Balatro Creator: “Maybe I Would’ve Been Happier” Not Releasing The Game

A Game of the Year contender and super successful, Balatro came out of nowhere this year from an anonymous developer called LocalThunk. It sounds like the perfect feel-good story, but the creator of the poker-inspired roguelike title has second guessed releasing it.

Speaking with GQ, LocalThunk reflected on what a whirlwind 2024 has been since launching Balatro and whether the card game’s supernova rise has led to any regrets. “Honestly, yeah,” the Balatro creator said. “Don’t get me wrong–this has changed my life in a lot of amazing ways. I’m so grateful. But I do miss that time before. It was just a hobby that recharged my batteries. Sometimes I think, ‘Maybe I would’ve been happier if I had never released this game to the public.'”

The developer added that he also knows he’s “very lucky,” since financially, he could likely walk away today from working and be set. However, LocalThunk plans to update Balatro next year. In fact, expect new Jokers for the game in 2025, as the creator notes he has “a lot of fun ideas.” Balatro has received a couple of updates since coming out, including crossovers with Stardew Valley and Cyberpunk 2077. In fact, CD Projekt Red just reciprocated the love by adding a Balatro quest to the action-RPG as a part of a new update.

As for a follow-up game to Batatro, don’t bet on it. “If I were to make another game after Balatro, which I’m not really thinking about right now, it would be really cathartic to make it and not show anyone,” explained LocalThunk.

Balatro is one of GameSpot’s 10 best games of 2024. The card game is also up for Game of the Year at The Game Awards tonight.