The BAFTA Games Awards concluded last night, shining a spotlight on some of the most captivating titles of the year. Among the top winners were Balatro and Vampire Survivors, two games that have made significant waves in the gaming community, particularly in the mobile space.
While the BAFTA Games Awards might not boast the extensive audience of Geoff Keighley's Game Awards, they arguably surpass them in terms of prestige, if not in sheer spectacle. Notably, the 2024 BAFTA Games Awards did not feature platform-specific categories, a decision that continues to stir debate. However, this did not prevent mobile titles from making a significant impact.
Balatro, the breakout roguelike deckbuilder from Localthunk, clinched the Debut Game award. Its success has sparked a frenzy among publishers, eager to unearth the next big indie hit. On the other hand, Vampire Survivors, already crowned Best Game in 2023, added another feather to its cap by winning Best Evolving Game, impressively beating out formidable competitors like Diablo IV and Final Fantasy XIV Online.
**What, no mobile?** The BAFTA Games Awards have taken a unique stance by eliminating platform-specific accolades since 2019. This approach reflects the organization's belief that games should be judged on their merits regardless of the platform they're released on. Despite this, the success of mobile and multiplatform titles like Vampire Survivors and Genshin Impact underscores the influence of mobile gaming.
Luke Hebblethwaite, a member of the BAFTAs game team, once shared with me that the organization views games as competitors on an equal footing, no matter the platform. This perspective is evident in the achievements of Balatro and Vampire Survivors, which have undoubtedly benefited from their mobile availability, suggesting a form of indirect recognition for mobile gaming.
As always, these are just my thoughts on the matter. If you're eager to delve deeper into the world of mobile gaming, tune into the latest episode of the Pocket Gamer Podcast, where Will and I team up to discuss the latest trends and insights in the industry.
