Blue Prince, the new title from Dogubomb, has caught attention for its impressive reception, achieving a 92% rating on Metacritic and being named one of the best puzzle games in recent years by the prestigious magazine PC Gamer. This acclaim has sparked interest among the developer community, particularly from LocalThunk, the creator of Balatro, who has urged Geoff Keighley from The Game Awards to consider Blue Prince for a Game of the Year nomination in 2025. LocalThunk, excited about the game, used the Bluesky platform to express that “Blue Prince […]
Blue Prince, the new title from Dogubomb, has caught attention for its impressive reception, achieving a 92% rating on Metacritic and being named one of the best puzzle games in recent years by the prestigious magazine PC Gamer. This acclaim has sparked interest among the developer community, particularly from LocalThunk, the creator of Balatro, who has urged Geoff Keighley from The Game Awards to consider Blue Prince for a Game of the Year nomination in 2025.
LocalThunk, excited about the game, used the Bluesky platform to express that “Blue Prince will receive a GOTY nomination at TGA”. In support of his claim, the developer shared screenshots from Metacritic, where the game currently holds the highest rating among 2025 releases, surpassing Split Fiction by one point. However, since Keighley does not use Bluesky much, LocalThunk turned to Twitter to make his request more firmly, highlighting the fact that this is the studio’s first commercial release.
LocalThunk may not be wrong in that it gets at least one nomination
In response, Keighley expressed interest by mentioning that he has been following the game’s development. In turn, Dogubomb thanked LocalThunk for their support, reflecting a camaraderie atmosphere among independent developers. Although Blue Prince has not been released yet, it is scheduled to be available on Steam on April 10 at 7 am PT/10 am ET, which has generated even more excitement among players.
With the backing of a prominent figure in the industry like LocalThunk, the possibility of Blue Prince receiving a Game of the Year nomination seems promising. While nothing can be guaranteed, the support and virality of the game on social media could work in its favor at an event where independent successes also find their place.
Balatro has generated controversy after being classified as 18+ on YouTube, a decision that its creator, LocalThunk, denounces as erroneous. The platform has restricted videos related to the game, claiming content linked to gambling, despite the fact that Balatro does not simulate or promote the use of real betting. A way of understanding the game that has affected it before. According to the update of YouTube’s community guidelines, implemented on March 19, videos featuring “representations or promotions of online casino sites” have been restricted. However, the content of […]
Balatro has generated controversy after being rated 18+ on YouTube, a decision that its creator, LocalThunk, denounces as incorrect. The platform has restricted videos related to the game, claiming content linked to gambling, despite the fact that Balatro does not simulate or promote the use of real gambling.
A way to understand the game that has affected him before
According to the update of YouTube’s community guidelines, implemented on March 19, videos that feature “representations or promotions of online casino sites” have been restricted. However, Balatro’s content is based on risk/reward mechanics and a random number generator, common elements in many video games, and LocalThunk assures that their work does not condone gambling nor contains real betting.
The controversy is not new. Previously, the European Games Rating Board had imposed a high rating of 18+ on Balatro in the United Kingdom, which resulted in the temporary withdrawal of the game from several stores due to concerns about gambling. At that time, LocalThunk clearly stated that “I do not condemn the game nor do I believe that Balatro contains elements of gambling.”
The situation has led to a new level of frustration for LocalThunk, who commented on the ironic protection of children by restricting access to knowing the play of a four-card poker while allowing them to watch unboxing videos in games like Counter-Strike, which effectively allow transactions with real money.
In its response to YouTube’s restriction, LocalThunk points out that the appropriate distinction between Balatro and other titles involving gambling is not being considered. The situation highlights a challenge in the classification of video games, especially those that touch on themes related to chance but do not involve real gambling.
Balatro is a deck-building card game that emerges as a rebellious fusion providing a fresh take on mechanics and reinvents the game of poker. At the core of this experience are illegal poker hands, an abundant variety of dynamic wildcards, and a wave of gameplay driven by combos that ensures each match feels distinct and equally exciting.
LocalThunk, the enigmatic developer behind the acclaimed game Balatro, has decided to maintain his anonymity to face the pressures of success in the video game industry. During his recent participation in the Game Developers Conference, LocalThunk had the opportunity to observe for the first time how strangers interacted with his creation. This experience was revealing, and the developer expressed on Bluesky: “Some people told me I should have played this before,” which reflects his skill and connection with the game. A decision based on wanting to maintain his privacy Despite his anonymity, which some compare […]
LocalThunk, the enigmatic developer behind the acclaimed game Balatro, has decided to maintain his anonymity to face the pressures of success in the video game industry. During his recent participation in the Game Developers Conference, LocalThunk had the opportunity to observe for the first time how strangers interacted with his creation. This experience was revealing, and the developer expressed on Bluesky: “Some people told me I should have played this before,” which reflects his skill and connection with the game.
A decision based on wanting to maintain your privacy
Despite his anonymity, which some compare to the style of the famous artist Banksy, LocalThunk does not seek to provoke media attention. According to Wout van Halderen, communications director of Playstack, the publisher of Balatro, his decision to remain in the shadows is based on a personal preference, allowing him to enjoy his success without being overwhelmed by the public spotlight. This gives him the freedom to act and experiment at events like GDC in ways that other recognizable developers could not. For example, during the conference, LocalThunk moved through the crowd after showcasing some impressive gameplay of the game.
The revelation of LocalThunk has sparked discussions about how interactions are perceived at such events. A GDC attendee shared a piece of advice they had received: “Don’t read the badges until after talking to someone, so you don’t get dazzled by fame.” This philosophy seems to resonate with LocalThunk’s experience in choosing discretion in their public appearances.
The reserved approach of LocalThunk has been positively received, both for its personal well-being and for the appeal it generates among fans, turning its story into a fact as intriguing as the game Balatro itself.
Balatro, the acclaimed game that started as a simple hobby project, has managed to sell millions of copies and has been awarded several prizes since its release. Its success has continued to grow, capturing the attention of players around the world and becoming a phenomenon that even features collaborations with iconic characters like Geralt of Rivia. However, its creator, known as LocalThunk, has chosen to remain anonymous, allowing him to handle the pressure that comes with the success of the work. A man who likes to be anonymous According to Playstack’s communications director, Wout […]
Balatro, the acclaimed game that started as a simple hobby project, has managed to sell millions of copies and has been awarded several prizes since its release. Its success has continued to grow, capturing the attention of players around the world and becoming a phenomenon that even features collaborations with iconic characters like Geralt of Rivia. However, its creator, known as LocalThunk, has chosen to remain anonymous, allowing him to handle the pressure that comes with the success of the work.
A man who likes to be anonymous
According to Playstack’s communications director, Wout van Halderen, LocalThunk’s choice to remain in the background is not part of a Banksy-style marketing strategy. Instead, it is a thoughtful decision aimed at protecting his personal life. “LocalThunk is a person who doesn’t really enjoy the spotlight,” says van Halderen. “His anonymity has been a way to cope with the pressure and maintain some normalcy in his daily life.”
Despite the success, the enigma surrounding LocalThunk has sparked speculation about its intentions. Many consider its anonymity a tactic to accentuate the mischievous nature of the game, an interpretation that van Halderen has clarified as incorrect. “I just wanted to be left alone to create my game and live my life,” he adds.
The success of Balatro has also opened new opportunities in terms of collaborations and merchandising, facilitating quicker access to partnerships thanks to its popularity. “When you achieve success with a game like Balatro, it’s easier for platforms to respond to your proposals,” notes van Halderen. However, LocalThunk enjoys the advantage of having a quiet personal life, where their greatest recognition is possibly for hockey, a luxurious showcase in today’s digital entertainment society.
Balatro is a deck-building card game that emerges as a rebellious fusion providing a fresh take on mechanics and reinvents the game of poker. At the core of this experience are illegal poker hands, an abundant variety of dynamic wildcards, and a wave of gameplay driven by combos that ensures each match feels distinct and equally exciting.
A recent debate on the Balatro subreddit has led developer LocalThunk to express his stance on art generated by artificial intelligence, arguing that this type of art harms artists and is unwelcome in the community. This conflict began after an intervention by former moderator DrTankHead, who stated that the subreddit would not ban AI-generated art as long as it was properly labeled. LocalThunk is clear: AI harms artists. However, the community’s response was notable, showing strong disagreement with the apparent acceptance of AI-generated art. LocalThunk, in a […]
A recent debate in the Balatro subreddit has led developer LocalThunk to express his stance regarding art generated by artificial intelligence, arguing that this type of art harms artists and is unwelcome in the community. This conflict began after an intervention by former moderator DrTankHead, who stated that the subreddit would not ban AI-generated art as long as it was properly labeled.
LocalThunk is clear: AI harms artists
However, the community’s response was notable, showing a strong disagreement with the apparent acceptance of AI-generated art. LocalThunk, in an attempt to clarify the situation, emphasized that both he and Playstack, the company behind Balatro, do not support the use of this technology in their projects. “I do not use AI in my game, I believe it harms artists of all kinds,” expressed LocalThunk. Following these statements, a moderator was removed from their position due to their previous comments about AI.
In addition, Wout van Halderen, director of communications at Playstack, reaffirmed that the company does not condone the use of AI-generated art and that the subreddit rules would be adjusted accordingly. In fact, the new rules explicitly prohibit any AI-generated content, emphasizing the community’s commitment to protecting artists.
Despite the opposition from LocalThunk and Playstack to AI-generated art, there is a trend of developers and players who are more open to its use. In a twist, the subreddit Balatroromance, known for containing NSFW content, has announced that it will allow AI-generated art, maintaining its support for LocalThunk and the Balatro moderation team.
With this movement, questions arise about the future of art within gaming communities and whether AI will take a place in the culture of development or if we will continue to see resistance to its use on these platforms.
Balatro is a deck-building card game that emerges as a rebellious fusion providing a fresh take on mechanics and reinvents the game of poker. At the core of this experience are illegal poker hands, an abundant variety of dynamic wildcards, and a wave of combo-driven gameplay that ensures each match feels distinct and equally exciting.
The card roguelike Balatro has positioned itself as one of the great successes of 2024, achieving an impressive 98% positive ratings on Steam and ranking tenth on Metacritic. Developed by LocalThunk, the game has surprised both critics and players, notably exceeding the expectations of its creator, who initially thought it would only appeal to a limited audience. Impostor syndrome also affects the greats Before its release, LocalThunk was cautious about the game’s potential. In a blog post, the developer mentioned that its publisher, Playstack, did an excellent […]
The card roguelike Balatro has positioned itself as one of the great successes of 2024, achieving an impressive 98% positive ratings on Steam and ranking tenth on Metacritic. Developed by LocalThunk, the game has surprised both critics and players, notably exceeding the expectations of its creator, who initially thought it would only appeal to a limited audience.
Impostor syndrome also affects the greats
Before its release, LocalThunk was cautious about the game’s potential. In a blog post, the developer mentioned that its publisher, Playstack, did an excellent job promoting Balatro among the press, but he himself did not trust that the title would receive a good reception. However, the lifting of the review embargo on February 19 revealed an unexpected phenomenon: Balatro quickly achieved a rating of 90 on Metacritic, a figure it has maintained since then.
The arrival of the game also came with notable anticipation, accumulating over 208,000 additions to the wishlist on Steam before its release. Despite the excitement, LocalThunk feared that the success would be fleeting and anticipated weeks of hard work to fix possible bugs after the launch. Surprisingly, Balatro hit the market with remarkable stability and generated over $600,000 in revenue in its first hours, thus consolidating its success.
With critical acclaim and solid commercial performance, Balatro emerges not only as a personal triumph for LocalThunk but also as an example that innovation in video games can still surprise in a saturated industry. This card roguelike has shown that bold bets can lead to great rewards, becoming one of the standout titles of the year.
Balatro has been the most successful indie game of 2024, but additionally, promises to expand throughout 2025 thanks to the tremendous success it is.
Balatro is being the big indie of 2024. No other game dares to achieve the numbers that this one does. There is also no other game that, in such a short time, has inspired such an intense wave of other games imitating it in one way or another. People wanted something like Balatro, both among players and developers, and it doesn’t seem like we’re going to see a formula exhaustion soon. Or a loss of interest from players.
Its developer, LocalThunk, has confirmed that Balatro has managed to sell an astonishing 2 million copies so far. Absolutely staggering numbers for an indie development, by a single person, that started as a game he made for himself and his friends. A unexpected success that, furthermore, he plans to continue developing. Because this is not the end for Balatro.
According to a comment on Twitter, a major gameplay update will be coming to Balatro in 2025. Adding new ideas and strategies, we don’t have details on what exactly this update will add, but we do have a very important detail: it will be completely free. A demonstration of appreciation from its developer to the entire community.
Along with the fact that he has confirmed that he has changed his will to ensure that his games can never be used in casinos or other gambling platforms and that there will be a physical edition on September 17th, LocalThunk keeps giving us joy with Balatro. And it seems that the same will continue even during 2025.
Balatro has been one of the biggest indie hits of the season, now announcing its expansion to more devices and million-dollar sales.
Some games become popular because they are good. They don’t rely on gimmicks, trends or big advertising campaigns. They are simply great games and that’s why, upon release or some time later, they manage to reach their audience. In some cases, they even manage to break through and reach the mainstream. This is what has happened with the latest indie sensation: Balatro.
The premise of Balatro is very simple. We have a French deck of cards and we have to make the minimum possible amount of points each turn, using a maximum number of hands and discards. In each new phase, we have to achieve a greater amount of points to overcome it, while the points are obtained by creating poker hands. That simple. That limited. Or it would be if there wasn’t something else behind it.
Balatro is a game full of details that add depth to the game. We can obtain jokers that allow us to increase our scores. Bonuses that improve some of our cards. Or buy or destroy cards, if what we want is to have a deck tailored to a particular run.
Because Balatro is a roguelike. One that, like any good roguelike, gives us the tools to play in a linear and strict way, if that’s what we want, but also to break the game in all unimaginable ways. As many players have already discovered, it is possible to make hands worth millions of points with the right combinations, if not billions of points if we dedicate a special effort to break the game. This is not limited to a single strategy, partly due to the randomness factor, partly due to the simplicity and flexibility of its foundation, which makes the possible winning strategies virtually infinite.
That’s why it has become one of the most popular games of the moment. It’s easy to understand, difficult to master, and incredibly fun to break. That’s why it’s no surprise that its popularity keeps growing. Leading even to its developer, LocalThunk, deciding to take it further.
According to statements made by the developer to iMore, Balatro will be coming soon to Apple mobile devices. Without giving a specific date or the qualities of this port, they have only confirmed that the game will be available for anyone who has an iPhone or an Apple tablet.
This will contribute to further increasing its sales, which are already extraordinary. According to Harvey Elliot, CEO of Playstack, the game’s publisher, Balatro has already sold over a million copies. With its release dating back to February 20th for PC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, this means that the game has sold this amount in less than a month, with the first 500,000 copies being sold during the first ten days. An absolutely staggering amount for an indie game, even after being forced to disappear from all online console stores for a few days.
According to the statement released by PlayStack’s CEO, the success of Balatro is “a testament to the quality and creativity that the indie sector can deliver.” Similarly, LocalThunk has also emphasized, in another statement, that “I still can’t comprehend the response to this game.” Demonstrating how impactful its success has been, even when it is well-deserved.
In addition, those who already have Balatro will have few reasons to stop playing. According to LocalThunk, their idea is to continue providing post-launch support to the game, including new secrets to the game. Something that, considering its success and how easily modifiable it is, would not be surprising to end up meaning the inclusion of new content in the game. Especially when in a tweet to announce that million copies milestone, they hinted that “we still have fun things planned for the future”.
For all these reasons, it is easy to assume that Balatro still has a long way to go. Not only because as a roguelike it is potentially infinite, as previous similar games have shown us with a lifespan of years, like Slay The Spire, but also because of the amazing reception it has had among the public. Something that seems to confirm that the popularity of roguelikes and card games has not been a one-day thing – the genre is here to stay.
