It's year-end, time for my "Game of the Year" pick: Balatro. While not my absolute favorite, its success warrants discussion.

It's December 29th (assuming you're reading this on schedule), and Balatro's numerous awards—including Indie and Mobile Game of the Year at The Game Awards, and two Pocket Gamer Awards—are likely fresh in your mind. Jimbo's creation has garnered widespread praise.

However, its success has also sparked confusion and even anger. Comparisons between flashy gameplay videos and Balatro's simpler visuals have led to some questioning its numerous awards. The perceived simplicity of this deckbuilder has baffled many.

This, I believe, highlights why it's my GOTY. But first, a few honorable mentions:

Honorable Mentions:

• Vampire Survivors' Castlevania expansion: The long-awaited arrival of iconic Castlevania characters is fantastic.
• Squid Game: Unleashed's free-to-play model: A potentially groundbreaking move by Netflix Games, suggesting a focus on attracting new viewers.
• Watch Dogs: Truth audio adventure: An interesting, if unexpected, release choice from Ubisoft, showcasing a different approach to the Watch Dogs franchise.

My Balatro Experience:

My experience with Balatro has been mixed. While undeniably engaging, I haven't mastered it. The focus on optimizing deck statistics, a frustrating aspect for me, has prevented me from completing any runs despite many hours of play.

However, it's been worth the money. It's simple, time-consuming without being overly demanding, and visually appealing. For $9.99, you get a compelling roguelike deckbuilder suitable for public play. LocalThunk's ability to elevate a simple format is impressive.

The calming music and satisfying sound effects enhance the gameplay loop. It's refreshingly honest about its addictive nature.

But why discuss it again? Because for some, its success is insufficient.

Beyond the "Just a Game" Criticism:

Balatro isn't the only game to face criticism this year (Astrobot, after winning at Big Geoff's awards, comes to mind). The reaction to Balatro highlights a crucial point: its design.

Balatro is unapologetically "gamey." It's visually appealing without being overly complex or flashy. It's not a cutting-edge tech demo; LocalThunk began it as a passion project.

Its success confounds many because it isn't a flashy gacha game, nor does it push technological boundaries. To some, it's merely "a card game." But it's a well-executed card game, offering a fresh take on the genre. Game quality should be judged on its core mechanics, not just visual fidelity.

Substance over Style:

Balatro's success demonstrates that multi-platform releases don't need to be massive, cross-platform, gacha adventures. Simplicity and style can be equally successful. While not a massive financial success, its relatively low development costs likely yielded significant profits for LocalThunk.

Balatro proves that a well-designed, simple game can appeal across mobile, console, and PC platforms.

My own struggles with Balatro highlight its accessibility. Some players strive for optimization; others, like myself, enjoy it as a relaxing pastime.

In conclusion, Balatro's success teaches a valuable lesson: You don't need groundbreaking visuals or complex mechanics to succeed. Sometimes, being a bit of a "joker" is enough.