Balatro, an indie poker roguelike, has recently experienced a surge in sales following its five nominations for The Game Awards 2024, netting over $700,000 in just a week. Originally debuting on PC and consoles in February, the game expanded to mobile by late September and has raked in nearly $4.4 million from iOS and Android users.
Since its early 2024 release, Balatro has captivated gamers with its quick-paced and easy-to-digest gameplay. Developed solo by LocalThunk, the game revolves around crafting poker hands to achieve point goals, featuring over 150 unique Joker cards that introduce special abilities and score multipliers. Its pick-up-and-play nature makes it perfect for those looking for a quick gaming break, and it has continued to gain financial success and prestigious award nominations as the year draws to a close.
Reflecting on its mobile release on September 26, Balatro attracted substantial attention by amassing almost $4.4 million. PocketGamer reports that the indie card game earned $1 million in its debut week on mobile platforms. Following its nominations for Best Game Direction, Best Mobile Game, Best Independent Game, Best Debut Indie Game, and a nod for Game of the Year, Balatro saw another spike in earnings, accumulating $727,000 over the last week. Competing against titles like Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and Black Myth: Wukong, the anticipation builds for the awards on December 12, where fans hope LocalThunk’s groundbreaking title triumphs.
Balatro has not only impressed with its gameplay but also through continuous updates. A notable update in May saw the introduction of additional Joker cards and mechanics like Perishable and Rental Jokers. The game’s “Friends of Jimbo” updates have been a fan favorite, allowing players to modify face cards with characters from other popular games. Influences from The Witcher 3, Cyberpunk 2077, Among Us, and more offer creative flair and expand the game’s appeal. LocalThunk is keen on exploring further collaborations going forward.
Looking ahead to 2025, Balatro is gearing up for a major update. While details are scarce, LocalThunk promises new strategies and ideas as a gesture of gratitude toward the passionate community that has supported the game. With over 2 million copies sold by August 2024, Balatro’s momentum shows no signs of slowing, cementing its place as a significant player in the indie gaming landscape.
