Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Video Games has been one of the longest-running pop culture industries.
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has released the results of a public poll identifying the five most influential video games of all time.
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The poll was conducted in April 2025, ahead of the highly anticipated 21st BAFTA Games Awards.
This selection highlights how the innovations and breakthroughs of these classic titles continue to shape and inspire modern game development.
The list reflects not only nostalgia but also recognition of their fundamental contributions to the evolution of interactive media.
Shenmue
Shenmue, released in 1999 for the Dreamcast console, was surprisingly named the Most Influential Video Game of All Time, receiving the most votes in the BAFTA public poll.
This game is recognized as a pioneer in open-world gameplay, introducing systems that became the blueprint for other developers in subsequent years.
Shenmue popularized the use of Quick Time Events (QTEs) and immersive cinematic storytelling.
Furthermore, Shenmue featured a dynamic day-night cycle and weather, as well as NPCs (Non-Playable Characters) with unique routines, creating a world that felt alive and reactive.
Doom
Doom, released in 1993, ranks second in this poll as one of the most influential games.
This game popularized the First-Person Shooter (FPS) genre, to the point that early imitators were often called 'Doom-likes.'
Doom's use of 3D graphics was considered a significant technological breakthrough for its time.
This game is also often credited as a pioneer of multiplayer gaming through the popularization of the 'deathmatch' mode.
Doom played a crucial role in establishing the PC as a mainstream gaming platform.
Super Mario Bros.
Securing the third spot is Super Mario Bros., a game released in 1985.
This game is widely credited with establishing and popularizing the side-scrolling platformer genre.
Super Mario Bros. played a crucial role in establishing Nintendo's presence as one of the biggest names in the gaming industry.
The game's success is also credited with revitalizing the once-sluggish North American video game industry.
Super Mario Bros. set new standards with key gameplay mechanics like smooth horizontal scrolling, jump physics, and hidden secrets within levels, which became staples of the genre for years to come.
Half-Life
Half-Life, released in 1998, ranks fourth on the list of most influential games.
It is considered a major breakthrough in the industry.
The team at Valve expressed their honor that players felt Half-Life 1 and 2 should be included on the list.
Half-Life is known for its immersive storytelling and innovations in level design, as well as its revolutionary enemy artificial intelligence.
These aspects significantly influenced the development of narrative-based FPS games later in history, setting a new standard for immersive gaming experiences.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, also released in 1998, completes the top five most influential games.
It frequently tops lists of "best games of all time" due to its innovation.
Ocarina of Time pioneered ideas that are now commonplace in the gaming industry, such as context-sensitive actions.
The "Z-targeting" aiming system introduced by Ocarina of Time has been adopted by many games with combat systems, including FromSoftware's Souls series.
The game is also recognized for its revolutionary 3D world design, clever puzzles, and immersive narrative, shaping the way 3D adventure games are developed.