Balatro is an extremely successful game that was created using the Love2D framework in Lua. I found that pretty interesting so I decided to explore Love2D a little to try and re-create some of that Balatro magic. A journey which gave me a new appreciation for shaders.

I have no talent please forgive my terrible code.

Balatro - https://store.steampowered.com/app/2379780/Balatro/
LocalThunk - https://bsky.app/profile/localthunk.bsky.social
Github Repo - https://github.com/tom-delalande/love2d-example
CRT Shader -  https://www.shadertoy.com/view/Ms23DR
Greek Temple Tutorial - https://youtu.be/-pdSjBPH3zM
Forum Post on Conversion - https://love2d.org/forums/viewtopic.php?p=236577#p236577
Love2D: https://love2d.org/
Lua: https://www.lua.org/
Aseprite: https://www.aseprite.org/

YouTube

Jonathan Blow suggests that instead of following complex tutorials and dealing with dependencies, beginners should consider using Love 2D, a simple framework for creating 2D games with the Lua programming language. Batro, a highly successful game developed with Love 2D, exemplifies how effective and engaging games can be created with this framework. The game, known for its smooth animations and engaging gameplay, has sold over 2 million copies and received overwhelmingly positive ratings on Steam. Love 2D's simplicity allows for quick development, and the use of shaders can add significant visual appeal to games.

The game of the year was written in Lua

“Written in Lua” is bit of a stretch. Yes, the code is written in Lua, but it is heavily reliant on C++ libraries and framework.

Actually most of mobile games have Lua inside to have the ability to hotfix bugs or add features

Very interesting to see Lua/Löve2D make an award winning game. Simplicity really has a huge value and the more experience you have the clearer it becomes. Even in the Java world things slowly tend to get simplified.

Balatro didn’t win GOTY though…

i was using löve for a while but after finding out that it was impossible NOT to expose the source code, i gave up. huge props to the guy though