Balatro Developer's Top Game Pick for 2024 Revealed

Summary

• Balatro developer lauds Animal Well as his favorite game of 2024.
• The developer named some of his other favorite games of 2024 as well.
• Balatro achieved massive success, selling 3.5 million copies, and receiving high acclaim from players and critics.

The developer behind the indie hit Balatro, LocalThunk, has named Animal Well as his top game of 2024. Both Balatro and Animal Well have been celebrated for their creativity and success in the indie gaming world.

Balatro, a deck-building game developed on a modest budget by the solo creator LocalThunk, launched in February 2024 to widespread acclaim. It has sold over 3.5 million copies, showcasing its appeal to both critics and players alike. The year 2024 also saw the release of other notable indie titles like Neva, Lorelei and the Laser Eyes, and UFO 50. Among these, Animal Well has been particularly praised, even matching the critical acclaim of Balatro. In recognition of this, LocalThunk has given a heartfelt nod to Animal Well's solo developer, Billy Basso of Shared Memory.

In a humorous yet sincere Twitter post, LocalThunk awarded Animal Well his "Game of the Year 2024" and the "Golden Thunk" award, commending its immersive experience, style, and hidden secrets. He described it as Basso's "true masterpiece." Basso responded by playfully naming LocalThunk the "(The) Nicest Most Humble Dev of the Year." The exchange was met with positive feedback from fans, who appreciated the camaraderie among indie developers. LocalThunk also shared other indie favorites from 2024, including Dungeons and Degenerate Gamblers, Arco, Nova Drift, Ballionaire, and Mouthwashing, highlighting what he enjoyed about each.

Despite Balatro's success, LocalThunk has continued to enhance the game with free updates, including the "Friends of Jimbo" series that introduced crossover content from popular IPs like Cyberpunk 2077, Among Us, and Dave the Diver. He recently teased a potential collaboration with another top game of 2024, keeping fans eagerly anticipating what's next for Balatro.