5 Million Copies Sold, Yet Life Remains Unchanged: Balatro Creator Shares Insights on Staying Grounded and Prioritizing Updates Over New Games

The creator of the hit indie game Balatro, who goes by LocalThunk, has made a name for himself in the gaming world. His roguelike poker game has sold over five million copies since its release in 2024, but LocalThunk remains humble and grounded.

In a recent interview with Bloomberg, he shared how the game’s success has enabled him to leave his IT job and buy a house with his partner. Despite these changes, he says his lifestyle hasn’t shifted dramatically. “We’ve always lived below our means,” he explained, “so we haven’t had to make big changes.” He mentioned that he’s traveling a bit more to see friends but is focused on being responsible with his finances. “I still have a job to do,” he added.

Now that he’s not working a traditional job, LocalThunk dedicates his days to improving Balatro. He is currently hard at work on update 1.1, which will introduce new Jokers and clarify the Matador Joker’s role in the game. He hopes to release this update sometime this year.

Looking ahead, LocalThunk hasn’t started developing new projects yet. He admits he tends to get “obsessed” with his current work and doesn’t want to rush into new ideas. While he has plenty of concepts for future games, he keeps reminding himself that he needs to finish what he started.

This interview sheds light on the balance between success and humility in the gaming industry. It’s a reminder that even after achieving great things, staying true to oneself is essential.