In a year filled with massive open world RPGs and AAA live service games with ambitious season passes , it’s incredible that the title that truly captured the hearts (and free time) of players in 2024 was actually just a silly little poker riff called Balatro . Produced by a single anonymous developer who goes by the name LocalThunk , Balatro is a game that defies simple explanation, one whose appeal falls squarely into the “you just have it play it to see” category. But that hasn’t prevented the game from becoming a smash hit, garnering numerous “game of the year” nominations, and pulling attention away from the industry’s heavy hitters.
For many, Balatro has become an obsession, an endlessly playable and perpetually surprisingly anomaly that demands just another round, keeping gamers glued to their screen from the comfort of their couch to the morning commute. Balatro ‘s ascent in the mainstream zeitgeist is unprecedented for an indie game of its kind, even garnering a nom for “Game of the Year” at the industry’s biggest annual event, The Game Awards . Although the crown ultimately went to PlayStation’s darling Astro Bot , Balatro still pulled off the hat trick of “Best Indie Game,” “Best Debut Indie Game,” and “Best Mobile Game” at the ceremony.
The game has been heralded as both a critical and commercial success, with over 3.5 million units sold as of December, and ranks at or near the top of digital storefronts across every platform fr.
