The BAFTA Games Awards concluded last night, celebrating the best in the gaming industry. Among the top winners were Balatro, which took home the Debut Game award, and Vampire Survivors, which was honored with the Best Evolving Game award. These accolades highlight the significant impact of these titles, both of which have seen substantial success on mobile platforms.
While the BAFTA Games Awards may not boast the widespread viewership of Geoff Keighley's Game Awards, they are often considered more prestigious. However, the absence of platform-specific categories, such as those for mobile games, has sparked a debate about visibility. The BAFTA Games Awards eliminated the mobile-specific category in 2019, opting instead to evaluate games across all platforms equally. This approach was explained by Luke Hebblethwaite of the BAFTAs game team, who emphasized that the organization believes games should be judged on their merit, regardless of the platform on which they are played.
This year's winners, Balatro and Vampire Survivors, underscore the reach and influence of mobile gaming. Balatro, a roguelike deckbuilder, has created a buzz in the industry, prompting publishers to scout for similar indie hits. Vampire Survivors, which won Best Game in 2023, continued its winning streak by outperforming heavyweights like Diablo IV and Final Fantasy XIV Online in the Best Evolving Game category.
Despite the lack of a mobile category, the success of these games on mobile platforms suggests that they have indeed benefited from the broader reach that mobile gaming offers. This can be seen as a form of recognition for mobile gaming within the industry.
For those interested in diving deeper into the world of mobile gaming, tuning into the latest episode of the Pocket Gamer Podcast offers further insights and discussions on the topic.
