Balatro, the indie card game that’s been dealing out fun since its release, has hit the jackpot. The poker-inspired roguelike has sold a staggering 3.5 million copies, cementing its place as a breakout hit in the gaming world. Just two weeks prior, Pocketgamer announced that the game had already raked in $4.4 million since its release in February this year.
Developed by a solo creator, Balatro’s success story is quite incredible. The game blends poker elements with deck-building mechanics, creating a unique experience that’s kept players coming back for more. Its intuitive design and immersive audio-visual elements have earned praise from fans and critics alike.
“Balatro, like Slay The Spire before it, has stolen countless hundreds of hours from my life. Boy, were they great hours though,” shared one enthusiastic player, highlighting the game’s addictive nature.
LocalThunk: Just gonna make a game for myself and a few friends
— Balatro (@BalatroGame) December 11, 2024
Also LocalThunk: pic.twitter.com/xnRi0tvM3g
The Balatro community can’t wait for new content and features. An expansion DLC is planned for 2025, prompting speculation about what new tricks the game might have up its sleeve. Players are hoping for fresh game modes, additional jokers, and new tarot cards to shake up their strategies.
While the game has found success on multiple platforms, the mobile version has been particularly popular. However, some players have suggested improvements, such as adding a portrait mode for easier one-handed play. “If they can make this work vertically on iPhone, I’ll probably lose my job and friends,” joked one mobile gamer.
Despite its popularity, Balatro isn’t without its challenges. Some players have noted that high-stakes games often rely on limited strategies, calling for more diverse options to keep the gameplay fresh at all levels. Without a doubt, Balatro is one of the biggest gaming surprises of the year and we are excited to see what its developers come up with next.
