GDC 2025 Session Viewer
The Case of 'Balatro': Turning Low Resolution into High Praise
Wout van Halderen (PR Manager, Playstack)
Pass Type: All Access Pass, Core Pass - Get your pass now!
Track: Business & Marketing
Format: Lecture
Vault Recording: TBD
Audience Level: All
In this session, Wout van Halderen unpacks the marketing strategy behind Balatro, a roguelike deckbuilder with unconventional visuals that presented significant challenges in traditional marketing channels. He details how the team shifted focus toward streamability and replayability to drive player engagement and interest. Drawing on lessons from The Case of the Golden Idol, this session highlights the importance of demos, influencer partnerships, and community-driven campaigns in navigating these obstacles.
Takeaway
Attendees will gain actionable insights into marketing games where visual assets aren’t the selling point, and how to craft compelling narratives that resonate with both players, media and press in a highly competitive market.
Intended Audience
This lecture is intended for game designers, publishers and PR/Marketing specialists who wish to learn more about PR and Marketing tactics used by the publisher of hit titles like Balatro, The Case of the Golden Idol, and Abiotic Factor.
