In a whirlwind of excitement following five prestigious nominations at The Game Awards 2024, the indie hit Balatro has seen its sales soar, raking in an impressive $727,000 over the last week. Originally making its debut on PC and consoles back in February, this poker roguelike dazzled mobile gamers as well when it landed on iOS and Android in September, amassing nearly $4.4 million in revenue from these platforms alone.
Almost immediately after its early 2024 release, Balatro captivated audiences with its fast, engaging gameplay. Thanks to LocalThunk, the solitary genius behind its development, players find themselves drawn into a world where crafting poker hands leads to achieving specific score objectives. Add in over 150 quirky Joker cards that throw in special powers and multipliers, and you’ve got a game that’s easy to play yet hard to put down—ideal for quick gaming sessions throughout the day. As 2024 draws to a close, its runaway success in terms of both revenue and accolades continues to soar.
News from PocketGamer highlights Balatro’s remarkable journey since it hit mobile stores in late September. With a staggering $4.4 million in sales, including a $1 million haul during its first week, the game’s recent nominations announced in mid-November have sparked a noticeable spike in sales figures. Competing for titles such as Best Game Direction, Best Mobile Game, Best Independent Game, Best Debut Indie Game, and even the coveted Game of the Year, this poker roguelike stands against giants like Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and Black Myth: Wukong. Enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting to see if LocalThunk’s beloved indie can clinch some wins come December 12.
Since its launch, Balatro has undergone several updates, including a key patch in May that expanded its Joker card lineup and introduced Perishable and Rental mechanics. The game has also embraced collaborations through the “Friends of Jimbo” updates, inviting players to feature notable characters from popular games like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Cyberpunk 2077 among others as customization options for their face cards. LocalThunk has hinted at more exciting collaborations on the horizon.
Looking ahead, players can anticipate Balatro’s first significant update slated for 2025. While details remain under wraps, LocalThunk promises this free update will bring fresh strategies and concepts as a gesture of gratitude towards the game’s passionate and dedicated community. As of August 2024, sales topped 2 million units, and it seems the momentum of this indie gem shows no sign of slowing.
Balatro blends poker strategy with roguelike thrill, inviting players to craft powerful card synergies for maximum impact. With high stakes elegance, it challenges gamers to assemble the perfect hand and conquer risky blinds, all set to a backdrop of dynamic gameplay and strategic card play. Released in early 2024 by LocalThunk and published by Playstack, this card-based escapade is a must-try for anyone with a penchant for strategic digital card games.
