Key Highlights:
- Lara Croft from Tomb Raider has been voted the most iconic video game character of all time in a poll by BAFTA.
- Mario, Agent 47 from Hitman, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Sackboy from LittleBigPlanet rounded out the top five.
- The poll celebrated the 20th BAFTA Games Awards and received over 4,000 votes from gamers worldwide.
- These iconic characters have collectively won 44 BAFTA Games Awards over the past two decades.
Video games have been a part of our lives for decades, transporting us to fantastical worlds and introducing us to characters that have become etched in our memories.
Recently, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) conducted a poll to determine the most iconic video game character of all time, and the results have left fans buzzing with excitement.
Lara Croft Voted Greatest Video Game Character
Taking the top spot is the daring and fearless Lara Croft from the Tomb Raider series. First introduced in 1996, Lara Croft has captivated audiences with her brave spirit and thirst for adventure.
Over the years, she has undergone several transformations, evolving from a pixelated figure to a more lifelike and cinematic character.
Shelley Blond, the original voice actress behind Lara Croft, shared her thoughts on the character’s enduring popularity.
“What makes Lara Croft so iconic is that she’s a female lead in a video game,” Blond explained. “She embodies girl power and female empowerment, taking the lead in incredible adventures.”
The Tomb Raider franchise has spawned multiple video games, blockbuster films starring Angelina Jolie in the lead role, and even a highly anticipated Netflix series set to debut later this year.
The buzz for the series is at an all-time high as well with the newly released 1-3 Remastered edition and an unofficial VR port hitting early access just a couple of weeks ago.
Gaming Greats: A Legendary Lineup
While Lara Croft claimed the top spot, the poll revealed a diverse array of iconic characters that have left an indelible mark on the gaming world.
In second place is the instantly recognisable Mario, the face of the Nintendo franchise.
Created by legendary game designer Shigeru Miyamoto, Mario has been a staple in the gaming industry since his debut in 1981’s Donkey Kong.
The famous plumber has also had a couple of hit movies too and the latest gaming title, Super Mario Bros. Wonder has been a massive hit with fans.
Third place goes to Agent 47, the genetically engineered assassin from the Hitman series.
Since his first appearance in 2000, Agent 47 has captivated gamers with his stealth and precision, appearing in eight mainline games, spin-offs, books, and films.
The latest entry in the series released in January of this year, with Blood Money Reprisal landing on the Nintendo Switch.
Sonic the Hedgehog, the speedy blue hero, secured the fourth spot, having sprinted his way into gamers’ hearts since his debut in 1991.
Rounding out the top five is Sackboy, the adorable and customisable star of the LittleBigPlanet franchise, which has delighted players since 2008.
Top 20 Full List
- Lara Croft, Tomb Raider
- Mario, Super Mario
- Agent 47, Hitman
- Sonic the Hedgehog
- Sackboy, LittleBigPlanet
- 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
- Cloud Strife, Final Fantasy VII
- Astarion, Baldur’s Gate 3
- Kazuma Kiryu, Yakuza
- Ellie Williams, The Last of Us
- Nathan Drake, Uncharted
Enduring Legacies: From Pixels to Cultural Icons
These iconic characters have transcended the boundaries of video games, becoming cultural icons in their own right.
They have appeared in countless multimedia adaptations, from films and television shows to comic books and novels.
The poll results highlight the enduring legacies of these gaming greats, who have left an indelible mark on the industry and the hearts of gamers worldwide.
From the fedora-wearing adventurer Lara Croft to the lovable yellow hockey puck Pac-Man, these characters have captured our imaginations and inspired generations of players.
A Celebration of Storytelling and Artistry
The 20th BAFTA Games Awards, scheduled for April 11th, 2024, will be a celebration of the artistry and storytelling that has made these characters so beloved.
Hosted at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London, England, the event will be livestreamed globally, allowing fans from around the world to join in the festivities.
As we look back on the iconic characters that have shaped the gaming industry, we are reminded of the power of storytelling and the enduring impact that these virtual heroes have had on our lives.
From the pixelated beginnings to the cinematic masterpieces of today, these characters have taken us on unforgettable journeys, leaving an indelible mark on our collective consciousness.
About The Author
Stephen is the proud owner of a popular gaming news website GLN, where he provides the latest updates on everything gaming-related. With a passion for video games that dates back to his childhood, Stephen is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and expertise with fellow gamers around the world.