LocalThunk, the solo developer behind the incredibly successful indie game Balatro (which sold over 3.5 million copies in 2024), has declared Animal Well his personal Game of the Year. Both Balatro and Animal Well were critical and commercial darlings of 2024.

Balatro, launched in February 2024 on a shoestring budget, exceeded all expectations. Its critical acclaim and player popularity led to its impressive sales figures. 2024 saw a surge in popular indie games, including Neva, Lorelei and the Laser Eyes, and UFO 50; yet Animal Well stood out, even rivaling Balatro's success.

LocalThunk's "Golden Thunk" award for Animal Well, announced on Twitter, highlights the game's immersive gameplay, unique style, and hidden secrets, calling it Shared Memory developer Billy Basso's "true masterpiece." Basso responded, affectionately calling LocalThunk "The Nicest Most Humble Dev of the Year." The exchange showcased the positive camaraderie within the indie game development community.

LocalThunk's Top Indie Games of 2024

Beyond Animal Well, LocalThunk also shared his other favorite indie games of 2024: Dungeons and Degenerate Gamblers, Arco, Nova Drift, Ballionaire, and Mouthwashing. He noted specific aspects he appreciated in each. Notably, Dungeons and Degenerate Gamblers shares similarities with Balatro, being a pixel art deck-building game created by a single developer.

Despite Balatro's massive success, LocalThunk continues to 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 hints of another collaboration in the works.