The BAFTA Games Awards concluded last night, and among the top winners were Balatro and Vampire Survivors. These games, both notable for their mobile launches, achieved significant recognition despite the absence of platform-specific categories at the awards. This raises the question: does the lack of such categories impact the visibility of mobile games?
While the BAFTA Games Awards might not have the same widespread reach as Geoff Keighley's Game Awards, they are arguably more prestigious, even if less flashy. The 2024 awards did not feature specific mobile categories, yet two standout mobile titles managed to secure wins. Balatro, a roguelike deckbuilder from Localthunk, clinched the Debut Game award. This victory has sparked considerable interest in the industry, with many publishers now on the hunt for the next big indie hit.
Vampire Survivors, which won Best Game in 2023, was honored with the Best Evolving Game award this year. This achievement is particularly noteworthy as it competed against major titles like Diablo IV and Final Fantasy XIV Online. The game's success underscores its broad appeal across platforms.
What, no mobile?
The BAFTA Games Awards have taken a unique approach by not including platform-specific awards, a decision made in 2019. Despite significant wins from mobile and multiplatform releases like Vampire Survivors and Genshin Impact, the awards structure has remained unchanged. Luke Hebblethwaite, a member of the BAFTAs game team, once shared with me that the organization believes games should be judged on their merits, regardless of the platform they're on.
It's undeniable that both Balatro and Vampire Survivors have greatly benefited from their mobile availability, enhancing their reach and impact. This could be seen as a form of recognition for the mobile gaming community. However, the absence of mobile-specific categories might still affect the visibility and acknowledgment of mobile games' unique contributions to the industry.
That's my take on it. If you're interested in diving deeper into mobile gaming and beyond, why not check out the latest episode of the Pocket Gamer Podcast? Will and I team up to discuss all the latest in the world of mobile gaming.
