A new twist on virtual poker, created by a former IT professional, has unexpectedly become one of the year’s top gaming hits.
“Balatro,” developed by an individual known only by the alias localthunk, redefines poker with its unique gameplay elements. By introducing random powers to a deck of cards, it pushes the boundaries of traditional poker in ways only video games can. Since its release in February, “Balatro” has sold an impressive 2 million copies. Just recently, it launched on both iOS and Android, alongside Apple Arcade.
“Balatro” has gained traction as a game that bridges the gap between casual puzzle enthusiasts and more in-depth game genres. At its core, it still uses familiar poker rules (you can see them here), with hands like pairs and royal flushes, but adds a twist through joker cards with special modifiers. For instance, a “Lusty Joker” card adds bonuses for cards in the hearts suit, while other modifications amplify scores further. A detailed in-game tutorial helps players get up to speed with its innovative mechanics.
The past year has seen several unexpected hits in gaming, and “Balatro” is firmly among them. Its success has even led to consideration as one of the best games of the year. The game has captured attention from critics in gaming and beyond. Craig Jenkins, a music critic at Vulture, even hinted that it could be his game of the year, while Keza MacDonald, a games journalist at The Guardian, admitted to being so absorbed in it that she had to keep her gaming device at home to avoid distractions while working on her review.
Amidst all the buzz, the game’s creator remains grounded, aiming not to let the accolades affect his focus.
“I appreciate the recognition, but my main motivation comes from creating games for my own enjoyment,” localthunk explained in an email interview. “Criticism is useful, but I try to stay focused on the craft of making games rather than external opinions.”
Before entering the world of game development, localthunk worked in IT, handling data analytics and light software development. The viral success of “Balatro” drastically changed his life, leaving little time for himself as he navigates the challenges of running a business while keeping up with the demands of a huge player base.
“Things have definitely gotten more chaotic,” he shared. “While I love that I can now make games for a living, I also enjoyed the quiet time when it was just a hobby.”
With “Balatro” becoming an overnight sensation, localthunk has had to master new skills, including managing public relations, fixing bugs, and fine-tuning card balances. The mobile version, which took up most of his time in recent months, was a natural fit for smartphones but brought added pressure to meet player expectations.
The game’s addictive nature stems from its polished user interface, satisfying sound effects, and rewarding gameplay loops. The simplicity of seeing points rise as you play gives it a universal appeal.
“I love the mechanics of ‘Balatro.’ I focused on creating an art style and atmosphere for the game, but at its heart, it’s all about the gameplay. There’s no story, no moral lessons—just pure mechanics, similar to solitaire,” he said. He also compared it to other popular games, such as “Black Myth: Wukong,” but highlighted how “Balatro” focuses on system-based play rather than narrative.
While games like The Last of Us have crossed into film and television, localthunk believes the uniqueness of video games lies in how they rely on player interaction and systems. That’s the core appeal for him.
“For me, it’s the synergy of systems and simplicity that I love in games. It’s amazing to see players connecting with that,” he concluded.
