The game Balatro, developed by the solo creator under the pseudonym LocalThunk, emerged as a standout indie hit of 2024, surpassing all expectations by selling over 5 million copies. This remarkable achievement not only shook the gaming industry but also captured the hearts of players worldwide, leading to multiple awards at The Game Awards 2024. Both the players and the creator were taken aback by the game's immense success.

Given the unconventional nature of Balatro, LocalThunk initially expected modest reviews, around 6-7 points. However, the game received a surprising 91 from PC Gamer, setting off a wave of high scores from other critics. Balatro quickly achieved an impressive 90 points on both Metacritic and OpenCritic. LocalThunk himself was astonished, admitting he would have rated his own project no higher than 8 points.

The publisher Playstack significantly contributed to Balatro's success by actively engaging with the press before the game's release. Yet, it was the power of word of mouth that propelled the game's sales far beyond initial forecasts, by 10-20 times. In the first 24 hours on Steam, Balatro sold 119,000 copies, a moment LocalThunk described as the most surreal of his life.

Overwhelmed by the game's success, LocalThunk confessed that he has no universal formula to share with other indie developers, emphasizing the unique and unpredictable nature of Balatro's journey to the top.