Balatro surprised everyone this year, becoming a top contender for Game of the Year despite being released by the mysterious LocalThunk.
In a chat with GQ, LocalThunk talked about the wild ride of 2024 after launching Balatro and shared mixed feelings about the game’s huge success. “Honestly, yeah,” the creator admitted. “Don’t get me wrong–this has changed my life in a lot of amazing ways. I’m so grateful. But I do miss that time before. It was just a hobby that recharged my batteries. Sometimes I think, ‘Maybe I would’ve been happier if I had never released this game to the public.'” Sometimes we wonder if too much success can be a bad thing for creators.
Despite feeling lucky enough to quit working anytime, LocalThunk is planning more updates for Balatro in the coming year. In fact, get ready for new Jokers in 2025, as the developer has “a lot of fun ideas.” Since its launch, Balatro has seen updates like crossovers with Stardew Valley and Cyberpunk 2077, and CD Projekt Red even added a Balatro quest to their game!
However, don’t hold your breath for another game from LocalThunk. “If I were to make another game after Balatro, which I’m not really thinking about right now, it would be really cathartic to make it and not show anyone,” LocalThunk mentioned.
Balatro has secured a spot among GameSpot’s top 10 games of 2024 and is in the running for Game of the Year at The Game Awards tonight.
