LocalThunk, the solo developer behind the hugely successful indie game Balatro (3.5 million copies sold!), has declared Animal Well his personal Game of the Year for 2024. This accolade, playfully dubbed the "Golden Thunk" award, highlights Animal Well's immersive gameplay, stylish presentation, and hidden secrets. LocalThunk specifically praised Billy Basso, Animal Well's solo developer, for creating a "true masterpiece." Basso responded with gracious appreciation, acknowledging LocalThunk's kindness and humility.
The announcement generated positive feedback online, showcasing the camaraderie within the indie game development community. Beyond Animal Well, LocalThunk also shared his appreciation for several other 2024 indie titles, including Dungeons and Degenerate Gamblers, Arco, Nova Drift, Ballionaire, and Mouthwashing, highlighting specific aspects he enjoyed in each. The shared pixel art style and solo-developer nature of Dungeons and Degenerate Gamblers drew a parallel to his own successful Balatro.
Despite Balatro's phenomenal success, LocalThunk continues to support his game with free updates. Three "Friends of Jimbo" updates have already introduced crossover content from popular titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Among Us, and Dave the Diver. He's even hinted at a future collaboration with another top 2024 game. This dedication to player experience further underscores his commitment to the gaming community.
