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 necessarily my favorite game, its success warrants discussion.

By now (December 29th, assuming scheduled publication), Balatro's numerous awards are likely familiar. 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 its flashy promotional videos and relatively simple visuals have led to questions about a simple deck-builder winning so many awards.

This, I believe, highlights why it's my GOTY pick. But first, some honorable mentions:

Honorable Mentions:

• Vampire Survivors' Castlevania expansion: A long-awaited addition, finally bringing iconic Castlevania characters to the game.
• Squid Game: Unleashed's free-to-play release: A potentially precedent-setting move by Netflix Games, suggesting a focus on attracting new viewers.
• Watch Dogs: Truth audio adventure: An interesting, albeit unconventional, release for the Watch Dogs franchise, choosing an Audible-only format.

My Balatro Experience:

My Balatro experience has been mixed. While undeniably engaging, I haven't mastered it. The focus on optimizing deck statistics, which I find frustrating, has prevented me from completing any runs, despite many hours of play.

Despite this, Balatro represents excellent value. It's simple, easily accessible, and not overly demanding. While not my ideal time-waster (that title goes to Vampire Survivors), it's a strong contender.

Its aesthetics are pleasing, and gameplay is smooth. For $9.99, you get a captivating roguelike deck-builder suitable for public play (the poker hand element might even impress some!). LocalThunk's ability to create such an engaging experience from a simple format is impressive. The calming music and satisfying sound effects enhance the addictive gameplay loop. The game's appeal is subtle yet effective.

So why discuss it again? Apparently, for some, its success isn't enough.

Beyond Simple Gameplay:

Balatro isn't the only game to face criticism this year (Astrobot's GOTY win at Big Geoff's awards, ironically, sparked similar reactions). However, the reaction to Balatro reveals a common misunderstanding.

Balatro's design is unapologetically "gamey." It's visually appealing without being overly complex or flashy, lacking the typical "retro" aesthetic. It's not a cutting-edge tech demo, having originated as a passion project by LocalThunk.

Its success confounds many, both critics and the public. It's not a flashy gacha game, nor does it push technological boundaries. To some, it's "just a card game."

But it's a well-executed card game, offering a fresh take on the genre. Game quality should be judged by its design and execution, not solely by visual fidelity.

Substance Over Style:

Balatro's success teaches a valuable lesson: A multi-platform game doesn't need to be a massive, cross-platform gacha experience to thrive. Simplicity and well-executed design, combined with a unique style, can attract players across mobile, console, and PC platforms.

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

Balatro demonstrates that a game doesn't need to be a Genshin Impact-level production to succeed. It proves that simple, well-crafted games with distinct styles can resonate with a wide audience.

Balatro's appeal varies. Some players strive for optimal deck optimization and flawless runs. Others, like myself, find it a relaxing pastime, perfect for downtime.

The takeaway? As we often say when a game like Balatro succeeds: You don't need cutting-edge graphics or complex gameplay to be successful; sometimes, a simple, well-designed game is all it takes.