The BAFTA Games Awards concluded last night, celebrating the best in gaming with notable wins for Balatro and Vampire Survivors. While these awards may not boast the widespread reach of Geoff Keighley's Game Awards, they hold a higher prestige, focusing more on the craft than on spectacle. A notable aspect of the BAFTA Games Awards 2024 was the absence of platform-specific categories, yet we witnessed significant achievements from mobile and multiplatform titles.
Balatro, a breakout roguelike deckbuilder from Localthunk, clinched the Debut Game award. This success has sparked a frenzy among publishers, eager to unearth the next indie sensation. On the other hand, Vampire Survivors, which previously won Best Game in 2023, was honored with the Best Evolving Game award this year. This accolade is particularly impressive as it triumphed over formidable competitors like Diablo IV and Final Fantasy XIV Online.
What, no mobile? The BAFTA Games Awards have adopted a unique stance by not featuring platform-specific categories, a decision made since 2019. Despite this, standout mobile and multiplatform titles 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 merit, regardless of platform.
It's undeniable that the expansive reach of mobile platforms has played a crucial role in the success of games like Balatro and Vampire Survivors. This broader accessibility can be seen as a form of recognition in itself. However, the debate continues on whether the lack of mobile-specific categories affects the visibility of these games.
For a deeper dive into the world of mobile gaming and more, tune into the latest episode of the Pocket Gamer Podcast where Will and I discuss these topics and beyond.
