The BAFTA Games Awards concluded last night, spotlighting some remarkable winners such as Balatro and Vampire Survivors. These awards, while not as widely watched as Geoff Keighley's Game Awards, carry a significant prestige within the industry, focusing more on the artistry and innovation of games rather than the glitz and glamour.
A notable absence from the BAFTA Games Awards 2024 was the lack of platform-specific categories, a trend that began in 2019. Despite this, mobile games have continued to shine. Balatro, a roguelike deckbuilder, clinched the Debut Game award, showcasing the potential of indie games to make a significant impact. Its success has sparked a wave of interest from publishers, eager to find the next big hit.
Vampire Survivors, a standout from 2023, won the Best Evolving Game award, competing against heavyweights like Diablo IV and Final Fantasy XIV Online. This victory underscores the game's ongoing appeal and adaptability across multiple platforms, including mobile.
The Impact of No Mobile-Specific Categories
The BAFTA Games Awards' decision to eliminate platform-specific categories has been a topic of discussion. Luke Hebblethwaite, a member of the BAFTAs game team, once shared that the organization believes games should be judged on their merit, regardless of the platform they're played on. This perspective aims to highlight the quality of games universally, rather than segregating them by device.
While the absence of mobile-specific awards might seem to reduce visibility for mobile games, the success of titles like Balatro and Vampire Survivors suggests that mobile gaming's reach and impact are still recognized. These games have benefited immensely from their availability on mobile platforms, reaching a broader audience and achieving notable success.
However, the debate on whether this approach truly serves the diverse gaming ecosystem continues. For those interested in delving deeper into this topic and the world of mobile gaming, I invite you to listen to the latest episode of the Pocket Gamer Podcast, where my co-host Will and I explore these issues in detail.
