Available on Apple Arcade, PC, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch, it was made by one anonymous Canadian developer who goes by the pseudonym LocalThunk. His game’s success is only continuing – in November it was nominated for Game of the Year at The Game Awards.

On the surface, the game doesn’t look like much at all: it’s poker, just poker, with pixelated graphics and an odd, almost hallucinogenic vibe. But then you play a few rounds and the game layers in multipliers, augments and new rules. It cascades into the best dopamine rush of the year – one that, even if you aren’t into card games, feels like... See more

I listened to you on a podcast where you talked about not playing a lot of games. Is that true?

I do play games, but I don’t play them as much as I think other people do. I like designing games, making my own mistakes, and exploring a designed space. They’re two hobbies that look like they’re really close to each other but are actually really far... See more

Balatro made some $700,000 during nomination week from sales on iOS and Android alone, and more than $4m in total since its mobile release in September.

Is there any part of you that regrets Balatro’s success?

Honestly, yeah. Don’t get me wrong – this has changed my life in a lot of amazing ways. I’m so grateful. But I do miss that time before. It was just a hobby that recharged my batteries. Sometimes I think, ‘Maybe I would’ve been happier if I had never released this game to the public.’