There are few tales in the gaming world as touching and surprising as the one emerging from LocalThunk, the lone developer of Balatro, which has captured both hearts and awards, becoming a Game of the Year contender and selling a staggering five million copies. Initially crafted as a hobby project, Balatro, a compassionate card-battling rogue-like, was never anticipated to soar to such success, a sentiment echoed in LocalThunk’s heartfelt blog post detailing the game’s unpredictable journey. It’s an enthralling narrative worth reading, emanating the essence of a passionate creator delightfully caught off guard by the acclaim his work has garnered. Here are some captivating snippets I gathered from his chronicle.
A Short Vacation in December 2021 Started It All
LocalThunk leveraged three weeks off from his IT job during the winter of 2021 to work on a leisurely project. Initially dabbling with mods for other games, he soon veered towards assembling a template for a new game. The plan was to create a multiplayer game inspired by card games like Big 2 and Cheat, an idea abandoned after watching Northernlion stream Luck be a Landlord, which nudged him towards a different path. This was the genesis of what he simply called ‘CardGame,’ a name that still reflects in the game’s source code. Determined to avoid undue influence, he steered clear of other roguelike games to preserve his unique vision. However, he sheepishly admits to breaking this resolution by replaying Slay the Spire for controller input insights, humorously relieved he didn’t fall into replicating their exquisite design.
Taking the Game to Steam
As 2022 rolled on, LocalThunk vigorously experimented with prototypes, initially dubbing his project ‘Joker Poker.’ His off-work hours were consumed perfecting this game. Despite the rudimentary mechanics and placeholder assets, these early stages laid the groundwork that would integrate Jokers and Boss Blinds, refining gameplay to its eventual form. It wasn’t until May that LocalThunk seriously entertained the notion of releasing on Steam, a step motivated by wanting to bolster an application for future game developer roles rather than seeking fame or fortune. Enqueuing beta praise from a friend who logged countless hours made public release feel both feasible and compelling.
Transforming Joker Poker into Balatro and a Full-Time Gig
LocalThunk’s life pivoted once more as his partner relocated for work, affording him the opportunity to delve into game development full-time. The initial name Joker Poker was snagged by another app, leading him to tap his friends for title suggestions. Despite no one opting for it, he landed on Balatro—a term for a professional jester in Roman times—because it resonated deeply. With the nerve-wracking $100 Steam fee paid, LocalThunk transitioned from a niche hobbyist to a public game developer, even as initial responses were muted with just 48 wishlists by May 2023.
Streamers, Publishers, and Building Momentum
Later that year, streamers latched onto Balatro, notably Dan Gheesling, giving the game its first significant wave of attention, sending wishlists soaring to 2,440 by June’s end and sparking a publishing opportunity with PlayStack. Streamers like NorthernLion and features at Steam’s Next Fest propelled Balatro further into the spotlight, with wishlists nearing 50,000 by September.
Pressure Mounts Despite Health Challenges
LocalThunk candidly shares the mounting pressure of surging demand from an eager audience, leading to anxiety and health concerns by early 2024. Yet, spurred by community feedback, he pushed towards crucial modifications pre-launch. The Next Fest saw Balatro flourish, with LocalThunk finally taking to playing his own game, delightfully acknowledging a personal achievement: crafting the fun game he’d always hoped for.
Recognition and Widespread Success
The big moment arrived when PC Gamer handed a 91 score, leaving LocalThunk astonished, with the game’s rave reviews averaging a 90 on Metacritic and OpenCritic. The financial success that followed—a substantial $600,000 in revenue—was celebrated simply with champagne and burgers.
Balatro’s Impact and Future
Today, Balatro’s influence suffuses the gaming world, with the "balatrification" visible in unexpected crossovers in games like Cyberpunk 2077. The game has expanded with substantial updates, inspired by venerated franchises, while merchandise has burgeoned into an eclectic array of memorabilia. Balatro’s launch success was slightly shadowed by skepticism as a token indie nominee, but it promptly captivated players, turning many into aficionados. If you haven’t yet, engage with this phenomenon on Xbox Game Pass, or snag it online. For further real-world anecdotes and insights, delve into LocalThunk’s blog, where his musings on game design are as entry points into his fascinating journey with Balatro.
