Vampire Survivors, Balatro Shine at BAFTA Games Awards

The BAFTA Games Awards concluded last night, celebrating the finest in gaming with notable wins for Balatro and Vampire Survivors. These awards, while perhaps not as widely watched as Geoff Keighley's Game Awards, hold a higher level of prestige, if not the same level of glitz and glamour. Interestingly, despite the absence of platform-specific categories, including mobile, at the BAFTA Games Awards 2024, two major mobile launches from the past year emerged victorious.

Balatro, a roguelike deckbuilder from Localthunk, clinched the Debut Game award. This victory has sparked a frenzy in the industry, with publishers eagerly sifting through indie titles hoping to unearth the next big hit. On the other hand, Vampire Survivors, which previously won Best Game in 2023, was honored with the Best Evolving Game award. This accolade is particularly impressive given the competition from heavyweights like Diablo IV and Final Fantasy XIV Online.

What, No Mobile?

The BAFTA Games Awards have taken an unconventional approach by eliminating platform-specific awards, a change that occurred in 2019. Despite significant wins from top mobile and multiplatform titles like Vampire Survivors and Genshin Impact, the format has remained consistent. Luke Hebblethwaite, a member of the BAFTAs game team, once shared with me that the organization believes that games should be judged on their merits, regardless of the platform on which they are played.

It's undeniable that Balatro and Vampire Survivors have greatly benefited from their availability on mobile platforms, expanding their reach and impact. This broader accessibility could be seen as a form of recognition in itself, even without dedicated mobile categories.

But that's just my perspective. If you're interested in diving deeper into the world of mobile gaming and beyond, why not listen to the latest episode of the Pocket Gamer Podcast? My co-host Will and I delve into all things mobile gaming, offering insights and discussions that might just pique your interest.