The creator of Balatro did not expect such a grand success for his game

LocalThunk, the solo developer behind the indie sensation Balatro, witnessed an unexpected triumph in 2024. The game defied all expectations, selling over 5 million copies and becoming a genuine industry phenomenon, even garnering multiple awards at The Game Awards 2024. This level of success surprised both players and the creator himself.

Initially, LocalThunk anticipated modest reviews, predicting a score in the 6-7 range given the game's unconventional design. However, a stunning 91 from PC Gamer, followed by similarly high scores from other critics, propelled Balatro to a remarkable 90 on Metacritic and OpenCritic. This was a complete shock to the developer, who admitted he would have personally rated his own creation no higher than an 8.

Playstack, the publisher, contributed significantly to the game's success through proactive pre-release press engagement. Yet, the true catalyst for Balatro's explosive sales was overwhelmingly positive word-of-mouth marketing, exceeding initial projections by a factor of 10 to 20. The game's phenomenal Steam launch, selling 119,000 copies in its first 24 hours, remains a surreal experience for LocalThunk.

The overwhelming success of Balatro has left its creator without a simple formula to share with other indie developers. The game's journey serves as a testament to the unpredictable nature of the gaming market and the power of a truly unique and engaging experience.