Summary
To callBalatroanything buta success would be an understatement. In fact, it might require a new word, because the hit game has blazed an incredible path, one that has changed the life of its creator forever.
To recap, to date,Balatro has sold over five million copies and counting. That figureincludes a staggering $4.5 million from mobile sales alone. It wasnominated for multiple Game of the Year awards, and before 2024 was up,it managed to crossover with multiple major franchises, including The Witcher.
Still, while the game manages to rise above and set new records, the life of LocalThunk has remained largely the same, and that’s by choice.
LocalThunk Is The Same Person Through And Through
In an interview with Bloomberg, LocalThunk, the creator of Balatro, who wishes to be as anonymous as possible, shared that development on the game began in 2021. By 2024, the game was ready for release and was a major hit on day one, thanks to a unique marketing plan.
In the wake of its success, he was able to purchase a house for him and his partner, as well as quit his daytime job in IT. The riches, however, haven’t changed much otherwise.
“It’s been a lot of stress, but very fulfilling, being able to walk on something that I love all day, every day, as long as I want,” LocalThunk said. “We’d been living below our means anyway when I had that IT job, so our lifestyle hasn’t changed all that much. I travel a little more, so I can visit friends. I’m just trying to be responsible right now with anything. I still have a job to do.”
That “job to do” is working on Balatro, specifically a 1.1 update that will include new Jokers and other features. When asked about what fans could expect, LocalThunk played coy, noting that he doesn’t want to promise something that may not work.
“I’m not going to get into exactly what’s going to be in it, because that also means I can’t pivot if something new doesn’t work,” he said. “I think it’s healthier for the game that I keep my cards close to my chest, then give you the best version of whatever this new content update is.”
Once the patch is out, LocalThunk isn’t sure what the future holds. He doesn’t have “any imminent game ideas,” and is rather satisfied continuing to chip away at Balatro. “I know I’m lucky in that regard,” he added. What is clear, though, is that no matter what direction Balatro takes, he’ll continue to be the person he was before and after the game.
