Balatro Developer LocalThunk Awards 'Animal Well' as 2024 Indie Game of the Year

Balatro Developer LocalThunk Awards 'Animal Well' as 2024 Indie Game of the Year Indie game enthusiasts on Nintendo Switch and across the gaming landscape saw an exceptional year in 2024, and few understand this golden age better than LocalThunk, the solo developer behind Balatro.

Balatro, a breakout poker roguelike, captivated the Nintendo Switch community and has accumulated significant player engagement since its launch. With the start of 2025, LocalThunk took to social media to shine a light on his personal indie game highlights for the past year, naming his top picks in a tradition now eagerly followed by the indie community.

Topping his list was "Animal Well," the atmospheric metroidvania crafted by solo developer Billy Basso.

LocalThunk described "Animal Well" as "an engrossing experience" and lauded it as "a true masterpiece," cementing the game's standing within the indie scene.

Billy Basso responded to the recognition by expressing deep gratitude, calling it "the greatest honor of them all." "Animal Well" made a strong impression following its release, drawing praise for its intricate design, mysterious ambience, and innovative approach to exploration.

Its presence on the Nintendo eShop has broadened the genre’s appeal for Switch users, establishing a new benchmark in metroidvania excellence. Beyond "Animal Well," LocalThunk also highlighted several other indie titles from 2024 that distinguished themselves with memorable gameplay and innovation.

He pointed to "Dungeons and Degenerate Gamblers," emphasizing how it was often mistakenly labeled a Balatro clone, when in fact it was announced prior to Balatro’s development.

Other standouts included the visually stunning "Arco," the fast-paced space shooter "Nova Drift"—called "a perfect game for the Steam Deck"—the physics-driven roguelike "Ballionaire," and the psychological horror title "Mouthwashing." Of these, only "Arco" is currently available on the Nintendo Switch, though fans are hoping to see more of these indies on Nintendo's next-generation hardware, often referred to as Switch 2. 2024 also marked a year of accolades for Balatro itself.

The game was widely recognized at The Game Awards, winning in three major categories, including Best Independent Game.

This recognition reflects both critical acclaim and the game’s enthusiastic reception on platforms like the Nintendo eShop. As industry veterans and fans alike look back on 2024, it's clear that the creative energy of independent developers continues to drive innovation on the Nintendo Switch and across the gaming industry.

For those eager to experience these celebrated titles, the eShop remains an essential hub, offering access to Balatro, Animal Well, and a growing library of standout indie games, all helping to shape the future of video games on Nintendo platforms.

Nintendo Switch Balatro LocalThunk Animal Well Nintendo Switch indie games