Balatro developer LocalThunk said the game’s five nominations at The Game Awards 2024 felt “completely surreal,” especially its unexpected place among the Game of the Year contenders. Balatro ultimately won Best Mobile Game; Astro Bot took Game of the Year.
Why the nominations surprised LocalThunk
In a Polygon interview published November 18, 2024, Balatro developer LocalThunk described being nominated alongside major releases as “completely surreal.” The developer said the game’s appeal seemed modest beside that of the other nominees: “I’d like to think the game has appeal but I feel that appeal pales in comparison to the incredible other nominees.” The interview, credited to Polygon and syndicated by Arcader News, identifies LocalThunk as the developer’s pseudonym.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
dV Giochi Bang | $39.10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Dutch Blitz Card Game - Original Fast Paced Family Game with 160 Cards | $9.49 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Grandpa Beck's Games Skull King Trick-Taking Card Game | $19.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Balatro: Special Edition - For Nintendo Switch | $34.20 | Buy on Amazon |
LocalThunk also said they had been “totally blindsided” by the Game of the Year nomination. Their plan for celebrating was a nice dinner with their partner. Reflecting on the game’s success, they said: “The more time goes on the more I feel like I just happened to stumble into winning the game developer lottery.”
Balatro’s five Game Awards nominations
Nintendo’s November 20, 2024 nominee listing records Balatro in five categories:
#1 Best Overall
- WILD WEST SHOWDOWN: Experience a tense hidden-role battle as Outlaws target the Sheriff, the Sheriff fights for justice, and the Renegade maneuvers between both sides, creating fast, high-stakes decisions every round.
- UNPREDICTABLE EVENTS: Face sudden twists from High Noon effects that disrupt plans, force gunmen to improvise, and introduce shifting dangers that keep every game suspenseful, dynamic, and highly replayable.
- NEW CHARACTERS & ABILITIES: Explore Dodge City additions that introduce fresh gunmen, unique powers, and tactical interactions, expanding strategic depth and offering new ways to outplay opponents.
- RAISE THE STAKES: Add A Fistful of Cards and other expansions to intensify the action with bold risks, dramatic shootouts, and unexpected turns that keep players guessing until the final bullet is fired.
- FAST, SOCIAL GAMEPLAY: Ideal for families and hobby groups, BANG! delivers quick setup, engaging bluffing, and lively card-driven strategy that brings the Wild West to life for 3–8 players ages 8 and up.
- Game of the Year
- Best Game Direction
- Best Independent Game
- Best Debut Indie Game
- Best Mobile Game
Xbox Wire’s November 18 guide also lists Balatro in four categories: Game of the Year, Best Game Direction, Best Independent Game, and Best Debut Indie Game. Nintendo’s listing includes the additional Best Mobile Game nomination.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What Balatro won at the 2024 ceremony
The nominations were announced before the awards ceremony, so LocalThunk’s interview reaction was about the slate of nominees—not the eventual results. At the ceremony, Balatro won Best Mobile Game, while Astro Bot won Game of the Year, according to The Game Awards’ official 2024 recap.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- 150 Jokers, each with their own unique abilities.
- 15 Decks with distinct modifiers to choose from for each run.
- 5 potential variants of each Joker which add further abilities.
- 22 Tarot cards variants that can enhance your regular playing cards.
- 11 Planet cards that help level up your possible poker hands.
Rank #3
- FUN FOR 2–8 PLAYERS: Designed for ages 8+ with a 30–45 minute playtime that’s ideal for families, teens, adults, and larger groups.
- BID YOUR TRICKS, PLAY YOUR CARDS: This trick-taking favorite challenges you to predict your wins each round, then use strategic card play, powerful characters, and perfect timing to hit your bid.
- QUICK TO LEARN, FUN TO MASTER: Straightforward rules welcome new players, while pirates, mermaids, and surprising twists keep experienced players coming back.
- MADE FOR PLAYING TOGETHER: Bring it to family game nights, parties, holidays, vacations, camping trips, and gatherings with friends.
- FAMILY FUN FROM GRANDPA BECK’S GAMES: Nearly 4 million games sold worldwide! Discover thoughtfully designed card games that bring families and friends together.
Rank #2
- Fast-paced gameplay you love: Experience exciting competition as you speed to clear your Blitz pile. No turns taken; first to place cards in sequence wins!
- Perfect for family gatherings: Designed for 2 to 4 players, this game ensures fun-filled family nights and keeps both kids and adults entertained for hours.
- Easy rules for all ages: Simple yet challenging, Dutch Blitz offers effortless learning and engaging gameplay for children, teens, and adults, ages 8 and up.
- 160 colorful cards included: Enjoy endless fun with four decks of vibrant playing cards that enhance your gaming experience with their cheerful color scheme.
- Boosts strategic thinking: Dutch Blitz sharpens reflexes and strategy skills as you aim to outpace opponents in this unique and dynamic card-playing adventure.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
