In 2024, localthunk, the developer of the poker-based roguelike deckbuilder video game Balatro, experienced a year that exceeded all expectations. At The Game Awards 2024, held in the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, Balatro took home three prestigious trophies, solidifying its place as one of the industry’s most acclaimed games.
Despite being a surprise hit, Balatro’s success at The Game Awards was not unexpected. The game swept three key categories: Best Independent Game, Best Debut Indie Game, and Best Mobile Game. Additionally, Balatro was nominated for Game of the Year, an impressive feat for a game created by a single individual and competing against AAA titles from major studios. Ultimately, Astro Bot, developed by Team Asobi and owned by PlayStation Studios, secured the Game of the Year award.
While localthunk prefers to stay out of the spotlight, Wouter van Halderen and Liz Cheng-Moore from Balatro’s publisher, Playstack, accepted the awards on his behalf. Despite his low profile, localthunk is active on social media and humorously tweeted about needing a sturdy trophy shelf for his growing collection.
Balatro was launched on February 20, 2024, and has sold over 3.5 million copies across various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and mobile devices. With its unique gameplay mechanics and engaging experience, Balatro has captured the hearts of millions of players worldwide.