The Game Awards 2024 recognized the best achievements in mobile gaming, acknowledging projects that pushed the boundaries of innovation, player engagement, and design. The nominees for "Best Mobile Game" presented a variety of genres and gaming experiences, each making a unique contribution to the growth of mobile gaming.

Nominees for "Best Mobile Game" of the year:

AFK Journey

Developed by FARLIGHT and Lilith Games studios, AFK Journey is an idle-RPG that combines strategic battles with a storyline, like most games of this genre. Players assemble teams of heroes and embark on adventures, with gameplay designed for both active player interaction and passive progress. However, it is hardly distinguishable from competitors in terms of gameplay.

Balatro

Balatro is a poker roguelike created by independent developer LocalThunk, merging card game mechanics with roguelike elements, which is quite an unusual combination. Players overcome procedurally generated challenges using poker combinations, thus offering a fresh take on classic card games.

Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket

Pokémon TCG is a rather decent Pokémon simulator that allows players to collect themed cards, build decks, and compete with other players worldwide. It faithfully captures the strategic depth of the original games through card duels, the thrill and nostalgia of collecting game cards as in childhood. However, Pokémon TCG offers nothing unique to become the game of the year winner.

Wuthering Waves

Developed by Kuro Games, Wuthering Waves is an open-world RPG set in a post-apocalyptic world. The game offers dynamic combat, an expansive storyline, and a detailed environment, inviting players to explore and uncover the universe's mysteries.

Zenless Zone Zero

Another major game from the studio miHoYo, creators of Genshin Impact, Zenless Zone Zero is an action-RPG that combines dynamic combat with a vibrant urban setting. Players control multiple characters, each with unique abilities, progressing through the story, leveling up heroes, and engaging in other game activities. However, the game does not differ much from Genshin Impact to be unique and take the honorable first place at The Game Awards for Best Mobile Game of the year.

Winner of the Year: Balatro

Balatro became the winner in the "Best Mobile Game" category at The Game Awards 2024. Its innovative combination of poker mechanics with roguelike elements captivated both critics and players. The procedurally generated challenges and strategic depth offered a fresh experience in mobile gaming.

The game achieves a perfect balance between simplicity for newcomers and depth of mechanics for experienced players. This inclusiveness broadens its appeal to a diverse audience. Procedurally generated challenges, a vast number of cards, and unexpected events make each run unique, giving players endless reasons to return to the game.

Conclusion

The "Best Mobile Game" category at The Game Awards 2024 showcased a range of exceptional projects, each making an interesting contribution to mobile gaming development. However, Balatro's victory highlights the potential of innovative gameplay and independent video game development. It proves that even simple games can become unique with a fresh perspective through an unconventional approach.