Vampire Survivors and Balatro Shine at BAFTA Games Awards

The BAFTA Games Awards concluded last night, celebrating the best in gaming with notable wins for Balatro and Vampire Survivors. However, the absence of platform-specific categories, including mobile, raises questions about visibility for games on different platforms.

While the BAFTAs may not have the widespread reach of Geoff Keighley's Game Awards, they arguably surpass it in prestige, if not in spectacle. The 2024 BAFTA Games Awards did not feature specific mobile categories, yet two significant mobile titles emerged victorious. Balatro, a roguelike deckbuilder, clinched the Debut Game award, sparking industry buzz and a hunt for the next indie sensation. Meanwhile, Vampire Survivors, which won Best Game in 2023, was honored with the Best Evolving Game award, triumphing over formidable competitors like Diablo IV and Final Fantasy XIV Online.

The BAFTA Games Awards have taken a unique stance by eliminating platform-specific accolades since 2019. This decision was based on the belief that games should be judged on their merits, regardless of the platform they're released on. Luke Hebblethwaite, a member of the BAFTAs game team, once shared with me that the organization felt platform-specific categories were at odds with their view that games should compete on equal footing.

Despite the lack of mobile-specific categories, the success of Balatro and Vampire Survivors highlights the significant impact mobile platforms can have on a game's reach and recognition. This can be seen as a form of acknowledgment for mobile gaming's influence.

These are just my thoughts on the matter. If you're interested in diving deeper into mobile gaming discussions, consider tuning into the latest episode of the Pocket Gamer Podcast, where Will and I explore the latest trends and insights in the mobile gaming world.