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

By now (December 29th, assuming scheduled publication), Balatro's numerous awards are likely familiar. It swept The Game Awards (Indie and Mobile Game of the Year) and our own Pocket Gamer Awards (Best Mobile Port and Best Digital Board Game). Jimbo's creation is widely praised.

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 simple deckbuilder's numerous accolades.

This very bafflement highlights why it's my GOTY. But first, some honorable mentions:

Honorable Mentions:

• Vampire Survivors' Castlevania expansion: The long-awaited collaboration finally delivers iconic characters.
• Squid Game: Unleashed's free-to-play model: A potentially precedent-setting move by Netflix Games, suggesting a focus on viewer acquisition.
• Watch Dogs: Truth's audio-adventure release: An interesting, if unexpected, choice for Ubisoft's Watch Dogs franchise.

My Balatro Experience:

My experience is mixed. Balatro is undeniably engaging, but I haven't mastered it. I find detailed statistical optimization frustrating, and haven't completed a run despite many hours of play.

Despite this, Balatro represents excellent value. It's simple, easily accessible, and undemanding. While not my perfect time-waster (that title goes to Vampire Survivors), it's a strong contender. Its visuals are pleasing, and gameplay is smooth. For $9.99, you get an engaging roguelike deckbuilder that's inoffensive to play publicly. LocalThunk's ability to elevate a simple format is impressive.

The calming music and satisfying sound effects create an addictive loop, yet the game remains refreshingly honest about its addictive nature.

So why discuss it further? For some, its appeal isn't readily apparent.

"It's just a game!"

Balatro's not the most controversial GOTY contender this year (that might be Astrobot). However, the reaction to Balatro is telling.

Balatro is unapologetically "gamey" in design and execution. It's colorful and attractive without being overly complex or flashy, lacking a retro aesthetic. It's not a cutting-edge tech demo; LocalThunk began it as a passion project.

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

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

Substance Over Style

Balatro's lesson is simple: A multi-platform release doesn't require cross-platform features or massive multiplayer elements. Simplicity and style can be successful.

While not a massive financial success, its low development costs likely yielded substantial profits for LocalThunk.

Balatro demonstrates that you don't need to emulate Genshin Impact to succeed. A well-crafted, stylish game can appeal across mobile, console, and PC platforms.

My struggles with Balatro highlight its accessibility. Some optimize for maximum efficiency; others, like myself, use it for casual, low-pressure entertainment.

The point? As with Balatro's success, you don't need to be groundbreaking to be successful. Sometimes, being a bit of a "joker" is enough.