Apple's 2025 Design Awards honor Balatro, Dredge, PBJ The Musical

The 2025 Apple Design Awards Have Concluded

Notable winners include Balatro and Dredge

The prestigious awards honor outstanding iOS apps and games across multiple categories

Amidst this year's excitement, you might have missed the recent Apple Design Awards! This annual celebration recognizes excellence in iOS development across various criteria - from groundbreaking innovation to the wonderfully subjective "delight & fun" category. This year's selection features several standout titles that have earned this distinction.

Take a look at this year's winners:

• Balatro (Delight & Fun) - LocalThunk's addictive deckbuilding roguelike continues its winning streak, now claiming recognition for its highly successful mobile adaptation.

• PBJ: The Musical (Innovation) - Few games embody innovation more distinctly than this peculiar musical puzzle adventure starring peanut butter and jelly in a Shakespearean-inspired narrative.
• Dredge (Interaction) - The mobile adaptation of this eldritch fishing horror experience demonstrates masterful touchscreen implementation, earning Apple's approval.

• Art of Fauna (Inclusivity) - This thoughtful wildlife puzzle game combines engaging gameplay with meaningful conservation messaging and inclusive design principles.
• Neva (Social Impact) - Through the journey of a girl and her wolf companion, this action-adventure title delivers a poignant environmental message with artistic finesse.

• Infinity Nikki (Visuals & Graphics) - Regardless of personal gameplay preferences, no one can deny the visual mastery of this stylish dress-up adventure.

The Apple Design Awards serve as an important showcase of mobile gaming's creative potential. This year's ceremony marks another triumph for Balatro's growing legacy and validates Dredge's impressive transition to mobile platforms.

While these awards highlight exceptional achievements, there are always more deserving titles waiting for recognition. Want your favorite game to get its moment in the spotlight? Be sure to participate in the 2025 Pocket Gamer People's Choice Awards and cast your vote!