A game developer’s inaugural solo project has exceeded expectations, raking in over $1 million in revenue mere hours after its launch.
Titled Balatro, this unique blend of poker and roguelike deck-building was brought to life by a single developer under the pseudonym LocalThunk. Published by UK-based PlayStack, the game swiftly crossed the $1 million sales milestone just eight hours after hitting the market last week. Remarkably, it achieved profitability within a mere hour of release.
Within the span of three days, Balatro managed to sell a staggering 250,000 copies across various platforms, including PC, PS5, Xbox, and Switch, marking it as a resounding success. PlayStack, celebrating the game’s triumph, noted that it stands as the fastest-selling title in its eight-year history.
Expressing astonishment at the game’s swift ascent, PlayStack CEO Harvey Elliott remarked, “We are floored by Balatro’s success. All publishing partnerships entail a degree of risk, especially in light of the industry challenges over the past year. To witness Balatro achieve profitability within just an hour of release is truly remarkable.”
LocalThunk, the creative force behind Balatro, shared sentiments of gratitude and awe, stating, “I poured my heart and soul into this game, initially intending to share it with a select few. However, the overwhelming reception and support from fans and PlayStack have exceeded my wildest expectations. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to share this unconventional creation with the world.”
Both PlayStack and LocalThunk expressed immense appreciation for each other’s contributions to Balatro’s remarkable success, underscoring the collaborative effort that brought the game to fruition.