Balatro Clinches Game of the Year at 2024 Indie Game Awards

As many anticipated before the event, the prestigious Game of the Year award at The Game Awards went to a blockbuster that pretty much anyone could dive into: Astro Bot. It was a safe choice, yet well-deserved. However, Balatro, the indie hit of 2024, crafted by the solo developer LocalThunk, was seen as a real competitor, given its widespread acclaim. This roguelike deck-builder made a clean sweep of the indie categories at The Game Awards, and it’s no shock that it emerged as a powerhouse in a setting that focuses on indie games. Eventually, Balatro clinched the coveted Game of the Year title at the 2024 Indie Game Awards, earning the recognition it deserved.

Fortunately, the 2024 Indie Game Awards—decided by a mix of publication votes, indie gaming influencers, and industry pros—celebrated a diverse array of games, including several that The Game Awards might have missed. This opened the door for games like 1000xResist, Animal Well, and Thank Goodness You’re Here to shine. (However, seeing UFO 50 excluded yet again was truly disappointing!)

For those weary of the big-budget lineup from The Game Awards, there’s some comfort to be found in the list of winners from the Indie Game Awards. Here’s a closer look at the titles that took home honors:

Game of the Year: Balatro (Playstack)

Best Debut Game: Little Kitty, Big City (Double Dagger Studio)

Accessibility: Another Crab’s Treasure (Aggro Crab)

Visual Design: Harold Halibut (Slow Bros.)

Best Music: Pacific Drive (Ironwood Studios)

Bite-sized Game: Thank Goodness You’re Here (Coal Supper)

Solo Development: Animal Well (Billy Basso)

Innovation: Cryptmaster (Akupara Games)

Emotional Impact: Neva (Nomada Studio)

Gameplay Design: Balatro (Local Thunk)

Community Management: Aggro Crab

Women-led Game: Mexico, 1921: a Deep Slumber (Mácula Interactive)

Narrative: 1000xResist (Sunset Visitor)

These awards highlight the incredible range and creativity thriving within the indie gaming space, offering something for everyone who seeks innovation over grandeur.