Apple Honors Balatro, Dredge, PBJ in 2025 Design Awards

The 2025 Apple Design Awards have officially concluded

Standout winners include Balatro and Dredge

These prestigious honors celebrate excellence in iOS development across multiple categories

Amid this year's numerous gaming highlights, the Apple Design Awards ceremony might have slipped your notice! This annual event celebrates outstanding iOS releases across categories ranging from technical innovation to the more subjective 'delight & fun' category. This year's winners represent some of the platform's most remarkable achievements.

2025 Apple Design Award Winners

• Balatro (Delight & Fun) - LocalThunk's addictive deckbuilding roguelike earned well-deserved recognition, building on its massive mobile success.

• PBJ: The Musical (Innovation) - This peculiar musical puzzler reimagining Romeo & Juliet with sandwich ingredients stands as this year's most unconventional winner.
• Dredge (Interaction) - The mobile adaptation of this eerie fishing horror simulator impressed Apple's judges with its flawless touch controls.

• Art of Fauna (Inclusivity) - This wildlife puzzle game combines engaging gameplay with themes of environmental conservation and accessibility.
• Neva (Social Impact) - Following a girl and her wolf companion, this indie adventure thoughtfully addresses themes of ecological destruction.

• Infinity Nikki (Visuals & Graphics) - Regardless of gameplay preferences, nobody can deny the breathtaking visual achievement of this fashion RPG.

The Apple Design Awards continue showcasing mobile gaming's potential. Balatro adds another accolade to its impressive year, while Dredge proves its mobile adaptation successfully captures the original's unnerving atmosphere.

Many more gaming honors remain to be awarded this year! Have a favorite title you believe deserves recognition? Make your voice heard by participating in the 2025 Pocket Gamer People's Choice Awards nominations!