The BAFTA Games Awards, which concluded last night, showcased some remarkable winners, including Balatro and Vampire Survivors. However, the absence of platform-specific categories raises questions about visibility for mobile games.
While the BAFTAs may not have the extensive reach of Geoff Keighley's Game Awards, they arguably surpass it in prestige, if not in spectacle. The 2024 BAFTA Games Awards did not feature specific mobile categories, yet we witnessed intriguing victories from major mobile releases over the past year.
Balatro, a standout roguelike deckbuilder from Localthunk, clinched the Debut Game award. This achievement has sparked both excitement and concern within the industry, as publishers scour for the next potential indie megahit.
Vampire Survivors, which previously won Best Game in 2023, was honored with the Best Evolving Game award this year. This is a significant accomplishment, especially considering it competed against heavyweights like Diablo IV and Final Fantasy XIV Online.
What, No Mobile?
The BAFTA Games Awards take a unique approach by not including platform-specific awards, a decision made in 2019. Despite notable wins from top mobile and multiplatform titles like Vampire Survivors and Genshin Impact, the format has remained consistent.
In a previous discussion, Luke Hebblethwaite from the BAFTAs game team shared that the organization believes games should be judged on their merits, regardless of platform. This perspective suggests that games should stand on equal footing, whether they are played on mobile, console, or PC.
It's undeniable that both Balatro and Vampire Survivors have benefited from their mobile availability, which has broadened their reach and impact. This could be seen as a form of recognition, even without dedicated mobile categories.
That's just my perspective, of course. For more insights into mobile gaming and beyond, don't miss the latest episode of the Pocket Gamer Podcast, where Will and I delve into the latest trends and developments in the industry.
