The BAFTA Games Awards concluded last night, celebrating the year's standout titles. Among the top winners were Balatro and Vampire Survivors, which shone brightly despite the absence of platform-specific categories. This raises the question: does the lack of such categories impact the visibility of mobile games?
While the BAFTA Games Awards may not boast the widespread reach of Geoff Keighley's Game Awards, they arguably surpass them in prestige. The 2024 awards did not feature dedicated mobile categories, yet two significant mobile releases from the past year made their mark.
Balatro clinched the Debut Game award, a testament to Localthunk's captivating roguelike deckbuilder. Its success has sparked a frenzy among publishers, eager to unearth the next indie sensation. On the other hand, Vampire Survivors, previously honored with Best Game in 2023, was recognized as Best Evolving Game, triumphing over formidable competitors like Diablo IV and Final Fantasy XIV Online.
What, no mobile? The BAFTA Games Awards take a unique approach by not featuring platform-specific awards. Since 2019, the mobile category has been absent, yet major mobile and multiplatform successes like Vampire Survivors and Genshin Impact have still been celebrated. Luke Hebblethwaite, a member of the BAFTAs game team, once shared with me that the organization believes games should be judged equally, regardless of platform.
It's undeniable that both Balatro and Vampire Survivors have benefited from their mobile reach, suggesting that even without dedicated categories, these games have gained significant recognition. While opinions may vary, the success of these titles on mobile platforms speaks volumes.
For further insights into mobile gaming and beyond, why not listen to the latest episode of the Pocket Gamer Podcast, where Will and I delve into the latest trends and developments in the industry?
