The BAFTA Games Awards concluded last night, celebrating the best in gaming with notable winners like Balatro and Vampire Survivors. While the event may not have the extensive reach of Geoff Keighley's Game Awards, the BAFTAs are often regarded as more prestigious, if not as flashy. Notably, the 2024 BAFTA Games Awards did not feature platform-specific categories, yet mobile games still made a significant impact.
Balatro, a standout roguelike deckbuilder from Localthunk, clinched the Debut Game award. This win has sparked industry-wide excitement, though it's also led to a surge in publishers scouring indie projects for the next big hit. On the other hand, Vampire Survivors, which previously won Best Game in 2023, was honored with the Best Evolving Game award this year, impressively competing against giants like Diablo IV and Final Fantasy XIV Online.
The Absence of Mobile-Specific Categories
The BAFTA Games Awards have taken a unique stance by eliminating platform-specific awards, a decision made in 2019. Despite this, mobile games like Vampire Survivors and Genshin Impact have still managed to shine. Luke Hebblethwaite, a member of the BAFTAs game team, once shared with me that the organization believes games should be judged on equal footing, regardless of the platform they're released on.
The success of Balatro and Vampire Survivors underscores the significant role mobile platforms have played in their reach and recognition. While the lack of specific mobile categories might raise questions about visibility, the achievements of these games suggest that mobile gaming's influence is undeniable.
Of course, these are just my thoughts on the matter. If you're interested in diving deeper into the world of mobile gaming, be sure to check out the latest episode of the Pocket Gamer Podcast, where Will and I discuss these topics and more in detail.
