- BAFTA Games Awards concluded last night
- Balatro and Vampire Survivors emerged as top winners
- Does the absence of platform-specific categories impact visibility?
While it may not match the global reach of Geoff Keighley’s Game Awards, the BAFTAs arguably surpass it in prestige, if not in spectacle. Although the BAFTA Games Awards 2024 lacked dedicated mobile categories, standout victories from major mobile titles marked the event.
Balatro secured the Debut Game award. Localthunk’s unassuming roguelike deckbuilder has sparked industry excitement, with many publishers now scouring indie pitches for the next big hit, though some question if such a phenomenon can be replicated.
Vampire Survivors, previously honored as Best Game in 2023, claimed Best Evolving Game. This is a remarkable feat, as it outshone heavyweights like Diablo IV and Final Fantasy XIV Online.
No Mobile Category?
The BAFTA Games Awards adopt a unique stance by avoiding platform-specific honors, a decision that led to the removal of the mobile category in 2019. Despite notable wins from mobile and multiplatform titles like Vampire Survivors and Genshin Impact, the awards’ structure has remained unchanged.
Years ago, I spoke with Luke Hebblethwaite from the BAFTA games team, who shared that the organization believes releases should compete equally, regardless of platform.
Regardless of one’s view on this approach, it’s hard to dispute that Balatro and Vampire Survivors gained significant traction through mobile platforms. This widespread reach serves as a form of recognition in itself.
That’s just my take, though. If you’re still curious, check out the latest Pocket Gamer Podcast episode, where Will and I team up to dive into mobile gaming and beyond.
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