Supercell's Squad Busters Wins Apple's 2024 iPad Game of the Year Award
Despite a rocky start, Supercell's Squad Busters has rebounded impressively, culminating in a prestigious win at the 2024 Apple App Store Awards. The game secured the coveted iPad Game of the Year award, sharing the spotlight with other acclaimed titles like Balatro+ (Apple Arcade Game of the Year) and AFK Journey (iPhone Game of the Year).
Squad Busters' initial launch was underwhelming for Supercell, a surprising setback given the company's rigorous approach to releasing new games. The unexpected stumble sparked considerable discussion within the mobile gaming industry, questioning Supercell's seemingly unusual decision to proceed with a global launch.
However, the Apple award suggests the game's core mechanics weren't the issue. The blend of battle royale and MOBA elements, while perhaps not initially resonating with players accustomed to Supercell's standalone IPs, ultimately proved successful.
This accolade serves as a significant validation of Supercell's persistence and a well-deserved reward for their efforts. The debate surrounding the game's initial reception may continue, but this award provides a positive conclusion to the year for the development team.
For a comparison of other notable game releases this year, check out the Pocket Gamer Awards.