In 2024, the indie game Balatro, crafted by the solo developer known as LocalThunk, emerged as a phenomenal success, selling over 5 million copies. This unexpected triumph not only shook the gaming industry but also clinched multiple awards at The Game Awards 2024. Neither the players nor LocalThunk himself anticipated such an overwhelming reception.
LocalThunk had initially braced for modest reviews, expecting scores around 6-7 points due to the game's unconventional concept. However, the tide turned dramatically when PC Gamer awarded Balatro a remarkable 91, prompting other critics to follow with equally high praise. The game quickly achieved an impressive 90 points on both Metacritic and OpenCritic, leaving LocalThunk astonished. He humbly admitted that he would have rated his own creation no higher than an 8.
The publisher, Playstack, significantly contributed to this success by actively engaging with the press prior to the game's release. Yet, it was the power of word of mouth that truly propelled Balatro's sales, surpassing projections by 10-20 times. The game sold an astounding 119,000 copies within the first 24 hours on Steam, 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, underscoring the unpredictable nature of the gaming industry.
