Some of the most touching and surprising stories in game development often emerge from the most unexpected places. One such tale is that of LocalThunk, the lone developer behind the highly praised Balatro. I’ve been keeping tabs on his journey for a while now, and it’s truly fascinating. What started as a passion project blossomed into a Game of the Year contender, racking up an impressive 5 million copies sold.
Initially, LocalThunk, who crafted this card-battling roguelike originally named ‘Joker Poker,’ never anticipated achieving such widespread acclaim. His honest recount of this incredible journey can be found in a new blog post, which paints a vivid picture of the whirlwind timeline surrounding the game’s development. The blog is a compelling read, full of the poignant moments of a humble creator who is caught off guard by his own success. I highly recommend checking it out, but here are a few highlights that stood out to me.
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December 2021 marked a significant turning point when LocalThunk took a brief three-week break from his IT job. He initially planned to work on mods for existing games but instead found himself creating a blueprint for a new game. His initial concept was an online multiplayer experience inspired by card games like Big 2 and Cheat. This idea was later scrapped after he was inspired by a streamer playing Luck Be a Landlord. That’s when he decided to pivot and head down a new path.
LocalThunk began with a simple concept, referred to as ‘CardGame’ in the game’s source code. He intentionally steered clear of playing other roguelikes to retain his creative independence, “I wanted to make mistakes; I wanted to reinvent the wheel,” he recounts. This decision was briefly set aside when he explored Slay the Spire for insights into controller mechanisms. Realizing how easily he could mimic its design, he’s grateful he avoided it for so long.
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Under the impression that Steam was crowded, LocalThunk didn’t initially aim for a huge launch. He was simply considering adding ‘Joker Poker’ to his resume by releasing it on Steam, without any expectations for financial success. This mindset shifted when the game earned praises during beta testing, with friends clocking countless hours on it and encouraging wider distribution.
Following these boosts, LocalThunk’s job situation changed, providing a unique opportunity. His partner secured a new position elsewhere, freeing him to focus solely on game development—no day job dragging him down. Despite the moniker ‘Joker Poker’ already being taken by another app, the name Balatro was ultimately chosen, drawn from ancient Roman meaning, and aligning with LocalThunk’s unique vision.
Through trials and errors, LocalThunk took ‘Joker Poker’—soon renamed Balatro from a pool of other creative suggestions—and began serious work. The painstaking development led him to pay a daunting $100 fee to get his game on Steam. By May 2023, the beta found its footing, initially treading lightly with just 48 wishlists. However, that was all about to change.
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The real turning point came when streamers latched onto Balatro. Dan Gheesling’s stream, among others, significantly boosted its visibility, swelling the wishlists to 2440 by mid-2023. With streamer support and a showcase at Steam’s Next Fest, the momentum for Balatro surged. Tallying nearly 50,000 wishlists by September, support from publisher Playstack came along to help guide the budding success into full bloom.
Trying to keep up with the excitement wasn’t without its strains. As the game neared its February release, LocalThunk juggled rising pressures, including health concerns attributed to stress. Despite the difficulties, he powered through, making key adjustments with an approaching launch in mind. This dedication amplified the game’s presence at Next Fest, where it emerged as one of the top contenders.
As developers rarely get to enjoy their creations in full, LocalThunk took a moment to play through his game before the official release and was delighted by the finished product. The game’s critical success was certified when PC Gamer awarded it a stellar 91. “It doesn’t make any sense,” he modestly reflects, the overall rating being a consistent score of 90 on major platforms.
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The success is more than just numbers. Balatro and its characters have permeated popular culture, with cameos in games like Cyberpunk 2077. Various updates have introduced features and content inspired by iconic titles. Merchandise is now available as well—everything from quirky Jimbo face pillows to actual card decks. Balatro might have started as an indie darling, but its Game of the Year nomination solidifies its status in the gaming landscape.
If Balatro hasn’t caught your eye yet, it’s worthwhile to give it a try and see why it’s garnered such a following. LocalThunk continues to share his insights on game design and development, offering glimpses into his creative process over on his blog. Whether you’re inclined to check it out on Xbox Game Pass or snag a copy from CDKeys, players new and old are in for a delightful ride.
