Some of the most touching and unforgettable stories in game development often come from the most surprising places. I’ve been keeping tabs on LocalThunk, the lone creator behind the celebrated game, Balatro. His journey is nothing short of remarkable.
Starting as a mere hobby, this card-battling rogue-like—originally called ‘Joker Poker’—wasn’t supposed to become a hit, yet here we are: 5 million copies sold and a nomination for Game of the Year. In a recent blog post, LocalThunk gives us a glimpse into the whirlwind adventure that brought Balatro to life. His raw and honest reflections reveal the heart of a humble game designer who never anticipated his creation would strike such a chord.
The Journey Begins in December 2021
The story begins during a three-week vacation that LocalThunk took in December 2021, setting aside time from his IT job to kickstart a project. What began as tinkering with mods eventually evolved into the blueprint for an entirely new game. Initially, he envisioned an online card game blending elements from Big 2 and Cheat. But after seeing Northernlion play "Luck Be a Landlord," he pivoted to a different concept.
At this point, his work-in-progress was simply called ‘CardGame.’ LocalThunk made a point of avoiding other roguelikes to ensure that his creation was authentically his, devoid of external influences. However, he later found himself breaking this self-imposed rule when he booted up "Slay the Spire" in May 2023 to solve controller issues for his game.
Breaking into the Steam Market
Throughout 2022, LocalThunk refined his vision, settling on the name ‘Joker Poker.’ Balatro began with basic mechanics and placeholder graphics that gradually morphed into something more substantial. Despite the challenges, he toyed with the idea of launching on Steam—a daunting platform with countless games, where few developers make a substantial living.
He seriously considered making ‘Joker Poker’ his first public release, driven not by dreams of fame but by the practical goal of bolstering his resume as a game developer. Encouraging feedback from a friend who’d spent hours playing the beta confirmed that the game was ready for a broader audience.
Transforming Joker Poker into Balatro
With major life changes underway—namely, relocating for his partner’s new job—LocalThunk decided to push all his chips into game development, choosing to focus full-time on what by now was Balatro. The name Joker Poker, it turned out, was already taken, prompting a brainstorm session with his friends for alternatives. Ultimately, LocalThunk chose Balatro, meaning professional jester—a title that resonated with him.
The journey to Steam included building assets and paying the intimidating $100 fee to list the game, which at first seemed like a gamble with little hope for return. Yet after going live in May 2023, traction was slow, with only 48 wishlists.
Playstack and Streamer Support Amplify Balatro’s Reach
Things took a turn when streamers caught wind of Balatro, most notably Dan Gheesling, whose endorsement helped wishlist numbers soar to 2440 by the end of June. It wasn’t long before LocalThunk partnered with Playstack for distribution support.
As NorthernLion and others championed the game, it was featured at Steam’s Next Fest, and wishlists reached 50,000 by September.
Navigating Crunch Time Despite Health Struggles
With growing interest in the game, the pressure on LocalThunk escalated. The demands of launching to such an eager audience were intense. By early 2024, he dealt with anxiety-induced health issues but remained determined to polish the game for its February release. Ironically, developers often miss out on playing their own games, yet LocalThunk found genuine enjoyment in his creation—a moment of fulfillment against the backdrop of relentless development.
Balatro’s Unstoppable Rise
The release saw the game receive stellar reviews, including a 91 from PC Gamer. To LocalThunk, this acclaim was surreal. Perceptions shifted as sales figures hit 50,000, amassing $600,000 in revenue—a life-changing sum for the developer celebrating with burgers and champagne.
Balatro in the Gaming World
Balatro’s launch was just the beginning. Nominated for Game of the Year, it left its mark with characters like Jimbo, appearing in titles such as Cyberpunk 2077. Expansions added cards inspired by iconic games, and merchandise became available, further cementing its place in gaming culture. Initially met with skepticism, it quickly won over players.
If you haven’t yet dived into Balatro, now’s the time. It’s on Xbox Game Pass or can be picked up for just $9.69 at CDKeys. For more insights, head over to LocalThunk’s blog, where he shares more about his design philosophy, even drawing inspiration from games like Solitaire.
