Squad Busters Wins iPad Game of the Year at 2024 Apple Awards

Squad Busters, developed by Supercell, has clinched the prestigious 2024 Apple Award for iPad Game of the Year, showcasing its remarkable turnaround after a less-than-stellar launch. This accolade places Squad Busters in elite company, alongside Balatro+ and AFK Journey, which also secured significant honors at the same event.

Despite a somewhat underwhelming debut, Supercell's latest venture into the mobile gaming market has managed to regain its footing and earn recognition. The Finnish mobile gaming giant, known for its rigorous development process and high standards, had previously shelved numerous projects before deciding to globally launch Squad Busters. This decision was vindicated when the game was awarded the iPad Game of the Year at the 2024 Apple App Store Awards.

Meanwhile, AFK Journey from Farlight Games took home the iPhone Game of the Year, and Balatro+ was celebrated as the Apple Arcade Game of the Year, highlighting a strong year for mobile gaming across different platforms.

The initial stumble of Squad Busters sparked much discussion and concern within the gaming community, with many questioning how Supercell could release a game that didn't immediately capture the market. However, this award suggests that the game's content was not the issue. Having experienced Squad Busters myself, I found it to be an engaging blend of battle royale and MOBA elements. It's possible that the combination of various Supercell IPs may not have initially resonated with players, but the game has evidently grown on its audience over time.

This recognition serves as an early Christmas gift for the team at Supercell, affirming their dedication and hard work. While the debate over Squad Busters' launch may continue, this award marks a significant milestone in its journey.

For those interested in how other games fared this year, you can check out the rankings from the Pocket Gamer Awards to get a broader perspective on the mobile gaming landscape.