The BAFTA Games Awards concluded last night, with notable victories for Balatro and Vampire Survivors. These wins spotlight the impact of mobile gaming, yet the absence of platform-specific categories raises questions about visibility in the industry.

While the BAFTA Games Awards may not boast the extensive audience of Geoff Keighley's Game Awards, they arguably surpass them 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 from Localthunk, clinched the Debut Game award. This success has sparked a frenzy among publishers, eager to unearth the next indie sensation. On the other hand, Vampire Survivors, which previously 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 Absence of Mobile Categories

The BAFTA Games Awards have taken a unique stance by eliminating platform-specific accolades, a decision made back in 2019. Despite the success of mobile and multiplatform titles like Vampire Survivors and Genshin Impact, the awards format has remained consistent. Luke Hebblethwaite, a member of the BAFTAs game team, once shared with me that the organization believes games should be judged on their merit, regardless of the platform they're released on.

It's undeniable that both Balatro and Vampire Survivors have greatly benefited from their mobile availability, enhancing their reach and impact. This can be seen as a form of recognition for mobile gaming, even without dedicated categories.

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 developments in the mobile gaming world.