The extraordinary success of Balatro in 2024 was a standout story in the gaming world, profoundly changing the life of its solo developer, LocalThunk. Despite this triumph, LocalThunk, as a single creator, has now revealed that the much-anticipated Balatro 1.1 update will not be released this year as originally planned.
LocalThunk detailed the reasons behind this postponement in a lengthy message on his official website, aptly titled: “I`m Slow.” He offered his apologies to players for the delay, stressing his commitment to avoiding a repeat of the intense `crunch mode` — characterized by 12-hour workdays — that he experienced during Balatro`s initial launch. He affirmed his preference to treat his development work as an enjoyable hobby rather than a strenuous job.
“I still love drawing my silly jokers,” LocalThunk wrote. “I carry around a notebook that is now teeming with ideas to implement or test in the game, and thankfully I still consider this my hobby, but the prospect of rushing the work and going back into crunch mode to get it out this year just felt terrible. I am working slowly, but I like it that way. I love getting sucked into rabbit holes and I don`t like trying to force things creatively.”
He also shared that he recently achieved 100% of the achievements in his own game, a personal accomplishment that has invigorated him with the prospect of doing it all over again once the 1.1 update is complete. LocalThunk reassured his dedicated fanbase that the update is definitely coming, but emphasized that it will only be released when it is truly ready, ensuring quality and respecting his creative process.
Balatro has already received significant critical acclaim, earning a place among GameSpot`s best games of 2024. Its impressive array of honors includes nominations at the 2025 DICE Awards, New York Game Awards 2025, and The Game Awards 2024, culminating in the prestigious Game of the Year award at the Game Developers Choice Awards.