In honor of its prestigious two-decade journey within the gaming realm, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts(BAFTA)Game Awards recently embarked on a thorough polling endeavor, marking a significant milestone in its history. Their objective? To unearth the most iconic video game character of all time in the expansive tapestry of video game lore, the ultimate embodiment of gaming prowess.

As the results were tallied, a vibrant tapestry of characters emerged, spanning the spectrum from anthropomorphic creatures to espionage-laden agents, each representing an iconic facet of gaming culture. From this extensive list of gaming luminaries, the top 20 characters were meticulously curated, bringing together a global assembly of gaming’s most revered faces.

• Lara Croft, Tomb Raider
• Mario, Super Mario
• Agent 47, Hitman
• Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog
• Sackboy, LittleBigPlanet
• Pac-Man, Pac-Man
• Link, The Legend of Zelda
• Master Chief, Halo
• Kratos, God of War
• Shadowheart, Baldur’s Gate 3
• Arthur Morgan, Red Dead Redemption 2
• Pikachu, Pokémon
• Steve, Minecraft
• Solid Snake, Metal Gear Solid
• Crash Bandicoot, Crash Bandicoot
• Cloud Strife, Final Fantasy VII
• Astarion, Baldur’s Gate 3
• Kazuma Kiryu, Yakuza
• Ellie Williams, The Last of Us
• Nathan Drake, Uncharted

The discerning votes of dedicated gamers and enthusiasts have unequivocally spoken, heralding Lara Croft’s enduring legacy within the gaming realm. This resounding consensus solidifies her unmistakable imprint on the gaming landscape, affirming her status as the quintessential embodiment of gaming excellence. Thus, Lara Croft rightfully claims the esteemed title of the most iconic character of all time.

In 2024, the Tomb Raider franchise has been bustling with activity, marked by the launch of Tomb Raider I–III Remastered across multiple platforms and the eager anticipation surrounding the upcoming Netflix series, Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft. With a rich legacy encompassing 12 main series and 18 spin-off games, complemented by three blockbuster movies, Lara Croft’s prominence continues to soar, adding an extra layer of prestige to her illustrious character.

Claiming the second spot is Mario, the beloved protagonist of the iconic Nintendo franchise. Crafted by the legendary Japanese game designer and esteemed recipient of BAFTA’s prestigious Fellowship, Shigeru Miyamoto. Mario has served as the enduring emblem of Nintendo and a universally recognizable figure within the expansive realm of video games. From his humble origins as Jumpman in the 1981 arcade classic, Donkey Kong, Mario’s journey has evolved into starring roles in popular animated movies and beyond, captivating generations of players with timeless adventure.

Securing the third spot is Agent 47 from the renowned Hitman series, a surprising yet captivating addition. Conceived by Danish video game developer IO Interactive in 1998, Agent 47 made his debut in 2000 with Hitman: Codename 47, swiftly rising to iconic status within the gaming community.