The developer behind smash-hit indie deck-builder Balatro is really not a fan of gambling, potentially as a result of the bizarre episode in which their game was pulled from console stores at launch due to a ratings board blunder. In any case, solo creator LocalThunk, who probably has a lot of money to worry about, recently did up their will, specifically stipulating that the IP never be sold or licensed to any gambling company or casino, even after they shuffle off this mortal coil.
Incredibly, LocalThunk revealed this tidbit in response to the suggestion that Balatro, which is a poker-influenced roguelike, was meant to lure impressionable minds and younger generations into gambling (thanks, IGN). As this is something that both they and publisher Playstack have had to contend with and publicly refute before, with LocalThunk described as "staunchly anti-gambling", it seems the issue is one they want to underline:
"From the outside, this might make no sense, but I hate the thought of Balatro becoming a true gambling game so much that when I recently created my will, I stipulated that the Balatro IP may never be sold or licensed to any gambling company or casino."
What do you think of the entire affair? Are you a fan of Balatro? Does it make you want to roll the dice in the comments section below?
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Comments 9
Everything is a psyop these days according to social media. Hence the reason I’ve deleted all socials. On another note Balatro is my favourite indie game of the past year.
Fair enough. I probably overlook the fact that I grew up with two bookies, a pub, three takeaway places and a chemist within 1 minute’s walking distance. You could plan out a very nice day, get your methadone from the chemist, grab a pint from the local, bag of chips to soak up the alcohol and lose the rest of your money on the horses. I do probably support gambling in moderation like most things but you see the faces going in and out of the bookies and you do feel that they’re being badly taken advantage of. Wouldn’t be that upset if it was banned.
Removed - inappropriate; user is banned
Just started playing this game yesterday.
Digged in for about 6 hours, so good.
PEGI disagrees.
Hmmm I wonder if that will would hold up? Seems like you could challenge that as an unreasonable restraint on alienation but I have no idea where LocalThunk is from.
I'm willing to bet they won't.
I’m more fascinated by the fact that he’s putting the long term outcomes of Balatro into his will. I wonder if that’s common amongst creators. Maybe if I ever create something that has any reasonable monetary value in this world then I’ll be able to relate.
On a separate note, I really need to try this game. I picked it up on a sale for $10 and just haven’t taken the time to play it yet.
LocalThunk's commitment to preventing any association between Balatro and gambling is commendable and highlights their dedication to preserving the game's integrity. This strong anti-gambling stance is particularly noteworthy, given that many games influenced by poker or casinos often navigate a delicate balance. For a different perspective on gambling-themed games, you can check out the article on Medium titled "The Aviator Game Phenomenon: Why This High-Flying Casino Game Is Taking Off" by Michael Varnako ( https://medium.com/@michaelvarnako/aviator-game-phenomenon-why-this-high-flying-casino-game-is-taking-off-93f9be7f8832 ), which explores the growing popularity of casino-themed titles like Aviator.
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