Balatro, a game developed by the solo creator known as LocalThunk, emerged as a standout indie success of 2024, amassing over 5 million sales. This unexpected triumph not only shook the gaming industry but also garnered numerous accolades at The Game Awards 2024. Neither the players nor LocalThunk himself anticipated such a phenomenal reception.
Initially, given its unique concept, LocalThunk expected Balatro to receive moderate reviews, perhaps around 6-7 out of 10. However, the game defied these expectations when PC Gamer awarded it an impressive 91 out of 100, a sentiment echoed by other critics, propelling Balatro to an average score of 90 on both Metacritic and OpenCritic. LocalThunk himself was taken aback, admitting he would have given his own game no more than an 8 out of 10.
The publisher, Playstack, significantly contributed to Balatro's success by actively engaging with the press prior to the game's launch. Yet, it was the power of word of mouth that truly drove sales, surpassing initial forecasts by 10 to 20 times. Within just the first 24 hours of its Steam release, an astonishing 119,000 copies were sold, a moment LocalThunk described as the most surreal of his life.
Overwhelmed by the game's success, LocalThunk confessed that he has no definitive formula to share with other indie developers, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the gaming market.
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