The poker-themed deckbuilder, Balatro, has been making waves in the gaming industry with its unique approach to the roguelike genre. The game’s creator, Localthunk, recently shed light on the development process during a Q&A session on Reddit. One of the key points that stood out was Localthunk’s deliberate choice to avoid drawing inspiration from other card-based roguelikes in order to craft a truly original and innovative game.
Surprisingly, the main influence on Balatro was not a traditional card-based roguelike, but rather Luck Be A Landlord. Localthunk revealed that watching gameplay videos of Luck Be A Landlord sparked a creative fire within them, leading to a shift in the direction of Balatro. The novel concept of a “non-fantasy themed score-attached roguelike” resonated deeply with the developer, fueling their passion to mold Balatro into a game that defied conventions.
Localthunk made a conscious decision to distance themselves from other games in the genre, stating, “I cut myself off from the genre at that point intentionally.” This intentional isolation from existing card-based roguelikes allowed Localthunk to navigate uncharted waters and experiment freely with game design. By avoiding the temptation to emulate popular titles, Localthunk was able to bring a fresh and uninhibited perspective to Balatro’s development process.
Despite drawing inevitable comparisons to popular games like Slay the Spire, Localthunk admitted to never having played or watched footage of the acclaimed title until much later. This deliberate ignorance of industry norms and trends enabled Localthunk to approach Balatro with a clear mind, unclouded by external influences. The subsequent results speak for themselves, as Balatro stands as a testament to the power of unbridled creativity and originality in game development.
Balatro’s journey from conception to success is a testament to Localthunk’s bold and unconventional approach to game design. By consciously breaking away from established norms and forging a path of their own, Localthunk was able to deliver a groundbreaking title that captivated players and critics alike. Balatro serves as a shining example of the value of embracing creativity and taking risks in an industry saturated with formulaic titles.
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