2024's Top Pick Revealed
LocalThunk, the creator of the acclaimed indie game Balatro, has declared Animal Well his 2024 Game of the Year. This accolade, playfully dubbed the "Golden Thunk" award, highlights the immersive and stylish experience Animal Well provides. LocalThunk specifically praised the game's solo developer, Billy Basso, calling Animal Well a "true masterpiece." Basso, in turn, acknowledged the compliment, praising LocalThunk's humility. This exchange underscores the positive camaraderie within the indie game development community.
Balatro, a solo-developed deck-building game, achieved phenomenal success in 2024, selling over 3.5 million copies and earning critical acclaim. Yet, LocalThunk's choice of Animal Well as his top game of the year showcases the rich landscape of indie gaming in 2024. Both titles, released to widespread positive reception, stand as significant indie achievements.
Beyond Animal Well, LocalThunk also shared his appreciation for several other 2024 indie titles, including Dungeons and Degenerate Gamblers, Arco, Nova Drift, Ballionaire, and Mouthwashing. He noted specific aspects he enjoyed about each game, highlighting the diversity of his preferences. Notably, Dungeons and Degenerate Gamblers shares similarities with Balatro, being a pixel art deck-building game created by a single developer.
The success of Balatro hasn't stopped LocalThunk from actively supporting his game. He has released three "Friends of Jimbo" updates, introducing crossover content from popular titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Among Us, and Dave the Diver. Further collaborations are hinted at, suggesting continued growth and engagement with the Balatro community.
Summary
- LocalThunk, Balatro's developer, awards Animal Well his 2024 Game of the Year ("Golden Thunk").
- Balatro's massive success (3.5 million copies sold) is contrasted with LocalThunk's personal preference for Animal Well.
- LocalThunk also highlighted several other favorite indie games from 2024.
- Continued support for Balatro is shown through free updates and hinted-at future collaborations.
