Despite making one of the best roguelike card games ever, solo Balatro dev only realized "the day before launch" they might have a hit on their hands
Mar. 14, 2024Little did they know it would sell 500,000 copies in 10 days
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Localthunk, the enigmatic creator behind the new poker-themed deckbuilder Balatro, had no idea the game would be successful until the day before it launched.
Despite all of its success, Balatro hasn’t had an entirely smooth ride. Earlier this month, it had its age rating increased and was removed from Nintendo UK’s storefront for pushing gambling. Although it’s since been brought back, its rating on various storefronts still mentions “Gambling Themes,” something Localthunkdoesn’t agree with but says"it is what it is."
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After scoring a degree in English from ASU, I worked as a copy editor while freelancing for places like SFX Magazine, Screen Rant, Game Revolution, and MMORPG on the side. Now, as GamesRadar’s west coast Staff Writer, I’m responsible for managing the site’s western regional executive branch, AKA my apartment, and writing about whatever horror game I’m too afraid to finish.
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