Vampire Survivors, Balatro Shine at BAFTA Games Awards

The BAFTA Games Awards concluded last night, and while they might not boast the same global reach as Geoff Keighley's Game Awards, they arguably outshine them in terms of prestige, if not in sheer spectacle. This year's awards saw notable victories from two major mobile game releases, despite the absence of platform-specific categories.

Balatro, the breakout roguelike deckbuilder from Localthunk, clinched the award for Debut Game. This win has sent ripples through the industry, with many publishers now on the hunt for the next big indie hit, perhaps inspired by Balatro's success. On the other hand, Vampire Survivors, which was crowned Best Game in 2023, took home the award for Best Evolving Game. This is a remarkable feat, especially considering it went head-to-head with giants like Diablo IV and Final Fantasy XIV Online.

No Specific Mobile Category?

The BAFTA Games Awards have a unique approach, choosing not to feature platform-specific awards. This decision was solidified in 2019 when the mobile-specific category was eliminated. Despite significant wins for mobile and multiplatform titles like Vampire Survivors and Genshin Impact, the format has remained consistent.

In a past conversation, Luke Hebblethwaite, a member of the BAFTA games team, shared that the organization believes games should be judged on their merit, regardless of the platform they're released on. This philosophy underscores their approach to awards, emphasizing the quality and impact of games over the devices they're played on.

Both Balatro and Vampire Survivors have undeniably benefited from their availability on mobile platforms, which has extended their reach and player base. This could be seen as a form of recognition in itself, highlighting the importance of mobile gaming within the broader gaming ecosystem.

Of course, this is just my take on things. If you're eager for more insights into mobile gaming and beyond, why not tune into the latest episode of the Pocket Gamer Podcast? Join me and Will as we dive deep into the world of mobile games in our co-op discussion.