Vampire Survivors, Balatro shine at BAFTA Games Awards

The BAFTA Games Awards concluded last night, celebrating excellence in the gaming industry with notable wins for games like Balatro and Vampire Survivors. These awards, while perhaps not as widely recognized as Geoff Keighley's Game Awards, hold a higher level of prestige in the gaming community. However, the absence of platform-specific categories, such as those for mobile games, raises questions about visibility and recognition in the industry.

Balatro, a standout roguelike deckbuilder, clinched the Debut Game award. This victory highlights the game's impact on the industry, sparking a frenzy among publishers eager to find the next big indie hit. On the other hand, Vampire Survivors, which was crowned Best Game in 2023, took home the Best Evolving Game award. This achievement is particularly impressive, given the competition from heavyweights like Diablo IV and Final Fantasy XIV Online.

What, no mobile? The BAFTA Games Awards have taken a unique approach by eliminating platform-specific categories since 2019. This decision, while controversial, reflects the BAFTA's belief that games should be judged on their merit, regardless of the platform they're played on. Despite the lack of a dedicated mobile category, games like Vampire Survivors and Genshin Impact have still managed to shine at the awards.

In a past conversation with Luke Hebblethwaite from the BAFTA games team, he explained that the organization views games as competing on equal footing, regardless of platform. This perspective is evident in the success of games like Balatro and Vampire Survivors, which have greatly benefited from their mobile availability, providing them with a broader reach and, arguably, a form of recognition.

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

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