LocalThunk, the solo developer behind the hugely successful indie game Balatro (3.5 million copies sold!), has declared Animal Well his 2024 Game of the Year. This accolade, playfully dubbed the "Golden Thunk" award, highlights Animal Well's immersive gameplay, stylish presentation, and hidden secrets. LocalThunk praised Animal Well's creator, Billy Basso of Shared Memory, calling the game a "true masterpiece." Basso responded with a gracious acknowledgment of LocalThunk's humility.
The positive interaction between these two indie developers sparked a wave of fan appreciation for both Balatro and Animal Well, showcasing the supportive community within the indie game scene.
Beyond Animal Well, LocalThunk also shared his other favorite indie games of 2024, including Dungeons and Degenerate Gamblers, Arco, Nova Drift, Ballionaire, and Mouthwashing, highlighting specific aspects he enjoyed in each. The inclusion of Dungeons and Degenerate Gamblers, another pixel art deck-building game created by a solo developer, further emphasizes the shared creative spirit among indie game developers.
Despite Balatro's phenomenal success, LocalThunk continues to actively support the 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, with more collaborations potentially on the horizon.