Beyond Balatro: The Secret to Playstack's Indie Game Success

LocalThunk's Balatro has become synonymous with the indie gaming phenomenon of 2024, captivating players with its innovative roguelike spin on poker. This critical and commercial success has earned the game the Best Debut Game award at the BAFTAs, solidifying Playstack's reputation as a powerhouse in indie game publishing. The company has seen a remarkable 455% increase in revenue in 2024, thanks in part to the success of other titles like Mortal Shell and the Golden Idol series. As Playstack looks to the future, it has a slate of exciting new games, including Unbeatable, Lorn Vale, and Void Breaker. In an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, CEO Harvey Elliott discusses the company's publishing strategy, the impact of Balatro, and the importance of finding innovative games that resonate with players. Elliott emphasizes that Balatro has validated Playstack's approach, giving the company the confidence to continue seeking out unique and captivating games. The company's personal approach to working with developers, focusing on adding value and bringing their vision to life, sets it apart from other publishers. When asked about pursuing trends, Elliott notes that while trends can inspire new ideas, simply replicating existing games doesn't add value to the industry. Playstack's success with diverse genres, from roguelike deckbuilders to mystery games, demonstrates the company's commitment to publishing great games that resonate with players. The company's discovery team is tasked with finding the next hit, but Elliott stresses that the goal is to find games that Playstack can make a meaningful difference for, rather than chasing a specific type of game. With a strong pipeline of upcoming titles, Playstack is poised to continue its success, and the company is excited about the opportunities presented by new platforms like the Switch 2.