Balatro, an indie card game that has taken the gaming world by storm, has recently surpassed an impressive milestone, selling over three-and-a-half million copies. The game’s official Twitter account broke the news, adding a touch of humor by referencing its humble beginnings with creator LocalThunk.
LocalThunk initially set out with modest intentions, jokingly stating on Twitter, “Just gonna make a game for myself and a few friends.” However, in a candid conversation with GQ, the developer expressed mixed feelings about Balatro’s runaway success. While the newfound fame has brought positive changes to their life, there’s a hint of nostalgia for simpler days.
“I can’t dismiss the incredible changes it has brought to my life,” shared LocalThunk. “I’m deeply grateful. But sometimes, I long for the period when it was just a passion project, something that invigorated me. There are moments I think, ‘Would I have been happier if Balatro had never hit the public shelves?'” They further reflected on how the past year has been the most hectic one they’ve ever experienced. LocalThunk is now focused on rediscovering that original joy, contemplating ways to bring back the zen of developing games purely as a leisure pursuit.
Back in March, merely a month post-launch, Balatro had already sold over a million copies, setting the stage for its current success story.
