Vampire Survivors, Balatro shine at BAFTA Games Awards

• The BAFTA Games Awards concluded last night
• Leading accolades went to Balatro and Vampire Survivors
• But does the absence of platform-specific categories impact mobile visibility?

While it may not match the global spectacle of The Game Awards, the BAFTA Games Awards hold a distinct prestige—less flash, more substance. Though the 2024 ceremony didn’t feature dedicated mobile categories, two major mobile-friendly titles still claimed top honors, highlighting the platform’s growing influence.

Balatro, the breakout roguelike deckbuilder from developer Localthunk, earned the Debut Game award. The win cements its status as one of the most celebrated indie releases in recent memory—a title that’s not only captivated players but also shifted industry attention toward niche, innovative gameplay. However, its success comes with a caveat: publishers now aggressively scout for the "next Balatro," often overlooking creative risks in favor of formulaic imitations.

Meanwhile, Vampire Survivors, which won Best Game in 2023, added another trophy by claiming Best Evolving Game this year. This victory is especially impressive given the competition—titles like Diablo IV and Final Fantasy XIV Online. Its continued recognition underscores how a well-supported, cross-platform title can maintain relevance and player engagement over time.

Where are the mobile categories?
Notably, the BAFTA Games Awards have not included platform-specific categories since 2019, eliminating the once-present mobile award. This decision reflects BAFTA’s philosophy that games should compete on equal footing regardless of platform. As Luke Hebblethwaite from the BAFTA games team previously explained, the organization believes excellence in game design transcends the device it's played on.

Still, the omission raises questions. Titles like Balatro, Vampire Survivors, and Genshin Impact have leveraged mobile’s vast reach to achieve mainstream success. By not recognizing platform-specific achievements, are these awards underrepresenting the unique challenges and innovations mobile developers face?

While the current format offers broader recognition for cross-platform hits, the lack of a dedicated space may limit visibility for mobile-first experiences. Yet, wins like these serve as indirect validation—proof that mobile games can stand tall among console and PC giants.

For more insights on mobile gaming’s evolving landscape, tune into the latest episode of the Pocket Gamer Podcast, where we dive deep into this year’s awards and what they mean for the future of the industry.