With all the excitement surrounding the biggest game releases and events of 2025, you may have missed one of the most prestigious recognitions in mobile gaming—the Apple Design Awards. Held annually, these awards celebrate excellence across iOS titles, highlighting standout achievements in areas such as innovation, visual design, inclusivity, and overall user experience. This year was no exception, featuring a diverse lineup of games that pushed the boundaries of what’s possible on mobile.
Top Winners at the 2025 Apple Design Awards
Balatro (Delight & Fun)
LocalThunk's critically acclaimed deckbuilding roguelike took home the award for Delight & Fun, a fitting recognition for its quirky charm and addictive gameplay loop. Originally gaining traction on PC, its seamless mobile adaptation only solidified its place as one of the most beloved indie titles of the year.
PBJ: The Musical (Innovation)
A truly unique entry, PBJ: The Musical earned top honors in the Innovation category. This puzzle game reimagines Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet with peanut butter and jelly as the main characters—proving that creativity still has a strong place in modern mobile development.Dredge (Interaction)
Bringing the eerie atmosphere and engaging gameplay of Dredge to mobile was no small feat. This win in the Interaction category highlights the success of adapting a deep, narrative-driven fishing simulator into a smooth mobile experience without losing its core identity.
Art of Fauna (Inclusivity)
Celebrating nature and conservation through intuitive puzzle design, Art of Fauna received the Inclusivity award. Its accessible gameplay and educational undertones make it a standout title for players of all ages and backgrounds.Neva (Social Impact)
This emotionally driven action-adventure title took the Social Impact award by storm. Following a young girl and her wolf companion, Neva tackles themes of environmental loss and resilience, resonating deeply with players around the globe.
Infinity Nikki (Visuals & Graphics)
A visual feast for the eyes, Infinity Nikki earned top marks in the Visuals & Graphics category. While its fashion-focused gameplay divides opinions, there's no denying the technical artistry and graphical polish that went into bringing this title to life on mobile.
Why These Wins Matter
The Apple Design Awards serve as a powerful testament to the growing influence and creative potential of mobile gaming. It's especially noteworthy that titles like *Balatro* and *Dredge* continue to gain momentum across platforms, proving that high-quality, immersive experiences are no longer exclusive to consoles or PCs.
While these winners represent the best of what Apple had to highlight this year, the broader gaming community still has a voice. If you feel your favorite game didn’t receive the recognition it deserves, now is your chance to make a difference. Head over to the [2025 Pocket Gamer People's Choice Awards]([ttpp]) and cast your vote—because great games deserve to be celebrated, no matter where they play.
