Balatro and Silksong “Don’t Make Sense Financially” And Are “Deeply Loved,” Says Analyst

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According to industry analyst Joost van Dreunen, games like Balatro and the upcoming Hollow Knight: Silksong are surprising successes. While they’ve proven to be commercially successful, their level of popularity doesn’t quite add up from a financial standpoint, defying typical industry expectations. It’s undeniable they’re selling well, but the extent of that success is puzzling.

Professor Joost van Dreunen, from NYU Stern School of Business and advisor to ELO, recently spoke with GameIndustry.biz about how changes in the video game market are opening doors for smaller games to become incredibly popular. He explained that this shift is similar to how television disrupted the traditional Hollywood movie industry. Games like Candy Crush, which are free to play, are now competing with—and sometimes overshadowing—expensive, high-profile titles like Grand Theft Auto or Call of Duty. However, we’re also seeing more games, such as Silksong, that don’t quite fit into either of those established business models.

Sometimes, simpler graphics and production in indie games can actually be a strength. According to Van Dreunen, focusing on low-tech design is often more interesting than chasing the latest technology. He points out that when new technology becomes available, studios often just use it to make games more complex, which actually cancels out any benefits in efficiency. Games like Balatro and Silksong might stand out because they use limited resources and smaller teams effectively – doing more with less, rather than simply scaling up.

Van Dreunen believes people are increasingly looking for shorter, more captivating games that cost around $20, similar to Balatro or the anticipated Silksong. He explained that players want a challenging experience without excessive difficulty, saying they’re looking for something engaging without being overly demanding.

In 2025, Balatro became a hugely popular game on the App Store. Meanwhile, Silksong players can look forward to a new, free expansion titled Sea of Sorrow.

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2026-01-07 00:10