Top mobile games of 2024: Iwan\'s picks, except it\'s mostly Balatro

Year-End Game Reflections: Why Balatro Deserves Game of the Year

It's the end of the year, and as you likely read this around December 29th, Balatro's numerous awards are probably top of mind. This unassuming blend of solitaire, poker, and roguelike deck-building has swept up accolades, including Indie and Mobile Game of the Year at The Game Awards and two Pocket Gamer Awards. Jimbo's creation has garnered widespread praise.

However, its success has also sparked confusion and even criticism. The contrast between its relatively simple visuals and the praise it's received has led to some questioning its worthiness. Many seem baffled that a seemingly straightforward deck-builder has achieved such recognition.

This, I believe, is precisely why Balatro is my Game of the Year pick. Before delving into that, let's acknowledge some other noteworthy titles:

Honorable Mentions:

• Vampire Survivors' Castlevania Expansion: The long-awaited arrival of iconic Castlevania characters is a triumph.
• Squid Game: Unleashed's Free-to-Play Model: A bold move by Netflix Games, potentially setting a new precedent for mobile game monetization.
• Watch Dogs: Truth Audio Adventure: While not groundbreaking news, it's an intriguing approach for Ubisoft's Watch Dogs franchise, opting for an Audible-only release.

Balatro: A Surprisingly Engaging Experience

My personal Balatro experience has been a mixed bag. While undeniably captivating, I haven't quite mastered its intricacies. The focus on optimizing deck statistics, a process I find frustrating, has prevented me from completing any runs despite countless hours of play.

Despite this, Balatro represents excellent value. It's simple, easily accessible, and doesn't demand significant technical prowess or mental exertion. While not my ultimate time-waster (that title goes to Vampire Survivors), it ranks highly.

Its visuals are appealing, and gameplay is smooth. For a mere $9.99, you get a captivating roguelike deck-builder suitable for any setting. LocalThunk's ability to elevate such a simple format is commendable. The calming soundtrack and satisfying sound effects create an addictive loop. The game's understated charm is refreshing.

But why revisit this now? For some, its success remains inexplicable.

Beyond the Hype: Substance Over Style

Balatro isn't the only game to face backlash this year (Astrobot's Game of the Year win at Big Geoff's awards faced similar scrutiny). However, the reaction to Balatro highlights a crucial point.

Balatro is unapologetically "gamey" in design and execution. It's visually appealing without being overly complex or flashy. It's not a cutting-edge tech demo, having originated as a passion project for LocalThunk.

Its success confounds many because it lacks the flashy elements of popular mobile games: it's not a gacha, nor does it push technical boundaries. To some, it's just "a card game." But it's a well-executed card game, offering a fresh take on a familiar concept. We should judge games on their core mechanics, not just visual fidelity.

A Lesson in Simplicity

Balatro's success demonstrates that multi-platform releases don't need to be massive, cross-platform, cross-progression gacha experiences. A well-designed, stylish game can resonate with players across mobile, console, and PC.

While not a massive financial success, considering its development costs, LocalThunk likely enjoys a healthy profit. Balatro proves you don't need cutting-edge graphics or complex gameplay to achieve success; sometimes, simple execution and unique style are enough.

My own struggles with Balatro highlight its accessibility. For some, it's a game of optimization; for others, it's a relaxing pastime.

The key takeaway? As Balatro's success proves, you don't need to be groundbreaking to be great. Sometimes, a touch of simple ingenuity is all it takes.