LocalThunk, the solo developer behind the massively successful indie game Balatro (3.5 million copies sold!), has declared Animal Well his 2024 Game of the Year. This accolade, humorously dubbed the "Golden Thunk" award, highlights Animal Well's "engrossing experience," "style," and "secrets," praising its creator, Billy Basso, and his "true masterpiece." Basso responded with appreciation, calling LocalThunk a "Nicest Most Humble Dev of the Year." The exchange exemplifies the positive camaraderie within the indie game development community.

Both Balatro and Animal Well, released to widespread critical acclaim in 2024, are indie triumphs. This mutual respect underscores the success of both games, with Animal Well achieving a level of critical praise comparable to Balatro's. Fan comments celebrated the evident positivity and solidarity between these developers.

Beyond Animal Well, LocalThunk also shared his other favorite indie games of 2024, including Dungeons and Degenerate Gamblers, Arco, Nova Drift, Ballionaire, and Mouthwashing, highlighting specific aspects he enjoyed in each. Notably, Dungeons and Degenerate Gamblers shares similarities with Balatro as a pixel art deck-building game created by a solo developer.

Despite Balatro's phenomenal success, LocalThunk continues to support the game with free updates. Three "Friends of Jimbo" updates have already introduced crossover content from popular titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Among Us, and Dave the Diver. Further collaborations with other top 2024 games are hinted at.