It's year-end, and time for my "Game of the Year" selection: Balatro. While not necessarily my favorite game, its success warrants discussion.
By now (December 29th, assuming scheduled publication), Balatro's numerous awards are likely familiar. It swept The Game Awards (Indie and Mobile Game of the Year), and uniquely won two Pocket Gamer Awards: Best Mobile Port and Best Digital Board Game. This small game, a creation of Jimbo, has garnered widespread praise.
However, its success has also caused confusion and even anger. Comparisons between flashy gameplay trailers and Balatro's relatively simple visuals have sparked debate. The disbelief that a straightforward deckbuilder could win so many awards is understandable.
This, however, highlights why it's my GOTY. Before delving into that, let's acknowledge some other notable games:
Honorable Mentions:
- Vampire Survivors' Castlevania expansion: The long-awaited addition of iconic Castlevania characters is fantastic.
- Squid Game: Unleashed is free: A potentially groundbreaking move by Netflix Games, suggesting a focus on attracting new viewers.
- Watch Dogs: Truth audio adventure: An interesting, albeit unexpected, mobile release choice by Ubisoft.
A Mixed Bag
My experience with Balatro is mixed. It's undeniably engaging, yet I haven't mastered it. The focus on optimizing deck statistics, a frustrating aspect for me, has prevented me from completing runs despite many hours of play.
Despite this, Balatro represents excellent value. It's simple, time-consuming without being demanding, and visually appealing. For $9.99, you get an engaging roguelike deckbuilder that won't elicit ridicule in public (the poker element might even impress some!). LocalThunk's ability to elevate such a simple format is commendable.
The calming music and satisfying sound effects create an addictive loop, but the game is refreshingly honest about its addictive nature.
Why the Fuss?
Balatro's success has been met with skepticism. Some argue it's "just a game," a sentiment echoed towards Astrobot after its GOTY win at another awards show. This reaction to Balatro is telling.
Balatro is unapologetically "gamey." It's visually appealing without being overly complex or flashy, lacking the trendy "retro" aesthetic. It's not a cutting-edge tech demo; LocalThunk began it as a passion project, later recognizing its potential.
Many find Balatro's success perplexing. It's not a flashy gacha game, nor does it push mobile gaming boundaries. It's simply a "card game," which it is, but a well-executed one with a fresh take. This highlights that game quality shouldn't be solely judged by visuals or other superficial elements.
Substance Over Style
Balatro's success demonstrates that multi-platform releases don't need to be complex, cross-platform behemoths like Genshin Impact. A simple, well-designed game with unique style can appeal to mobile, console, and PC players.
While not a massive financial success, its low development cost likely resulted in significant profit for LocalThunk.
Balatro's appeal lies in its accessibility. Some players strive for optimization, while others, like myself, enjoy its relaxed pace.
In conclusion, Balatro's success reinforces the idea that a game doesn't need groundbreaking graphics or complex mechanics to thrive. Sometimes, simplicity and well-executed design are enough.
