The BAFTA Games Awards concluded last night, shining a spotlight on some standout titles. Among the top winners were Balatro and Vampire Survivors, which took home awards despite the absence of platform-specific categories. This raises an interesting question about the visibility of games, particularly those popular on mobile platforms.
While the BAFTA Games Awards may not have the broad reach of Geoff Keighley's Game Awards, they are often regarded as more prestigious, if perhaps less glamorous. The absence of mobile-specific categories since 2019 has been a topic of discussion, yet the awards have continued to recognize games that have made significant impacts across multiple platforms.
Balatro, a roguelike deckbuilder, clinched the Debut Game award. Its success has sparked a frenzy in the industry, with many publishers now scouring the indie scene for the next big hit. On the other hand, Vampire Survivors, which won Best Game in 2023, was honored with the Best Evolving Game award this year. This is a remarkable feat, considering it competed against major titles like Diablo IV and Final Fantasy XIV Online.
The decision to remove platform-specific accolades was explained by Luke Hebblethwaite of the BAFTA games team. He stated that the organization believes games should be judged equally, regardless of the platform on which they are played. This approach suggests that games like Balatro and Vampire Survivors, which have benefited immensely from their mobile reach, are recognized for their overall impact and quality.
While the lack of mobile categories might be a point of contention, the recognition of these titles at such a prestigious event can be seen as a testament to their success across platforms. It's an acknowledgment that resonates with the broader gaming community.
For those interested in diving deeper into the world of mobile gaming and beyond, consider tuning into the latest episode of the Pocket Gamer Podcast, where I join Will to discuss these topics in detail.
