Vampire Survivors, Balatro Shine at BAFTA Games Awards

The BAFTA Games Awards concluded last night, spotlighting top winners such as Balatro and Vampire Survivors. However, the absence of platform-specific categories, including mobile, raises questions about visibility in this prestigious event.

While the BAFTA Games Awards may not boast the same widespread reach as Geoff Keighley's Game Awards, they arguably surpass them in prestige. The 2024 awards, despite lacking specific mobile categories, recognized two significant mobile launches from the past year. Balatro, the roguelike deckbuilder by Localthunk, won the Debut Game award. This victory highlights the buzz around the game, with many in the industry now searching for the next potential indie hit. Meanwhile, Vampire Survivors, which clinched Best Game in 2023, was awarded Best Evolving Game, triumphing over formidable competitors like Diablo IV and Final Fantasy XIV Online.

The BAFTA Games Awards have taken a unique stance by eliminating platform-specific accolades since 2019. This decision reflects the organization's belief that games should be judged on their merits, irrespective of the platform they're released on. Luke Hebblethwaite, a member of the BAFTA games team, once explained that the awards aim to celebrate games that stand toe-to-toe, regardless of platform. This perspective is evident in the success of games like Vampire Survivors and Genshin Impact, which have thrived across multiple platforms, including mobile.

The reach that mobile platforms have provided to games like Balatro and Vampire Survivors cannot be understated. While the lack of mobile-specific categories might seem like a drawback, the recognition these games receive at such a prestigious event can be seen as a testament to their quality and impact across all platforms.

For those interested in diving deeper into the world of mobile gaming, consider tuning into the latest episode of the Pocket Gamer Podcast. My co-host Will and I discuss the latest in mobile gaming and beyond, offering insights and analysis on the industry's trends and developments.