Roguelike Radio Episode 162: Balatro
Feb 25, 2025
Mark Johnson, a developer and researcher in roguelike design, joins to discuss the poker-themed game Balatro. The conversation dives into whether Balatro qualifies as a roguelike, its unique deck mechanics, and the tactical depth revealed at higher difficulties. They critique the reliance on single-hand types and the limited mid-game shifts but praise the game's addictive design and charming presentation. Mark also highlights potential mastery and community engagement while celebrating the solo developer's impressive creation.
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Episode notes
Rare Tools For Remixing Runs
- Spectral cards and rarer jokers are designed to enable mid/late-game shifts by offering high-risk, high-reward transformations.
- However, these modifiers are infrequent, so they only occasionally disrupt early lock-in strategies.
Deleted For Being Too Addictive
- Darren deleted the game from his phone because it triggered compulsive 'one more run' behaviour during childcare downtime.
- He found its near-miss rewards and pack openings engaged addiction pathways despite no microtransactions.
Skinner Box Design Elements
- Balatro uses many 'Skinner box' elements: random shop packs, near-miss moments, and visible number growth to encourage repeat play.
- Its visual juiciness and speed amplify that reward loop even without monetisation.