Balatro Developer Achieves 100% Completion, Inspiring Future Updates and Fans Dedication
In a recent Twitter post, the solo developer of the hit poker roguelike Balatro, LocalThunk, announced that he has completed the game 100%, earning every single Steam achievement. Only 0.1% of all players on Valve's platform have managed to do the same, and LocalThunk used no exploits to reach this goal, progressing through the title as any normal player would. This latest achievement has given him even more ideas for the upcoming Version 1.1 update, which is expected to bring some major gameplay additions to the beloved indie hit.
Balatro, released in early 2024, has become one of the most addictive titles on the market, winning numerous awards and still pulling in thousands of players every day with its unique gameplay loop. According to developer LocalThunk, the game was initially created to be shared with friends, but following their positive feedback, he later decided to polish the game to add it to his resume. This proved to be the right decision, as Balatro was nominated for Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2024 alongside heavy hitters like Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, and the winner of the top prize, Astro Bot.
One Balatro fan recently drew "everything" from the game, bringing to life the many elements of the popular indie hit. This fan-made effort is a testament to the game's popularity and the dedication of its fans. While Balatro has sold millions of copies and received numerous awards, LocalThunk never expected it to be a hit. The developer's launch day was "surreal," with the title selling 10-20 times more copies than he predicted. In only its first few hours, Balatro pulled in over $600,000 in revenue, which LocalThunk stated was more money than he had ever made in his life.
No details about the 1.1 update have been revealed just yet, but many players speculate that it will bring some major gameplay additions to the beloved poker-themed roguelike. LocalThunk isn't keen on giving too many details before a patch is ready, and this means that it may be some time before players know more. Balatro has seen several updates since its initial February 2024 release, transforming the artwork on the game's cards to reflect other popular games such as Stardew Valley, Warframe, Divinity: Original Sin 2, Cult of the Lamb, and more.
In conclusion, Balatro's success is a testament to the dedication of its developer and its passionate fans. With more updates planned in the future, it's clear that Balatro is here to stay as one of the most addictive and unique titles on the market.
