The developer of one of the best games of 2024 on Steam reveals which titles he likes to play most

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The developer behind the Steam hit Balatro has chosen its top games of 2024. Number 1 is itself a popular indie title. Its developer has responded to the praise.

Who is the developer of Balatro? Balatro is a true indie game and was created by just one person. Namely from the developer who calls himself LocalThunk.

In total, he worked on the project for around two and a half years, which has received a lot of praise since its release in February 2024. The game has a score of an impressive 90 points on Metacritic. The unusual mix of roguelike, deck building and poker is also very popular with players.

They gave 97% positive reviews on Steam. Balatro also won prizes at the Game Awards. A real success story. This raises the question of what the solo developer himself likes to play.

Trailer for the roguelike poker game Balatro from LocalThunk

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The indie developer loves indie games

What is LocalThunk’s favorite game? The developer has now awarded the prize, which is ironically described as “very prestigious”, on x.com. Animal Well will be named the best game of 2024.

LocalThunk explains: “Animal Well was a captivating experience. Billy Basso has created a true masterpiece that is dripping with style and mystery and makes me feel like an imposter as a developer in this industry.”

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Bill Basso, who developed the Metroidvania Animal Well, also works alone. He read about the Balatro creator’s praise and promptly responded to his post.

Basso calls LocalThunk the “nicest and most humble developer of the year” in his own post on x.com.

What does the community think about this? The fact that the two developers praise each other is met with enthusiasm among fans of both games. The interaction is perceived as heartwarming and pleasantly positive on x.com:

  • “I love the positivity and self-propelling solidarity of indie developers. Be cool, support each other, and everyone will be better off. No time or energy for toxicity, let’s just make and play great games,” writes Nathaniel Myers.
  • “I love love,” says Constance.
  • “Animal Well is truly a masterpiece,” agrees Balatro developer PeaceArcher.

    • But it’s not just Animal Well that is one of LocalThunk’s top titles.

    What other games does he like? Other titles that deserve an honorable mention according to the developer include Dungeons and Degernate Gamblers, Arco, Nova Drift, Ballionaire and Mouthwashing.

    So it is primarily indie games that accompany and inspire the developer all year round. Which of these did you play? Feel free to write it to us in the comments. LocalThunk was recently upset by news about Balatro: Developer behind the surprise hit 2024 on Steam is stunned that his game should be 18+ – Points outrage at EA and FIFA

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