'Top 2024 Game Pick Unveiled by Balatro Dev'

LocalThunk, the creator of the wildly successful indie game Balatro, has declared Animal Well his personal Game of the Year for 2024. This accolade, playfully dubbed the "Golden Thunk" award, highlights the exceptional "engrossing experience, style, and secrets" found within Animal Well, praising its solo developer, Billy Basso, and calling it a "true masterpiece." Basso responded with equal admiration, acknowledging LocalThunk as a particularly kind and humble developer.

Balatro itself enjoyed phenomenal success in 2024, selling over 3.5 million copies and earning critical acclaim. However, LocalThunk's appreciation extends beyond his own achievement, recognizing the outstanding quality of other indie titles released last year.

The success of both Balatro and Animal Well, both indie hits developed by solo creators, underscores the vibrant and creative landscape of indie game development in 2024. The mutual respect between LocalThunk and Basso reflects a positive and collaborative spirit within the indie gaming community.

Beyond Animal Well, LocalThunk also shared his appreciation for several "runner-up" titles in his 2024 favorites list, including Dungeons and Degenerate Gamblers, Arco, Nova Drift, Ballionaire, and Mouthwashing. He noted specific aspects he enjoyed about each, highlighting the diverse range of his tastes. Notably, Dungeons and Degenerate Gamblers shares some similarities with Balatro, being a pixel art deck-building game created by a solo developer.

LocalThunk's continued commitment to Balatro is evident in the three "Friends of Jimbo" updates released since its launch. These updates have introduced crossover content from popular titles such as Cyberpunk 2077, Among Us, and Dave the Diver, enhancing the gameplay experience. He's also hinted at a potential collaboration with another 2024 hit game for a future Balatro crossover. This dedication to post-launch support further solidifies his position as a respected figure in the indie gaming community.