Top mobile games of 2024: Iwan's picks, except it's mostly Balatro

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

By now, assuming you're reading this on schedule (December 29th), you've likely seen Balatro's impressive award haul. It swept awards like Indie and Mobile Game of the Year at The Game Awards, and uniquely won two Pocket Gamer Awards: Best Mobile Port and Best Digital Board Game. Jimbo's creation has garnered widespread praise.

However, its success has also sparked confusion and even anger. Comparisons between flashy gameplay trailers and Balatro's relatively simple visuals are common. Many are baffled by a straightforward deckbuilder's widespread acclaim.

This, I believe, highlights why it's my GOTY. Before delving deeper, here are some honorable mentions:

Honorable Mentions:

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

A Mixed Bag

My Balatro experience is mixed. It's undeniably engaging, yet I haven't mastered it. I find intricate statistical optimization frustrating, and Balatro's late-game deck optimization has prevented me from completing runs despite many hours played.

Despite this, Balatro represents excellent value. It's simple, time-consuming without being demanding, and visually appealing. For $9.99, you get an engaging roguelike deckbuilder suitable for public play (the poker element might even make you seem like a gambling genius!). LocalThunk's ability to elevate a simple format is commendable.

The calming music and satisfying sound effects create an addictive loop, but it's refreshingly honest about its addictive nature.

But why discuss it further? For some, its success isn't enough.

"It's Just a Game!"

Balatro isn't the most controversial release this year (that might be Astrobot, ironically, given the self-importance often associated with such awards). The reaction to Balatro highlights a key point.

Balatro's design is unapologetically "gamey." It's colorful and engaging without being overly complex or flashy. It lacks a retro aesthetic and isn't a cutting-edge tech demo. (It started as a passion project, like many successful indie games.)

Yet, its success confounds many, both critics and the public. It's not a flashy gacha game, nor does it push mobile gaming boundaries. It's simply "a card game" to them.

But it's a well-executed card game, offering a fresh take on the genre. Game quality should be judged by its execution, not solely by visuals or other superficial elements.

Substance Over Style

Balatro's success teaches a valuable lesson: Multiplatform success doesn't require massive budgets or complex features. Simple, well-executed games with unique styles can resonate across mobile, console, and PC.

While not a massive financial success, considering the presumed low development costs, LocalThunk likely profited handsomely.

Balatro proves that games don't need to be cross-platform, cross-progression, massively multiplayer gacha adventures to thrive. Simplicity and quality can unite diverse players.

My struggles with Balatro highlight its accessibility. Some strive for optimal strategies, while others, like me, enjoy its relaxed pace.

In conclusion, Balatro's success reiterates a familiar point: You don't need groundbreaking graphics or complex gameplay to succeed. Sometimes, being a bit of a "joker" is enough.