Vampire Survivors and Balatro shine at BAFTA Games Awards

The BAFTA Games Awards concluded last night, celebrating some of the most innovative and impactful games of the year. Among the top winners were Balatro and Vampire Survivors, showcasing the diversity and quality of gaming experiences available today. However, the absence of platform-specific categories, particularly for mobile games, raises questions about visibility and recognition within the industry.

While the BAFTA Games Awards may not have the same global reach as Geoff Keighley's Game Awards, they hold a significant level of prestige. The 2024 awards did not feature dedicated mobile categories, yet two standout mobile titles managed to secure notable wins. Balatro, a roguelike deckbuilder, clinched the Debut Game award, highlighting the buzz and interest it has generated in the industry. On the other hand, Vampire Survivors, which previously won Best Game in 2023, took home the Best Evolving Game award, triumphing over strong contenders like Diablo IV and Final Fantasy XIV Online.

What, no mobile?The BAFTA Games Awards have taken a unique approach by eliminating platform-specific accolades since 2019. This decision was based on the belief that games should be judged on their merits, regardless of the platform they are played on. Luke Hebblethwaite from the BAFTAs game team once explained that the organization felt platform-specific categories contradicted their view that games should stand toe-to-toe across all platforms.

Despite the lack of a mobile-specific category, the success of games like Vampire Survivors and Genshin Impact at the BAFTAs suggests that mobile gaming's impact is still recognized. The reach and popularity that mobile platforms provide to these games cannot be understated, and it's clear that they are competing effectively with titles from other platforms.

In my opinion, the absence of platform-specific categories might not fully reflect the unique challenges and achievements of mobile gaming. However, the wins by Balatro and Vampire Survivors offer some reassurance that mobile games are indeed being acknowledged for their quality and innovation.

For those interested in diving deeper into the world of mobile gaming, consider tuning into the latest episode of the Pocket Gamer Podcast, where my colleague Will and I discuss the latest trends and developments in the industry.

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