It’s the end of the year, and if you're reading this on schedule, it's likely December 29th. Unless Balatro has unexpectedly won more awards, you're probably thinking of the accolades this unique blend of solitaire, poker, and roguelike deckbuilder has garnered. From Indie and Mobile Game of the Year at The Game Awards to winning Best Mobile Port and Best Digital Board Game at the Pocket Gamer Awards, Jimbo's creation has earned widespread praise.
However, some have expressed confusion, even anger, at Balatro's success. Comparisons between its relatively simple visuals and the flashy gameplay videos of other contenders have led to bafflement that a seemingly straightforward deckbuilder has won so many awards. This, I believe, highlights why it's my personal Game of the Year. But first, a few honorable mentions:
Honorable Mentions:
- Vampire Survivors' Castlevania expansion: The addition of iconic Castlevania characters, long teased by Poncle, is a fantastic addition to the game.
- Squid Game: Unleashed is free for all: This bold move by Netflix Games sets a fascinating precedent, potentially increasing player numbers and suggesting a focus on attracting new viewers rather than traditional monetization.
- Watch Dogs: Truth audio adventure released: While not groundbreaking news, it's an interesting strategic choice from Ubisoft, a company that has struggled to define the Watch Dogs franchise. An Audible-only adventure is a unique direction.
My Balatro Experience:
My experience with Balatro has been mixed. It's undeniably captivating, yet I haven't mastered it. I find detailed statistical analysis frustrating, and Balatro's late-game deck optimization has prevented me from completing any runs, despite many hours of play.
However, Balatro represents some of the best value gaming I've experienced in years. It's simple, engaging, and undemanding. While Vampire Survivors remains my top time-waster, Balatro is a close contender.
Its visuals are pleasing, and gameplay is smooth. For $9.99, you get a captivating roguelike deckbuilder that won't elicit ridicule in public (the poker hand might even make you look like a gambling genius!). LocalThunk's ability to create such engaging gameplay from a simple format is impressive. The calming music and satisfying sound effects contribute to its addictive loop, yet it's refreshingly honest about its addictive nature.
But you've likely heard this before. So, why am I discussing it? Apparently, for some, it's not enough.
"But it's just a game-!"
Balatro isn't the most controversial release of the year—that title likely goes to Astrobot after its Game of the Year win at Big Geoff's awards show (ironically, we always seem to get worked up about a self-important show). The reaction to Balatro, however, is telling.
Balatro is unapologetically "gamey" in its design and execution. It's colorful and attractive without being overly complex or flashy; it lacks the trendy "retro" aesthetic. It's not a cutting-edge tech demo, and it's worth remembering that LocalThunk began this, like many successful indie projects, as a passion project.
Its success confounds many, both critics and the public. It's not a flashy gacha game, nor does it push mobile gaming boundaries. To some, it's simply "a card game." And yes, it is—a very well-executed card game that offers a fresh take on the genre. Its quality should be judged by its gameplay, not its graphics or other superficial elements.
It's What's Inside That Counts
The lesson from Balatro is simple: You don't need cutting-edge graphics or complex gameplay to succeed. This humble deckbuilder has found success across PC, console, and mobile platforms, a feat many developers struggle with.
While not a massive financial success, considering the likely low development costs, LocalThunk is probably doing quite well. Balatro proves that multi-platform releases don't have to be massive, cross-platform, cross-progression gacha games. Simplicity and style can unite mobile, console, and PC players.
My own struggles with Balatro highlight its versatility. Some players strive for optimization; others, like myself, find it a relaxing way to pass time.
The point? As we often say when a game like Balatro succeeds, you don't need to be groundbreaking to be successful. Sometimes, being a bit of a "joker" is enough.
