Balatro
News, coverage and analysis tracking Balatro across the outlets.
The Best Xbox Game Pass Games In 2026This guide highlights the best games available on Xbox Game Pass in 2026, covering a wide range of genres from roguelites to open-world adventures. It details different subscription tiers and provides brief descriptions of each recommended title, including recent additions and critically acclaimed games from previous years.
What we've been playing - "I'm playing with my balls again"Several individuals share their current gaming experiences, including Slay the Spire 2, Marathon, Old School RuneScape, Pokémon Pokopia, and Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream. The article also touches on games like Nutmeg and The Ball x Pit Regal Update, highlighting the variety of genres and experiences players are engaging with.
"We were there in the 80s for the crash, and this is definitely crashier." John and Brenda Romero reflect on the industry crisisJohn and Brenda Romero reflect on the current state of the video game industry, likening it to the 1983 crash and describing it as "definitely crashier." Romero Games faced significant downsizing due to a funding pull, leading to a dramatic reduction in staff. Despite these challenges and industry-wide layoffs, the Romeros remain committed to developing their new game and express passion for creating games.
"I didn't expect them to have the same impact as Final Fantasy 16": Clair Obscur Expedition 33's Ben Starr thought "being an idiot with Balatro" would be his biggest role of 2025, not Sandfall's surprise-hit RPGVoice actor Ben Starr expressed surprise at the significant success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, noting it unexpectedly rivaled the impact of Final Fantasy 16. Starr, who also contributed to Hades 2, initially believed his biggest role of 2025 would be related to Balatro. The RPG's widespread acclaim highlights a strong player demand for its specific style.
"How wrong I was" – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's Ben Starr told friends to keep expectations "in check" before the RPG's launch because "this isn't going to be a smash hit"Lead actor Ben Starr expressed surprise at the immense success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a game he had advised friends to keep their expectations for. Despite his initial reservations about it becoming a "smash hit," the game has become the most-awarded ever and is on track for major accolades. Starr also voiced concerns that the industry might learn the wrong lessons from its unexpected triumph.- Balatro publisher Playstack has a 'hit ratio' of over 85 percentUK-based company Playstack, known for publishing the hit game Balatro, boasts a success rate of over 85 percent for its published titles. The company also publishes games such as Abiotic Factor and VOID/BREAKER.
Balatro publisher Playstack has a 'hit ratio' of over 85 percentBalatro publisher Playstack boasts a high success rate for its published titles. Meanwhile, two senior Xbox leaders, Lori Wright and Haiyan Zhang, have departed Microsoft, announcing their exits on LinkedIn.
Analysts say Slay the Spire 2 is the best-performing deckbuilder of all time—and the competition isn't closeAnalysts from Newzoo report that Slay the Spire 2 has achieved the best launch performance for any deckbuilder game on record, significantly surpassing titles like Balatro and its predecessor. The game sold 3 million copies in its first week of early access on Steam, generating approximately $75 million in gross revenue before platform cuts.- A retro Starship Troopers shooter, a video store sim and other new indie games worth checking outThis roundup highlights several new and upcoming indie games, including the retro first-person shooter Starship Troopers: Ultimate Bug War!, the video store simulation Retro Rewind, and the narrative game In Their Shoes. Other featured titles include the roguelike deckbuilder World's Goodest Pup, the comedy adventure Bonnie Bear Saves Frogtime, and the action platformer Dark Scrolls.
60+ PS5, PS4 Games to Buy in PS Store's Refreshed Spring SaleThe PlayStation Store's Spring Sale is ongoing until April 22, 2026, featuring over 60 discounted PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 games. The article highlights recommended titles that have received high scores and are at their lowest prices, including "Metaphor: ReFantazio," "Resident Evil 4," and "Hades."- Last Chance to Buy These 60+ PS5, PS4 Games in PS Store's Spring SaleThe PlayStation Store's Spring Sale offers discounts on over 60 PS5 and PS4 games, with deals running until April 22, 2026. This guide highlights recommended titles that have received at least a 7/10 score, many at their lowest prices ever.
- 60+ PS5, PS4 Games to Buy in PS Store's Refreshed Spring Sale (North America/Europe)The PlayStation Store's Spring Sale is currently active and features over 60 discounted games for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4. The sale includes a curated list of recommended titles, many of which are at their lowest prices ever, and will run until April 22, 2026.
Ubisoft announces layoffs and the cease of game development at Red Storm EntertainmentUbisoft has announced significant cost-cutting measures, including 105 layoffs and the cessation of game development at its Red Storm Entertainment studio. The studio will now focus on the Snowdrop engine, IT, and customer relations. Separately, indie publisher Playstack, owned by TruFin, reported strong financial performance with over 85% of its published games achieving a positive return on investment, largely driven by the success of Balatro.
Balatro publisher Playstack boasts "hit ratio" of over 85%Parent company TruFin reports that indie label Playstack has achieved a hit ratio of over 85%, with nearly all published games generating a positive return on external development investment. Playstack generated £55.3 million in gross revenue in 2025, a 24% increase year-on-year, and its portfolio has seen over 20 million downloads and 150 million hours played. The success of titles like Balatro has significantly boosted the company's confidence and strategy.
Balatro publisher Playstack has a 'hit ratio' of more than 85 percentPlaystack, the publisher behind the successful game Balatro, has achieved a 'hit ratio' of over 85 percent, indicating most of its published titles have generated positive returns. The company's parent, TruFin, reported significant growth in profit before tax for 2025, with Playstack's catalog grossing over $100 million on Steam alone. Balatro itself sold over 5 million units by January 2025 and contributed to record sales for Playstack.
Is roguelike deckbuilder sequel Slay the Spire 2 worth playing in early access?Slay the Spire 2 has launched in early access, offering a familiar roguelike deckbuilding experience with new characters and a co-op mode. While the game is polished and offers significant content, it heavily recycles elements from its predecessor, potentially feeling stale for veterans. Newcomers will find a deep and engaging introduction to the genre, though it may present a steep learning curve.- ‘Pizza Tower’, ‘Castlevania Dominus Collection’, Plus Today’s Other Releases and Sales – TouchArcadeThe Nintendo Switch eShop received several shadow drop releases on August 28th, 2024, including Castlevania Dominus Collection, Pizza Tower, and Goat Simulator 3. The article also details new and expiring sales, highlighting deals on games like Balatro and MLB The Show 24.
- ‘Balatro’ Is Coming to Apple Arcade and Also iOS as a Standalone Premium Release Beginning September 26th – TouchArcadeThe popular roguelike card game Balatro is launching on iOS, Android, and Apple Arcade on September 26th for $9.99. Developed by LocalThunk and published by Playstack, the game has already sold over 2 million units on PC and consoles. A major free update is planned for 2025.
- ‘NBA 2K25 Arcade Edition’ Headlines October 2024’s New Apple Arcade Releases With Three App Store Greats – TouchArcadeApple Arcade has announced its lineup for October 2024, with NBA 2K25 Arcade Edition headlining the releases on October 3rd. This marks the debut of 'The Neighborhood' on iOS, featuring streetball courts and NBA legends. Other notable additions include Balatro+, Smash Hit+, Furistas Cat Cafe+, and Food Truck Pup+.
- A Phoenix from the Ashes – The TouchArcade Show #603 – TouchArcadeTouchArcade is transitioning its podcast to Patreon, with the latest episode, #603, featuring discussions on Balatro, the iPhone 16 Pro, and listener emails. The podcast is available in both audio and video formats, with some content exclusive to Patreon supporters.