Poker roguelike Balatro is nominated in five categories for the Game Awards 2024, including first place – Game of the Year. Solo developer LocalThunk is the only independent developer in the Game of the Year and Best Game Direction categories to share the same lineup: Astro Bot, Balatro, Black Myth: Wukong, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, AND Metaphor: ReFantasia. Balatro is also nominated for Best Indie Game, Best Debut Indie Game, and Best Mobile Game. Balatro was released in February for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One and Xbox Series X. It appeared on mobile devices in September.
Balatro developer LocalThunk (who uses a pseudonym online) told Polygon that it’s “totally surreal” to be nominated among such hard-hitting contestants Elden Ring: Shadow of Erdree, Final Fantasy 7: Rebirthand others. “The more time passes, the more I feel like I accidentally won the game developer lottery. I’d like to think this game has appeal, but I think its appeal pales in comparison to the amazing other nominees.”
LocalThunk added that he was “totally surprised” to be nominated for Game of the Year, but plans to celebrate with a nice dinner with his partner.
“I have been fortunate to share this journey with many other independent developers, and the outpouring of love and support from them, my friends and family has been overwhelming,” added LocalThunk.
