Squad Busters nabs iPad Game of the Year at the 2024 Apple App Store Awards

Supercell's Squad Busters has achieved a remarkable comeback, winning the 2024 Apple Award for iPad Game of the Year. This prestigious accolade places it alongside fellow winners Balatro+ (Apple Arcade Game of the Year) and AFK Journey (iPhone Game of the Year). The game's journey to success is particularly noteworthy, given its initially underwhelming launch.

Despite a less-than-stellar debut—a surprising misstep for a company known for its string of billion-dollar hits—Squad Busters has steadily gained traction. Its blend of battle royale and MOBA elements proved to be a winning formula, ultimately earning recognition as a top-tier iPad game. The award suggests the initial struggles weren't due to inherent flaws in the game's design, but perhaps a matter of timing or market saturation. While the debate continues regarding the reasons for its initial reception, this award serves as a testament to Supercell's perseverance and the game's ultimate quality. It's a well-deserved victory for the team.

The early struggles of Squad Busters sparked considerable discussion. Many questioned how Supercell, a company renowned for its meticulous approach to game development and release, could stumble. The game's unique blend of established Supercell game mechanics may have simply been an unexpected deviation from what players were seeking at the time.

Regardless of the initial challenges, this Apple Award is a significant achievement. It's a rewarding conclusion to a journey of resilience and a testament to the team's hard work. For those curious about other notable games of the year, be sure to check out the Pocket Gamer Awards.