FOUND: 4 - You Need To See This

"The numbers on that page made no sense." Balatro developer recalls his amazement at selling 50,000 copies of his game—which went on to sell 5 million

Balatro developer LocalThunk has documented his timeline of creating the indie hit that went on to sell 5 million. Not bad for a game he didn't think anyone would play.

Windows Central · Mar 7, 2025

Balatro's first few hours generated over $600,000, "far more money" than the roguelike's creator had ever made: "It is the most surreal day of my life"

Its launch was 10-20 times bigger than LocalThunk thought it would be

GamesRadar · Mar 7, 2025

When video game age ratings go wrong: Balatro’s battle with Pegi

Card game Balatro was a huge hit last year – but a year-long struggle with the European age ratings board has exposed how well-meaning rules can have unintended consequences

The Guardian - UK · Mar 4, 2025

Balatro has had its PEGI 18 age rating overturned following appeal: 'I hope this change will allow developers to create without being unfairly punished'

Balatro has officially had its PEGI 18 rating overturned by PEGI following an appeal.

TechRadar · Feb 25, 2025

ID@Xbox February 2025 Showcase — Everything announced for Xbox and Game Pass in the latest indie event

More than 20 indies were highlighted today during an ID@Xbox showcase, with popular titles like Balatro coming to Xbox Game Pass.

Windows Central · Feb 25, 2025

Balatro creator wins 18+ ratings battle with PEGI, accidentally producing limited edition copies: "I hope this change will allow developers to create without being unfairly punished"

Balatro is now officially classified as 12+

GamesRadar · Feb 24, 2025

Assassin's Creed Shadows and Fallout among the latest games to succumb to Balatro as the hit poker roguelike adds Xbox Game Pass to its global dominance

Balatro's Assassin's Creed crossover will include characters from Shadows

GamesRadar · Feb 24, 2025

LocalThunk had made hobby games in the past, but realized Balatro was something special when a friend revealed he had played it for '20, 30, or 40' hours

The most honest endorsement you can give to your friend's indie game.

PC Gamer · Feb 10, 2025

The CDKeys 2024 Game Awards: Who's winning and more importantly, what's discounted for us?

CDKeys, the hotspot for cheap game codes, is running its own game awards. Here's who I want to win and what games are on sale.

Windows Central · Feb 7, 2025

"I still have a job to do": Balatro creator says selling 5 million copies hasn't really changed his lifestyle, and he's focused on updates instead of new games

LocalThunk is hard at work on Balatro update 1.1

GamesRadar · Feb 7, 2025