The BAFTA Games Awards concluded last night, spotlighting notable winners such as Balatro and Vampire Survivors. However, the absence of platform-specific categories, including those for mobile games, raises questions about visibility in the gaming industry. While the BAFTAs may not have the extensive audience of Geoff Keighley's Game Awards, they are often considered more prestigious, even if less glamorous.
In the 2024 awards, Balatro secured the Debut Game award, showcasing the impact of Localthunk's innovative roguelike deckbuilder. This victory highlights the industry's keen interest in fresh indie titles, with many publishers now on the hunt for the next big hit. On the other hand, Vampire Survivors, which won Best Game in 2023, clinched the Best Evolving Game award this year, triumphing over strong competitors like Diablo IV and Final Fantasy XIV Online.
No Mobile-Specific Categories?
The BAFTA Games Awards have taken a unique approach by eliminating platform-specific awards, including the mobile category which was discontinued in 2019. Despite significant achievements by mobile and multiplatform titles like Vampire Survivors and Genshin Impact, the structure of the awards has not changed. Luke Hebblethwaite, a member of the BAFTAs game team, once shared that the organization believes games should be judged equally, regardless of the platform they are released on.
It's undeniable that games like Balatro and Vampire Survivors have greatly benefited from their availability on mobile platforms, enhancing their reach and recognition. This broader accessibility might serve as a form of acknowledgment for mobile gaming within the BAFTA framework.
These are just my thoughts on the matter. If you're interested in diving deeper into mobile gaming discussions, don't miss the latest episode of the Pocket Gamer Podcast, where Will and I explore the latest trends and insights in the world of mobile gaming and beyond.
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