The most influential video game of all-time you've probably never heard of

SEGA’s 1999 entry to the series has been described by Bafta as both a “pioneer” and “blueprint” for future open-world games, as ITV News reporter Charlie Frost explains

Bafta has unveiled the video game voted the most influential of all-time by the public – and you might be surprised by the winner.

SEGA’s Shenmue, the 1999 Dreamcast title, saw off big competition like Super Mario, Tetris, Grand Theft Auto and Tomb Raider.

The open-world action-adventure title received the most votes from the public ahead of the 21st Bafta Games Awards later this month.

Shenmue’s protagonist Ryo Hazuki practices martial arts. / Credit: SEGA

Shenmue tells the story of the game’s hero, Ryo Hazuki, as he attempts to avenge his father’s death in a detailed open-world setting depicting Japan’s Yokosuka in the 80s.

In what later became a successful franchise, SEGA’s 1999 entry to the series is described by Bafta as both a “pioneer” and “blueprint” for future open-world games.

“Its implementation of key design concepts including the use of quick time events and reactive environments have become the foundations for many of the world’s most recognisable titles, including Grand Theft Auto, Assassin’s Creed and the Yakuza series,” a Bafta spokesperson told ITV News.

Shenmue’s protagonist, Ryo Hazuki / Credit: SEGA

Whilst modern gamers may not directly know Shenmue, they’re sure to have seen its influence in today’s mainstream titles.

When asked why a lesser-known game like Shenmue ranked higher than classic titles like Mario and Tomb Raider, a Bafta spokesperson said mainstream popularity was just one factor to consider.

“Shenmue may not be as widely known as some of the other titles in this list, but it’s had a profound influence on game making and design,” said Bafta.

“Its pioneering approach to creating an ‘open-world’ game environment has been fundamental to the design of many of the industry’s biggest titles and franchises since, for which it is rightly recognised by both players and the industry.”

The question of a game’s influence can be open to many interpretations. Ryan King, Head of Product PR at SEGA Europe, attributes Shenmue’s popularity and influence to its genre-spanning nature.

“Shenmue is a game that defies conventional gaming labels, drawing in elements from genres such as open-world gaming, RPGs, fighting games and so on,” he said.

“While other games are likely to be recognised as being strong in their respective genres, Shenmue’s recognition and influence has spread across the many, many genres it drew upon.

“It’s incredibly touching that fans still talk about Shenmue’s ambition, level of detail, atmosphere, characters, humour and more after all these years and it’s a huge honour to see that it’s been voted to the top of the Bafta poll.”

Shenmue depicted the real life setting of Japan’s Yokosuka in the 80s. / Credit: SEGA

Shenmue’s creator, Yu Suzuki, responded to the game’s win saying they were “deeply honoured”.

He said, “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.”

2023’s ‘The Last of Us’ starred actors Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey and won multiple major awards. / Credit: AP

The gaming industry’s influence reaches further than players’ consoles.

In 2022, gaming unions estimated the sector was worth more than the UK’s film and music sectors combined, being valued at over £7 billion – the largest in Europe.

Successes on the big screens with adaptations of hit titles like; Tomb Raider, Resident Evil and Super Mario have only seen the industry’s influence grow.

In 2013, HBO’s “The Last of Us” adapted the zombie apocalypse game of the same name. Starring actors Bella Ramsey and Pedro Pascal, the show picked up multiple major awards and renewed the game’s mainstream popularity.