Supercell's Squad Busters Wins Big: Apple's 2024 iPad Game of the Year
Despite a rocky start, Supercell's Squad Busters has rebounded impressively, earning the prestigious 2024 Apple Award for iPad Game of the Year. This accolade places it alongside other award winners, Balatro+ and AFK Journey, highlighting its success.
Squad Busters' initial launch was underwhelming for Supercell, a surprising outcome given the company's history of meticulously vetting releases. The Finnish mobile giant's decision to launch it globally, after cancelling numerous underperforming titles, raised eyebrows.
However, Squad Busters has proven its worth. The Apple App Store Award serves as significant validation of Supercell's decision. Meanwhile, Farlight Games' AFK Journey secured the iPhone Game of the Year award, and Balatro+ rightfully claimed the Apple Arcade Game of the Year title.
A Comeback Story
Squad Busters' initial struggles sparked considerable debate. Many questioned Supercell's judgment, particularly given their track record of creating billion-dollar hits.
This award suggests the game's core mechanics weren't flawed. The blend of battle royale and MOBA elements felt well-executed. Perhaps, the market simply wasn't ready for a fusion of Supercell's established IPs.
While the discussion continues, this award is a well-deserved recognition of Supercell's dedication and perseverance. It provides a welcome boost for the team, confirming their hard work has paid off.
Interested in comparing this year's releases with our own Pocket Gamer Awards? Check out our rankings!