In a poll, BAFTA announced player-chosen video game characters that are most recognizable and iconic. The list is a little... controversial.
BAFTA (British Academy Film Awards) regularly awards video game achievements of the industry. For their 20th BAFTA Games Awards anniversary, they decided to make a poll, engaging over 4,000 players from all around the world.
They published the results, announcing the most iconic video game characters of all time. I'm not sure that I would agree with the results, but... The full list is below. Let's just say there are some surprises.
The Most Iconic Video Games Characters of All Time
1. Lara Croft, Tomb Raider
First introduced to the world in 1996 in Tomb Raider for the Sega Saturn, Lara Croft has appeared in over 15 games, three films, multiple novelisations and comic book adaptations, and an upcoming Netflix animated series.
Remember that Lara Croft is British.
2. Mario, Super Mario
One of the most senior characters on this list, Mario was created in 1981 – not as the star of his own series, but as a player character in the first instalment in the Donkey Kong series. From humble beginnings, he has appeared in over 200 video games, two films, and numerous other multimedia adaptations.
3. Agent 47, Hitman
A genetically-enhanced clone with a penchant for murder, Agent 47 made his video game debut in 2000’s Hitman: Codename 47. Since then, he’s killed his way across screens both big and small, appearing in over ten games, two novelisations, and two live-action film adaptations.
I would have never thought that this character is that recognizable, but I suppose most gamers would know him? Non-gamers probably not.
4. Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic
Sonic the Hedgehog sprinted his way into the hearts and minds of fans worldwide in 1991 as the star of Sonic the Hedgehog for the Sega Genesis. He has appeared in over 100 video games as both a main character and supporting cast, as well as starring in several TV shows and two films, with a third slated for release in late 2024.
5. Sackboy, LittleBigPlanet
One of the most customisable characters on this list, Sackboy made his video game debut in 2008 as the star of Sony’s LittleBigPlanet to instant critical acclaim. He’s since starred in all six LittleBigPlanet mainline games, as well as making an appearance in numerous other game franchises as everything from a playable character to an adorable easter egg.
Quite random. Who knew that this one would end up so high?
6. Pac-Man, Pac-Man
This little yellow hockey puck has appeared in over 50 games and has made appearances in innumerable other trans-media properties.
Perhaps younger generations don't think about Pac-Man as much as the older ones. It's inevitable.
7. Link, The Legend of Zelda
The silent protagonist of the Legend of Zelda franchise, Link has appeared in 20 games in the series, as well as starring in his own animated series and multiple comic book and manga adaptations.
8. Master Chief, HALO
Full name Master Chief Petty Officer John-117, this Spartan super-soldier appears in six games in the HALO franchise. He appears as the main character in three of the 19 HALO novels, as well as in the 2012 film Halo 4: Forward Until Dawn and the 2022 HALO television series.
9. Kratos, God of War
From murder-hungry Spartan warrior to protective parent, Kratos has appeared in eight games in the God of War franchise. He’s also made appearances in two comic series, three novels, and in several games outside the God of War franchise.
10. Shadowheart, Baldur’s Gate 3
One of the youngest characters on this list in terms of release date, Shadowheart charmed her way into the hearts of players worldwide with the release of 2023’s Baldur’s Gate 3.
You can fix her.
11. Arthur Morgan, Red Dead Redemption 2
The protagonist of 2018’s Red Dead Redemption 2, Arthur Morgan is one of the few characters on this list to only appear in a single game.
12. Pikachu, Pokémon
The only Pokémon to appear on this list, Pikachu has appeared in over 100 properties across screens both big and small, as well as making appearances in multiple comic books and manga.
This one I think should have been quite a good deal higher.
13. Steve, Minecraft
The iconic player character from 2011’s Minecraft (the best-selling video game of all time as of 2024), Steve has also made appearances in four other games including the Minecraft spinoff Minecraft Dungeons.
All I personally know about Steve is that he is the most banned Super Smash Bros. character.
14. Solid Snake, Metal Gear Solid
Debuting in 1987’s Metal Gear, Solid Snake (real name David) is a stealthy super-spy who’s appeared in over ten games in the Metal Gear franchise, as well as in multiple novelisations of the game series.
Makes sense. If there was a mainstream movie with Snake, he would be much higher, too.
15. Crash Bandicoot, Crash Bandicoot
Introduced to the world in 1996’s Crash Bandicoot, this genetically enhanced marsupial has appeared in 20+ video games throughout his lifespan.
16. Cloud Strife, Final Fantasy VII
A mercenary and man of few words, Cloud Strife has made 30+ appearances in both video games and wider media properties since his video game debut as the protagonist of 1997’s Final Fantasy VII.
17. Astarion, Baldur’s Gate 3
Much like his fellow party member Shadowheart, Astarion’s rogueish charms have made him a fan favourite since his appearance in 2023’s Baldur’s Gate 3.
18. Kazuma Kiryu, Yakuza
A gruff former Yakuza mobster, Kazuma Kiryu has appeared in ten games in the Yakuza/Like a Dragon franchise, as well as starring in multiple film adaptations and a stage play of the franchise.
19. Ellie Williams, The Last of Us
Best-known as the star of 2013’s The Last of Us, Ellie Williams actually did not make her first appearance in the game. The world’s first introduction to the bad-mouthed teenager was in The Last of Us: American Dreams, a four-issue comic book series that served as a prequel to the game. She’s since starred in sequels and DLC for the The Last of Us franchise, as well as the 2023 TV adaptation of the game.
20. Nathan Drake, Uncharted
The gentleman explorer with a penchant for violence, Nathan Drake stars in six games in the Uncharted franchise, as well as multiple comic book series and a live-action film adaptation.
Who's your number one on the list? Where's Chris Redfield, by the way? Or Dante? Duke Nukem has fallen off, I suppose. How about Ryu?
Header image and introductory text from BAFTA
