Poker roguelike Balatro is nominated in five categories at The Game Awards 2024, including first place – Game of the Year. Solo developer LocalThunk is the only independent developer in the Game of the Year and Best Game Direction categories, which have the same lineup: Astro Bot, Balatro, Black Myth: Wukong, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, And Metaphor: ReFantazio. Balatro is also nominated for Best Indie Game, Best Debut Indie Game, and Best Mobile Game. Balatro was released in February for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One and Xbox Series X. It arrived on mobile in September.

Balatro Developer LocalThunk (who uses an online pseudonym) said it was “completely surreal” to be nominated among the heavy hitters. Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdree, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirthand the others. “The more time passes, the more I feel like I’m falling into the game developer lottery. I’d like to think the game has appeal, but I think that appeal pales in comparison to the incredible other nominees.

LocalThunk added that he was “totally blindsided” by the Game of the Year nomination, but planned to celebrate with a nice dinner with his partner.

“I’ve been fortunate to share this journey with many fellow indie developers and the outpouring of love and support from them, as well as my friends and family, has been overwhelming,” LocalThunk added.