Balatro’s Twitch and YouTube Fame Grows Following 2024 Game of the Year Nominations

Balatro has witnessed a remarkable resurgence in popularity across platforms such as Twitch, Kick, and YouTube, primarily driven by its nomination for Game of the Year (GOTY).This roguelike deck builder, which debuted in February 2024, has captivated players worldwide, with fans frequently showcasing their high scores and sharing images of the game’s beloved joker mascot, Jimbo.

In its initial weeks post-launch, Balatro achieved impressive sales numbers, moving millions of copies. By the end of 2024, it had secured nominations for GOTY in nearly every significant gaming award ceremony. Although it did not clinch the overall title at The Game Awards, it successfully garnered three prestigious accolades, including Best Debut Indie, Best Indie, and Best Mobile Game.

Beyond awards, Balatro’s appeal has soared, evidenced by the staggering amount of viewership on various streaming platforms. Fans have collectively watched millions of hours of gameplay, further fueling the game’s momentum.

Balatro’s Rise on Twitch Following GOTY Nominations

As anticipation built for The Game Awards, which are set to be held on December 12, 2024, the nominees for Game of the Year were unveiled on November 18. This announcement played a significant role in heightening interest in Balatro.

In January alone, the deck builder amped up its engagement, reaching an impressive 2.8 million hours of watched content, largely due to prominent Twitch streamers embracing the game. Among the featured streamers, an unexpected highlight was Roffle, a comparatively smaller streamer dedicated exclusively to broadcasting Balatro.

StreamHatchet Balatro Viewership stats — Source: StreamHatchet

Roffle’s impact was significant, as this streamer brought in over 300, 000 watch hours between November 2024 and January 2025 despite having only 72, 000 followers. Other well-known Twitch personalities, including Pirate Software, LosPollosTV, and Emiru, also joined the ranks of the most-watched Balatro streamers, contributing to the game’s vibrant streaming community.

While Balatro did not take home the GOTY trophy at The Game Awards, it secured a notable victory at the Indie Game Awards on December 19, 2024, where it was hailed as the GOTY. This acknowledgment further underscores the game’s impactful presence in the indie gaming scene.

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