Summary of "The Most Influential Games of All Time" - Kinda Funny Gamescast
Release Date: April 10, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of the Kinda Funny Gamescast, titled "The Most Influential Games of All Time," hosts Blessing Adeoye Jr., Tim Gettys, Greg “GameOverGreggy” Miller, and Andy Cortez delve into a comprehensive analysis of a BAFTA-published list celebrating the most influential video games ever created. The discussion is rich with debates, personal insights, and critical evaluations of the games featured on the list.
Recap of Previous Episode
Blessing and Tim begin by reflecting on their recent episode featuring a video game music quiz. They reminisced about the challenge posed by the quiz, especially the difficult final 20 songs they couldn't complete due to a collaborative stream with Giant Bomb playing Monaco 2.
Tim Gettys [00:49]: "We ran out of time because we had a big collab stream with Giant Bomb playing Monaco 2. That was a blast."
Despite the struggle, they are pleased with their performance, having correctly identified 34 out of 100 songs.
Housekeeping and Announcements
The hosts provide updates on their ongoing projects and encourage listeners to support them through memberships on platforms like Patreon, YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. They announce the launch of an Elder Scrolls Online limited series, featuring in-depth discussions with industry experts.
Blessing Adeoye Jr. [02:08]: "We never get this level of depth from developers, so don't miss it."
Main Topic: Analyzing BAFTA’s Most Influential Games List
Introduction to the List
The core of the episode revolves around a BAFTA list titled "The Most Influential Video Games of All Time." The list sparks debate among the hosts regarding its selections and rankings.
Tim Gettys [12:14]: "Most influential. That means that these games need to influence video games in a major way."
Discussion and Debates
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Grand Theft Auto Series
- GTA 1 and GTA 3 are examined, with Tim expressing skepticism about GTA 1’s placement.
- Blessing counters: Recognizes GTA 3's significant impact on open-world gaming.
Blessing Adeoye Jr. [32:05]: "GTA isn't the first game to let you play the bad guy, but it popularized the idea of video games letting you indulge in transgressive acts across a realistic urban sandbox."
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Skyrim and Baldur's Gate 3
- The placement of Skyrim at number 20 is debated, with Tim acknowledging its influence but feeling the ranking might not reflect its true impact.
- Baldur's Gate 3 is discussed as a modern influence, though its recent release makes its long-term impact uncertain.
Blessing Adeoye Jr. [39:41]: "Baldur's Gate 3 is going to influence how AAA developers design RPGs moving forward."
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Final Fantasy VII
- Tim questions its influence, while Barrett highlights its role in popularizing JRPGs in the West.
Barrett Courtney [19:37]: "Final Fantasy 7 influenced mainstream awareness of JRPGs in America, specifically."
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Shenmue
- Shenmue is controversially placed at number 1, surprising the hosts.
- Blessing praises the game’s innovation, drawing parallels to open-world mechanics seen in later titles like Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley.
Blessing Adeoye Jr. [60:26]: "Shenmue was so open, allowing players to truly inhabit its detailed urban space, paving the way for immersive sandbox games."
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Tomb Raider
- Positioned at number 12, Tomb Raider is defended for its role in introducing strong female protagonists and influencing character-driven narratives.
Tim Gettys [42:13]: "Tomb Raider made it clear that video game characters could transcend the medium, much like Mario or Pikachu."
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Other Notable Mentions
- Half-Life 1 & 2: Praised for their storytelling and technological advancements.
- Super Mario 64: Celebrated for revolutionizing 3D platforming.
- The Sims & Minecraft: Acknowledged for expanding gaming demographics and fostering creativity.
- Final Thoughts on Influential vs. Impactful: The hosts differentiate between a game's immediate influence on the industry and its lasting impact on culture and subsequent game design.
Tim Gettys [50:25]: "Half-Life 2 was a demonstrable step up that inspired a generation of game developers."
Points of Contention
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Kingdom Come: Deliverance was notably included despite being only two months old, raising questions about its long-term influence.
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Fortnite and Candy Crush were debated for their inclusion, with Blessing pointing out that while they are popular, their influence might be more superficial compared to foundational titles.
Barrett Courtney [57:13]: "Fortnite's battle royale mode redefined multiplayer gaming, influencing countless other titles."
Conclusion and Final Opinions
The hosts conclude with mixed feelings about the list. While they appreciate many of the inclusions for their genuine influence, they express disappointment over certain omissions and questionable rankings.
Blessing Adeoye Jr. [64:51]: "While the majority of the list is solid, the missteps like including Kingdom Come: Deliverance so high diminish its overall credibility."
Both Blessing and Tim acknowledge that while the list has merit, it falls short in representing the true breadth of influential gaming history comprehensively.
Closing Remarks
The episode wraps up with a playful acknowledgment of their critical stance on the list and a nod to ongoing discussions among the gaming community.
Tim Gettys [65:04]: "It's been our pleasure to serve you. Until next time, keep gaming!"
Listeners are reminded to support the podcast through memberships and stay tuned for future episodes exploring more significant topics in the gaming world.
Notable Quotes from the Episode
- Tim Gettys [12:14]: "Most influential. That means that these games need to influence video games in a major way."
- Blessing Adeoye Jr. [32:05]: "GTA isn't the first game to let you play the bad guy, but it popularized the idea of video games letting you indulge in transgressive acts across a realistic urban sandbox."
- Blessing Adeoye Jr. [60:26]: "Shenmue was so open, allowing players to truly inhabit its detailed urban space, paving the way for immersive sandbox games."
- Barrett Courtney [19:37]: "Final Fantasy 7 influenced mainstream awareness of JRPGs in America, specifically."
- Tim Gettys [42:13]: "Tomb Raider made it clear that video game characters could transcend the medium, much like Mario or Pikachu."
This episode offers a critical exploration of what constitutes influence in the gaming industry, balancing nostalgia with contemporary perspectives. Whether you agree with the hosts or not, their passionate debates provide valuable insights into the evolving landscape of video games.