It's year-end, and my Game of the Year is Balatro – a surprising choice, perhaps, but one I'll explain. While not necessarily my favorite, its success highlights important points about game design and reception.

Balatro, a blend of solitaire, poker, and roguelike deckbuilding, has garnered numerous awards, including Indie and Mobile Game of the Year at The Game Awards, and Best Mobile Port and Best Digital Board Game at the Pocket Gamer Awards. This success, however, has also sparked confusion and criticism, with some questioning its relatively simple visuals compared to other contenders.

Before diving into Balatro, here are a few honorable mentions:

• Vampire Survivors' Castlevania expansion: A highly anticipated addition, finally delivering iconic characters.
• Squid Game: Unleashed's free-to-play model: A potentially groundbreaking move by Netflix Games, suggesting a focus on attracting new viewers.
• Watch Dogs: Truth's audio adventure release: An unexpected but intriguing release, showcasing a different approach for the Watch Dogs franchise.

My personal experience with Balatro is mixed. While undeniably engaging, I haven't mastered its intricacies. The focus on deck optimization and statistical analysis, while rewarding for some, hasn't been my forte. Despite this, I consider it money well spent. It's simple, accessible, and visually appealing, providing a relaxing yet challenging experience. It's not my ideal time-waster (that would be Vampire Survivors), but it ranks highly.

For $9.99, you get a captivating roguelike deckbuilder suitable for public play. LocalThunk's ability to create such an engaging experience with a simple format is impressive. The calming music and satisfying sound effects contribute to its addictive loop. Its success, however, has been met with skepticism from some quarters.

Balatro's success is puzzling to some, who view it as "just a card game." This reaction highlights a tendency to prioritize flashy graphics and complex mechanics over core gameplay. Balatro's unashamedly "gamey" design, devoid of excessive complexity or retro aesthetics, is its strength. It's a well-executed game that deserves recognition for its fresh approach to a familiar concept.

Balatro's multi-platform success demonstrates that complex, cross-platform features aren't necessary for widespread appeal. A well-designed, stylish, and accessible game can resonate with players across various platforms. While not a massive financial success, its low development costs likely resulted in significant profit for LocalThunk.

The game's appeal also lies in its varied accessibility. Some players strive for optimal deck construction and flawless runs, while others, like myself, enjoy its relaxed pace.

Ultimately, Balatro's success proves that simple, well-executed games can achieve widespread recognition and critical acclaim. It's a reminder that innovation and engaging gameplay are more important than flashy visuals or complex mechanics.