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

As the year draws to a close, it's time to reflect on the standout games of 2023, and my choice for discussion is Balatro. While not my absolute favorite, the game's success and the conversations it has sparked make it an intriguing subject to explore.

If you're reading this on December 29th, you're likely aware of Balatro's impressive haul of awards. From winning Indie and Mobile Game of the Year at The Game Awards to securing Best Mobile Port and Best Digital Board Game at the Pocket Gamer Awards, Balatro has garnered widespread acclaim. Despite its simple visuals, the game's unique blend of solitaire, poker, and roguelike deckbuilding has captured the hearts of many.

However, not everyone is convinced. Some are puzzled or even frustrated that a game with such straightforward gameplay could win so many accolades, especially when compared to more visually complex titles. This reaction is precisely why Balatro is my pick for Game of the Year. It challenges the notion that a game's worth is measured solely by its graphics or complexity.

Honourable Mentions

Before diving deeper into Balatro, let's acknowledge some other notable releases and stories of the year:

• Vampire Survivors' Castlevania Expansion: The long-awaited collaboration with Castlevania was well worth the wait, bringing iconic characters into the beloved game.
• Squid Game: Unleashed Goes Free: This move by Netflix Games could set a new standard, offering the game to a broader audience without traditional monetization.
• Watch Dogs: Truth Audio Adventure: Ubisoft's decision to release an Audible-only adventure for the Watch Dogs series is an interesting pivot, showing the franchise's ongoing evolution.

My Experience with Balatro

My personal journey with Balatro has been a mixed bag. While the game is undeniably engaging, I've struggled to master its intricacies, particularly the mathematical optimization required for late-game success. Despite not clearing any runs, I consider Balatro to be one of the best value purchases I've made in recent years. For just $9.99, it offers a simple yet addictive experience that's easy to enjoy without demanding too much from your device or your brain.

Balatro's design, from its calming lounge music to the satisfying sound effects, is crafted to keep players engaged in a loop that's both honest and subtly compelling. It's a testament to the game's charm that it can hold your attention without resorting to flashy graphics or complex mechanics.

The Controversy Around Balatro

Balatro isn't the most controversial game of the year—that title likely goes to Astrobot, which stirred significant debate after winning Game of the Year at The Game Awards. However, Balatro's success has raised eyebrows due to its simple nature. Some dismiss it as "just a card game," overlooking its innovative gameplay and the skill required to master it.

The game's success challenges the industry's focus on visual fidelity and complex gameplay. Balatro proves that a game's quality should be judged by its execution and the enjoyment it brings to players, not just its technical prowess.

The Lesson from Balatro

Balatro's success story is a powerful reminder that games don't need to be grandiose or feature-packed to succeed. It has thrived on multiple platforms, including mobile, where many developers still face significant challenges. While not a financial blockbuster, Balatro's low development cost and widespread appeal likely mean a comfortable profit for its creator, LocalThunk.

The game's ability to attract players across PC, console, and mobile platforms shows that simplicity, when done well, can unite gamers from different backgrounds. Whether you're optimizing your deck to perfection or simply passing the time, Balatro offers something for everyone.

In the end, Balatro's success is a testament to the idea that in gaming, as in life, sometimes you just need to be a bit of a joker.