It’s the end of the year, and if you're reading this on schedule, it's probably December 29th. Unless Balatro unexpectedly won more awards, you're likely aware of its impressive sweep of accolades. It snagged Indie and Mobile Game of the Year at The Game Awards and, uniquely in our Pocket Gamer Awards, won both Best Mobile Port and Best Digital Board Game. Jimbo's creation has garnered widespread praise.
However, its success has also sparked confusion and even anger. Comparisons between its relatively simple visuals and flashier games are common, leading some to question why a seemingly simple deckbuilder received so many awards. This, I believe, highlights why it's my personal Game of the Year. But first, a few honorable mentions:
Honorable Mentions:
- Vampire Survivors' Castlevania expansion: The long-awaited arrival of iconic Castlevania characters is a triumph.
- Squid Game: Unleashed is free for all: A potentially precedent-setting move by Netflix Games, suggesting a focus on attracting new viewers.
- Watch Dogs: Truth audio adventure released: An intriguing, if unconventional, approach to the Watch Dogs franchise, choosing an Audible-only adventure.
Balatro: A Mixed Bag
My experience with Balatro has been mixed. While undeniably engaging, I haven't mastered it. I find detailed statistical optimization frustrating, and Balatro's late-game deck optimization demands have prevented me from completing any runs despite many hours of play.
Despite this, it's been among the best gaming purchases I've made in years. It's simple, easily accessible, and undemanding. While not my perfect time-waster (that title belongs to Vampire Survivors), it's a strong contender.
It's visually appealing and plays well. For $9.99, you get a captivating roguelike deckbuilder that won't elicit ridicule in public (it might even make you look like a gambling mastermind!). LocalThunk's ability to elevate a simple format is commendable. From the calming music to the satisfying sound effects, everything is designed to keep you hooked—but in a refreshingly honest, subtle way.
So, why am I talking about it? Because for some, its success is baffling.
Beyond the Hype
Balatro didn't receive the most backlash this year (that likely goes to Astrobot after its Game of the Year win at Big Geoff's awards, ironically a show often criticized for self-importance). The reaction to Balatro highlights a misunderstanding of its merit.
Balatro is unapologetically "gamey" in design and execution. It's colorful and engaging without being overly complex or flashy. It lacks the retro aesthetic trend, and it's important to remember that LocalThunk began it as a passion project before realizing its potential.
Many, both critics and the public, find Balatro's success perplexing because it's not a flashy gacha game, nor does it push mobile gaming boundaries. It isn't a battle royale featuring anime characters; to them, it's "just a card game." And while that's true, it's a very well-executed card game that offers a fresh perspective. Its quality should be judged on its gameplay, not its visual fidelity or other superficial aspects.
Substance Over Style
The lesson from Balatro's success is simple: You don't need cutting-edge graphics or complex gameplay to succeed. This humble deckbuilder thrived across PC, console, and mobile platforms—a significant achievement in a market where many barriers remain.
While not a massive financial success, its relatively low development costs likely resulted in a significant profit for LocalThunk. Balatro proves that a multi-platform game doesn't need to be a massive, cross-platform gacha experience like Genshin Impact. Simplicity and style can bring together players across different platforms.
My own struggles with Balatro highlight its accessibility. Some players strive for optimal deck construction, while others, like myself, enjoy it as a more relaxed way to pass the time.
Ultimately, the point is simple: As Balatro's success demonstrates, you don't need to be groundbreaking or visually stunning to achieve success. Sometimes, being a bit of a joker is all it takes.
