Balatro
News, coverage and analysis tracking Balatro across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Nintendo Switch 2 eShop charts – July 26, 2026 – Splatoon Raiders leads the way
The Nintendo Switch 2 eShop charts for the week of July 26, 2026, show Splatoon Raiders leading the way after its launch. Final Fantasy 10 / 10-2 HD Remaster also debuted on the charts at number six. The article lists the top 30 games and top 30 download-only games on the eShop.
Nintendo Switch eShop charts – July 25, 2026 – Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game debuts
The latest Nintendo Switch eShop charts for the week of July 25, 2026, show Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream retaining the top spot. Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game makes its debut at #7 overall and leads the download-only category. Rhythm Heaven Groove remains at #2.
We need games like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Balatro, and Peak as a cure for the "fear" in the industry,…
Industry professionals are calling for more creative courage in game development, citing titles like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Balatro, and Peak as examples of innovation. They argue that an excessive focus on de-risking and market research leads to homogenous, uninspiring games, and that the industry's fear of risk is its greatest threat. This discussion highlights the contrast between mid-sized AA budgets and the escalating costs of AAA development.
Weekend Console Download Deals for July 24: PlayStation & Xbox Summer Sales continue
The PlayStation Summer Sale and Xbox Ultimate Game Sale are ongoing, offering discounts on a wide range of titles for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. The Nintendo eShop also features deals, including a sale on Balatro for the Nintendo Switch. PlayStation Plus members can also access free games.
The games industry is stifled by a culture of fear
A workshop at the DevGAMM Madeira Games Summit concluded that the games industry is stifled by a culture of fear, prioritizing algorithmic trends over creative conviction. Rami Ismail led the discussion, emphasizing that risk-averse decision-making and the avoidance of failure are greater threats than uncertainty. The group advocated for reestablishing creativity by focusing on internal coherence, disciplined validation, and trusting taste over market research to drive breakout hits.
Five Online Multiplayer Releases for Late 2026
This article analyzes the persistent use of casinos and gambling mechanics in video games across various genres, from Fallout: New Vegas and Red Dead Redemption 2 to Grand Theft Auto Online and Balatro. It explores how these elements serve as world-building shortcuts, create a sense of lived-in environments, and function as narrative targets or even core gameplay loops, while also discussing the distinction between fictional stakes and real-world financial risk.
The Most Popular Casino Games Explained
This article explores the persistent use of casinos and gambling mechanics in video games across various genres, from Fallout: New Vegas and Red Dead Redemption 2 to Grand Theft Auto Online and Balatro. It examines how these elements serve as world-building shortcuts, enhance immersion, and can even form the core of a game's design, while also discussing the distinction between fictional stakes and real-world financial risk.
Kingdom Come Salvation Could Be The Next Game in the Series After Trademark Appears in Europe
A trademark filing for 'Kingdom Come Salvation' has appeared in Europe, suggesting it could be the next title from Warhorse Studios. The filing, which includes an official logo, hints at a potential announcement soon, possibly at Gamescom. The game is expected to be an open-world action RPG with a potential multiplayer component, and is slated for release between April 2027 and March 2028.
From New Vegas to Balatro: Why Video Games Keep Sending Us to the Casino
This article explores the persistent use of casinos and gambling mechanics in video games across various genres, from Fallout: New Vegas and Red Dead Redemption 2 to Grand Theft Auto Online and Balatro. It examines how these elements serve as world-building shortcuts, add texture to game worlds, and can even form the core of a game's design, while also discussing the distinction between fictional stakes and real-world financial risk.
Essential Features for an Optimal Online Casino Experience
This article analyzes the persistent use of casino and gambling minigames across various video game genres, from Fallout: New Vegas and Red Dead Redemption 2 to GTA Online and Balatro. It explores how these elements serve as world-building shortcuts, enhance immersion, and provide gameplay variety, while also discussing the distinction between fictional stakes and real-world financial risk.
Controller at the Table: How Console UX Changed Online Card Rooms
Console user experience design principles, characterized by large targets and shallow menus, have significantly influenced the interface of online card rooms. This shift is evident in features like carousel rows, glanceable tiles, and simplified betting interfaces, mirroring the design language popularized by Xbox dashboards. The influence is reciprocal, with games like Balatro incorporating casino-like feedback design into console titles.
In the age of AI and layoffs, playing old games in 2026 is about more than nostalgia
In 2026, the author finds solace in playing older video games as a coping mechanism against the backdrop of AI advancements and widespread layoffs in the industry. This retreat into retro titles like Pokemon Leaf Green and Diablo 2 offers a sense of comfort and nostalgia, providing a temporary escape from the anxieties surrounding the current state of game development and corporate practices. Despite the industry's challenges, the author finds a glimmer of optimism in the progress made regarding representation, workplace conditions, and unionization.
What We Played – Granblue Fantasy: Relink – Endless Ragnarok, The Mound & Black Flag. Again.
Several individuals shared their recent gaming experiences, including playing Granblue Fantasy: Relink on Nintendo Switch, Sonic Battle on Game Boy Advance SP, and Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag. Other titles mentioned include Silent Hill 2, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, God of War: Ascension, The Mound, Moonlight Peak, XCOM 2, Balatro, Assassin's Creed Valhalla, Red Dead Redemption 2, Echoes of Aincrad, Destiny 2, Split Fiction, Heave Ho 2, and 33 Immortals.
Blackout Jack Announced
Blargis has announced Blackout Jack, a new roguelite deckbuilding adventure game. The title aims to bring a fresh take to blackjack mechanics, similar to how Balatro approached poker. Blackout Jack is available to wishlist on Steam.
Summer Games Done Quick 2026 Raises $2.4 Million for Doctors Without Borders
The Summer Games Done Quick 2026 speedrunning marathon successfully raised over $2.4 million for Doctors Without Borders. The event, held in Minneapolis, featured numerous speedruns and raised funds through donations, with proceeds going directly to the humanitarian organization. Future Games Done Quick events include Flame Fatales, a gamescom appearance, and Awesome Games Done Quick 2027.
Summer Games Done Quick 2026 raises another $2.4 million for Doctors Without Borders
Summer Games Done Quick 2026 successfully raised over $2.4 million for Doctors Without Borders, with notable speedruns including Kirby Air Ride, Balatro, and Resident Evil: Requiem. The annual event, held in Minneapolis, attracted thousands of in-person and online attendees, contributing to Games Done Quick's total charitable donations exceeding $62 million since 2010.
Nintendo’s plan for the Switch 2 makes a lot more sense than Xbox or PS5 - Reader's Feature
A reader argues that Nintendo's strategy for the Nintendo Switch 2, focusing on extending reach through a diverse software lineup and third-party support, makes more sense than the approaches of Xbox and PlayStation. Despite personal preferences, the first year's focus on depth, breadth, and reach has proven successful with significant unit and game sales.
Weekend PC Download Deals for July 10: Palworld exits Steam Early Access
Palworld has officially launched version 1.0 out of Early Access on Steam, accompanied by a launch discount. This article highlights various PC game deals available this weekend across multiple digital storefronts, including Steam, Epic Games Store, Amazon Luna, Fanatical, Gamebillet, GamesPlanet, GOG.com, Green Man Gaming, Humble Bundle, and 2K Publisher Sale.
Summer Games Done Quick 2026: Watch Day 6 here
Summer Games Done Quick 2026 is featuring a packed Day 6 schedule with speedruns of games like Saros, Slay the Spire 2, Balatro, Super Mario Maker 2, Resident Evil Requiem, and Resident Evil 3: Nemesis. The event is raising money for Doctors Without Borders in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and has already surpassed $987,000.
What We Played – Iron Nest, Black Flag Resynced & Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War
Several individuals shared their recent gaming experiences, including playing Granblue Fantasy Relink, Iron Nest, and Rise of the Tomb Raider. Others delved into titles like Like A Dragon Infinite Wealth, God of War: Ascension, and Silent Hill 2, with one person expressing anticipation for a potential Silent Hill 1 remake. The article also mentions experiences with Black Flag Resynced, Bellwright, Balatro, Human Fall Flat, 33 Immortals, and the original Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War.
