world setting that truly captures the essence of Yokosuka in the 80s.Its worth noting that Shenmue is a highly influential game, although it didnt sell particularly well on release. The game is often seen as the pioneer of 3D open world which would inspire GTA as well as the forefather or truly cinematic storytelling in a video game which has led to games like The Last of Us Part 2. SEGAs masterpiece is also seen as the progenitor of Quick-Time Events which dominated the Xbox 360 and PS3 generation.However, it is surprising to see Shenmue take the top spot when compared to its competitors. In second-place is DOOM, the game that brought the first-person shooter genre to the forefront of gaming. In third place is Super Mario Bros. Which reinvented platforming, fourth place is Half-Life and fifth is Ocarina of Time.Here is the full list of 21 influential games, some of which are weirder than others:Shenmue (1999)Doom (1993)Super Mario Bros. (1985)Half-Life (1998)The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998)Minecraft (2011)Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (2025) (also, huh?)Super Mario 64 (1996)Half-Life 2 (2004)The Sims (2000)Tetris (1984)Tomb Raider (1996)Pong (1972)Metal Gear Solid (1998)World of Warcraft (2004)Baldurs Gate 3 (2023)Final Fantasy VII (1997)Dark Souls (2011)Grand Theft Auto 3 (2001)Skyrim (2011)Grand Theft Auto (1997)There are some curious omissions from the list of most influential video games of all time. For example, where is Ultima, the game that inspired Dragon Quest which in itself created the modern turn-based RPG. Where is Halo 2, the game that influenced everyone and their mother to create console online multiplayer modes?I am deeply honoured and grateful that Shenmue has been selected as the Most Influential Video Game of All Time, Shenmue creator and director Yu Suzuki said in a BAFTA statement. At its inception, we set out to explore the question, How real can a game become?, aiming to portray a world and story unprecedented in scale and detail. This distinction serves as a powerful reminder that the challenge we embraced continues to resonate with and inspire so many people even today. It is truly the greatest of encouragement.Above all, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the fans around the world who have continued to love and support Shenmue, the director continued. Your passion and encouragement have guided this journey every step of the way. And the story is not over yet, there is more to come! Thank you very much!Now, Shenmue is an amazing game, and certainly an inspiration for a lot of developers. But is it more influential than Super Mario Bros? Or Pac-Man? What about PUBG, the game that inspired everyone to create a battle royale for ten years? I am truly bewildered but Shenmue is great!ShenmuePlatform(s):Dreamcast, PCGenre(s):Adventure, RPG, SimulationSubscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share