The cat’s out the bag now…
If I were to make another game after Balatrowhich I’m not really thinking about right now, it would be really cathartic to make it and not show anyone. Put it in a folder on my desktop and leave it there. Just for me.
Is there any part of you that regrets Balatro’s success?
Honestly, yeah. Don’t get me wrong – this has changed my life in a lot of amazing ways. I’m so grateful. But I do miss that time before. It was just a hobby that recharged my batteries. Sometimes I think, ‘Maybe I would’ve been happier if I had never released this game to the public.’
Financially could you retire today? Make games for fun?
Yes. I could make the next game and it could just sit in my folder. I’m really lucky. Most of the industry is not in that boat, especially today.
So what’s pulling you back to a second game?
I’ve learned a lot in the last year. I know what to expect. I had no idea when Balatro launched. I didn’t understand how crazy this situation was until much later. I now know how much stress comes with launching a game. But I’m being pulled in two directions.
There are currently 15 Decks in Balatroeach with its own unique modifiers to change how you play.
You’ve tweeted about 2025 updates. How do you want to add or change the game?
Basically just more content. I have a lot of fun ideas for directions I want to take Balatrodefinitely more than just one content update’s worth. I don’t know how many of those I’m actually going to be able to implement. It will change the game and the way that you play it, for sure. But I don’t want to reveal too much.
Keeping your cards close to your chest…
Definitely one thing that I will include is more Jokers. Since the game was released I haven’t added any, and I have a lot of fun ideas. I keep a notebook.
I was going to ask if you think about new Jokers in the shower…
I thought of two this morning actually!
Did you have a favourite that you couldn’t include in the original game?
One was called The Toker. It was a 4 in 20 chance to give you 420 chips. So cheesy.
In February, when the game came out, I doubt you envisioned being a Game of the Year nominee. How are you planning to celebrate if you win?
I still don’t believe it. It’s crazy. I’m not sure – I’d go out for dinner with my partner. Which is kinda the way we celebrated when the game first launched. I’m not one for a bunch of fanfare.
Yeah, I was going to ask for your most audacious purchase since your life changed, but you seem like a low-key kinda guy…
I drive the same car I was driving before.
What is it?
A Ford Fusion. It’s a few years old now. I dunno – it works.
Balatro is available for free via Apple Arcade’s one-month trial. At apple.com
