The game Balatro, developed by the solo creator known as LocalThunk, emerged as a standout indie hit in 2024, selling an astonishing 5 million copies. This project not only captivated the gaming community but also made waves throughout the industry, securing multiple awards at The Game Awards 2024. The unexpected triumph caught both players and the creator off guard.
LocalThunk had modest expectations for Balatro, given its unconventional gameplay. He initially projected the game would receive scores in the range of 6-7 points. Contrary to these expectations, PC Gamer awarded Balatro a remarkable 91, setting off a wave of high praise from other critics. The game quickly achieved an impressive 90 points on both Metacritic and OpenCritic. LocalThunk himself was taken aback by this reception, admitting he would have rated his own creation no higher than 8 points.
The publisher, Playstack, significantly contributed to Balatro's success by actively engaging with the press prior to the game's launch. However, the true catalyst for its sales surge was the power of word of mouth, which propelled the game to exceed sales forecasts by 10-20 times. In the first 24 hours of its release on Steam, Balatro sold 119,000 copies, a moment LocalThunk described as the most surreal of his life.
Overwhelmed by the game's success, LocalThunk confessed that he has no universal formula to share with other indie developers, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the gaming industry.
