“I Still Consider This My Hobby”: ‘Balatro’ Creator Explains Why the Game’s Big Update Is Delayed

In the world of indie game development, a massive, unexpected hit can be both a dream and a curse. For LocalThunk, the sole developer behind the poker-roguelite sensation Balatro, the latter has become a recent reality. After a record-breaking launch in early 2024 and widespread critical acclaim, fans have been eagerly awaiting the game’s 1.1 update, which was originally promised for a 2025 release. However, in a candid and heartfelt blog post, LocalThunk announced that the update will not be arriving this year. The reason is a familiar but crucial one: to avoid “crunch” and to maintain a healthy, sustainable creative process that he still considers his hobby.

The success of Balatro was a phenomenon. It sold a million copies in just eight hours and has gone on to win numerous awards, including Game of the Year at the Game Developers’ Choice Awards 2025. This success, however, brought with it the pressures of a “professional” game developer. In his post, LocalThunk revealed that after the game’s launch, he immediately dove into a major balance patch and then a mobile port. By the end of 2024, he was “well and truly burned out.” He took a break at the start of 2025 but, upon returning, decided to work on the game in the same way he did when the project began: as a hobbyist, for a few hours a day. The prospect of rushing to meet a 2025 deadline and going back into “crunch mode” was, in his words, “terrible.”

The Cost of “Professional” Game Development

LocalThunk’s decision to delay the update is a powerful statement against an industry culture that often glorifies overwork and crunch. It’s a choice that prioritizes his long-term health and creative passion over short-term expectations. His message is a crucial one for the industry as a whole: the best work often comes from a place of passion and inspiration, not from a rigid, punishing deadline. By working slowly and without a timeline, he is able to “get sucked into rabbit holes” and follow his creative instincts, which is exactly how he created the game in the first place.

• The “Done When It’s Done” Approach: LocalThunk’s new release timeline is a classic mantra of indie developers: “it’s done when it’s done.” This approach gives him the freedom to perfect the update, which is expected to include new jokers, a rework of the controversial Matador card, and new gameplay ideas. This will ensure that when the update does arrive, it will be of the highest quality and not a rushed product.
• A Vow to the Community: Despite the delay, LocalThunk reassured his community that the update is still coming. He stated that “the Balatro player in me will absolutely not allow me to walk away from developing this game” and that he’s already excited to “100% the game all over again” when the update is ready. This kind of transparency and commitment has earned him widespread respect from his fans, who have overwhelmingly supported his decision to prioritize his well-being. This kind of positive brand management (SEO) is a valuable lesson for other developers.
• A Reminder of the Indie Spirit: LocalThunk’s story is a powerful reminder of the indie spirit that drives the industry. It’s not about big studios or massive budgets; it’s about a single person with a brilliant idea and the passion to see it through. His decision to take a step back from the pressures of his own success is a testament to that spirit. It shows that the true value of a game is not in its release date, but in the health and happiness of the person who created it.

In a world of constant content cycles and relentless hype, LocalThunk’s approach is a refreshing one. It’s a bold choice to say “no” to a self-imposed deadline in favor of a sustainable, creative process. While the wait for the 1.1 update will be longer than we anticipated, the result will undoubtedly be worth it. The future of Balatro is not in a single, rushed update, but in a long, healthy life as a creative project that its creator is passionate about. And that is a win for everyone.