The 21st annual BAFTA Games Awards ceremony will take place on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, and will be broadcast live on YouTube and Twitch. This year, the event will feature the acclaimed composer Yoko Shimomura, known for her work on iconic titles such as Kingdom Hearts, Mana, and Live A Live, who will be awarded the fellowship, the highest honor bestowed by the BAFTA.
Not everyone is here, but everyone who should be is here
But we already know some winners of these awards, because BAFTA has revealed that the game Shenmue from SEGA, released in 1999, has been voted as the most influential video game of all time in a community poll. This pioneering title not only introduced innovative mechanics such as quick time events and cinematic storytelling, but also revolutionized the concept of open world by presenting weather cycles and routines for non-playable characters (NPCs). Whether players have experienced its story or not, the impact of Shenmue continues to resonate in the video game industry.
Yu Suzuki, the creator of Shenmue, expressed his gratitude to the fans, stating that this recognition is a powerful reminder that the challenge they undertook continues to inspire many. He highlighted the importance of the passion and support of the fans during the development of the game.
In the same survey, Doom (1993) took second place, followed by Super Mario Bros (1985) in third place and Half-Life (1998) in fourth, while The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998) ranked fifth. The results highlight not only the historical relevance of these games but also the ongoing appreciation that players have for them.
The ceremony will be hosted by comedian Phil Wang and is expected to offer a night full of emotions and surprises for video game lovers.