Developer's Last Stand: Safeguarding Balatro from Gambling Associations

In a remarkable move, the independent developer behind the rogue-like sensation Balatro has taken extraordinary measures to prevent their game from being associated with gambling companies or casinos, even after their passing. This decision reflects a strong commitment to the core values that the developer holds about the integrity of their creation.

Although Balatro draws inspiration from the Big Two card game, its solo creator, LocalThunk, has firmly expressed their stance against gambling, stating that they do not view Balatro as a gambling game. However, shortly after the game's release, Balatro was temporarily removed from some digital platforms due to a revision in its age rating. This change was prompted by concerns over potential gambling imagery and instructions within the game, leading to a rating shift from PEGI 3+ to 18+ in the UK. LocalThunk criticized this move as unjustified.

In a recent update on Twitter, LocalThunk shared their decision to take additional precautions by including a clause in their will that prohibits the sale or licensing of the Balatro intellectual property to any gaming company or casino posthumously. They emphasized their profound aversion to the idea of Balatro evolving into a genuine gambling game, stating that they wanted to safeguard their vision for the game beyond their lifetime.

Following the temporary removal of the game due to age rating concerns, its publisher, Playstack, publicly reiterated that Balatro was developed by a creator who is firmly against gambling. They assured fans that meticulous attention was given to ensure no gambling mechanics are present in the game. This diligence appears to have continued beyond the launch, giving fans confidence that Balatro will remain free from any gambling affiliations now and in the future.

Interestingly, the mind behind Balatro had never engaged with popular rogue-like titles such as Slay the Spire and consciously distanced themselves from the genre to focus on crafting a unique experience tailored to their vision.