Balatro Dev Names Top Game Pick for 2024

LocalThunk, the creator of the wildly successful indie game Balatro, has declared Animal Well his personal Game of the Year for 2024. This accolade, playfully dubbed the "Golden Thunk" award, highlights the exceptional "engrossing experience," "style," and "secrets" found within Billy Basso's Metroidvania masterpiece. Balatro, a deck-building game launched in February 2024, achieved phenomenal success, selling over 3.5 million copies and garnering critical acclaim. Both Balatro and Animal Well represent significant indie triumphs from the year.

The mutual respect between these solo developers is evident. Basso, in response to LocalThunk's praise, affectionately referred to him as a remarkably humble and kind developer. Online fans celebrated the positive interaction and camaraderie between these indie game creators.

Beyond Animal Well, LocalThunk also shared his appreciation for several other 2024 indie favorites, including Dungeons and Degenerate Gamblers, Arco, Nova Drift, Ballionaire, and Mouthwashing, highlighting aspects he particularly enjoyed in each. The inclusion of Dungeons and Degenerate Gamblers, a pixel art deck-building game developed by a solo creator, is noteworthy due to its similarities with Balatro.

Despite Balatro's impressive success, LocalThunk continues to actively support the game. Three "Friends of Jimbo" updates have already introduced crossover content from popular titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Among Us, and Dave the Diver, with hints of further collaborations on the horizon.

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LocalThunk's choices underscore the rich and diverse landscape of indie gaming in 2024, and the spirit of collaboration within the community.