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

Squad Busters, developed by Supercell, has been honored with the 2024 Apple Award for iPad Game of the Year, marking a significant achievement despite its rocky start. This accolade places Squad Busters in esteemed company alongside Balatro+ and AFK Journey, which also clinched major awards at the Apple App Store Awards.

Supercell's Squad Busters experienced a less-than-stellar launch, which was surprising given the company's reputation for meticulously selecting games for global release. However, the game has since regained its footing and proven its worth, culminating in this prestigious recognition from Apple.

AFK Journey, developed by Farlight Games, was awarded iPhone Game of the Year, while Balatro+ took home the Apple Arcade Game of the Year award. These awards highlight the high caliber of mobile gaming in 2024, with Squad Busters standing out as a notable success story.

The initial stumble of Squad Busters sparked discussions and curiosity across the mobile gaming community. Many wondered how Supercell, known for its rigorous game selection process, could release a game that didn't immediately capture the market. Yet, the iPad Game of the Year award suggests that the game's content was not the issue. Having experienced Squad Busters firsthand, I found it to be a compelling blend of battle royale and MOBA elements. Perhaps the initial lukewarm reception was due to the game's unique mix of Supercell IPs, which might not have resonated with players at the time of launch.

While the conversation around Squad Busters' launch and subsequent success continues, this award serves as an early Christmas gift for the Supercell team, affirming their dedication and hard work. For those interested in seeing how other games fared this year, the Pocket Gamer Awards offer a comprehensive look at the top releases.