Squad Busters, the latest release from Supercell, has clinched the prestigious 2024 Apple Award for iPad Game of the Year. This accolade places it alongside other notable winners such as Balatro+, which took home the Apple Arcade Game of the Year, and AFK Journey by Farlight Games, which was crowned iPhone Game of the Year. Despite a rocky start, Squad Busters has managed to regain its footing and rise to prominence in the gaming world.
Initially, Squad Busters experienced a lackluster launch, which came as a surprise given Supercell's reputation for launching successful games. The Finnish mobile giant is known for its rigorous development process, often shelving projects that do not meet their high standards. Yet, Squad Busters, a blend of battle royale and MOBA elements featuring various Supercell IPs, struggled to capture the immediate attention of players.
However, perseverance and continuous improvement have paid off for Supercell. The recognition from the Apple App Store Awards serves as a testament to the quality and appeal of Squad Busters. This award not only highlights the game's successful recovery but also underscores the potential of the unique gameplay mix that Supercell has crafted.
The industry and players alike were initially skeptical about Squad Busters' launch, questioning how a company known for its hit games could release a title that didn't immediately resonate with audiences. Yet, the content of Squad Busters itself has proven to be engaging and well-received, suggesting that the initial lukewarm reception may have been more about timing and player expectations than the game's quality.
This award is a significant milestone for Supercell, offering a much-needed boost and validation of their efforts. It's an early Christmas treat for the team, affirming that their hard work and dedication to creating innovative and enjoyable games have been recognized.
For those interested in seeing how other releases of the year stacked up, you can check out the rankings from the Pocket Gamer Awards to get a broader perspective on the gaming landscape in 2024.