Squad Busters, developed by Supercell, clinched the prestigious 2024 Apple Award for iPad Game of the Year. This accolade places it in stellar company with Balatro+ and AFK Journey, which also secured significant awards in their respective categories. Despite a rocky start, Squad Busters has impressively regained its footing and now stands as a testament to Supercell's resilience and commitment to quality.
Initially, Squad Busters faced a lukewarm reception upon its launch, a surprising turn for Supercell, known for its meticulous approach to game releases. The Finnish mobile gaming giant, which often cancels projects that don't meet their high standards, saw Squad Busters struggle to capture the audience's attention right out of the gate.
However, perseverance paid off as Squad Busters gradually built a solid player base and refined its gameplay. The game's recognition at the 2024 Apple App Store Awards, specifically in the iPad Game of the Year category, marks a significant milestone. This achievement not only celebrates the game's quality but also underscores its successful recovery.
In the same awards ceremony, AFK Journey by Farlight Games was honored with the iPhone Game of the Year award, while Balatro+ received the Apple Arcade Game of the Year accolade. Squad Busters' inclusion alongside these notable titles highlights its prominence in the mobile gaming landscape.
The initial stumble of Squad Busters sparked curiosity and discussion across the mobile gaming industry. Questions arose about how Supercell, a company renowned for its successful launches, could release a game that didn't immediately resonate with players. The game's unique blend of battle royale and MOBA elements, coupled with the integration of Supercell's various IPs, might not have been what players were expecting or ready for at the time of launch.
Yet, the award from Apple serves as a clear indicator that the game's content and gameplay are of high quality. For Supercell, this recognition is an early holiday gift, affirming the hard work and dedication poured into Squad Busters. While the conversation around its launch and subsequent success may continue, this accolade is a significant step forward for the game.
For those interested in how other games fared this year, the Pocket Gamer Awards offer a comprehensive overview of the industry's top releases and achievements.
