The developer behind smash-hit indie deck-builder Balatro is really not a fan of gambling, potentially as a result of the bizarre episode in which their game was pulled from console stores at launch due to a ratings board blunder. In any case, solo creator LocalThunk, who probably has a lot of money to worry about, recently did up their will, specifically stipulating that the IP never be sold or licensed to any gambling company or casino, even after they shuffle off this mortal coil.

Incredibly, LocalThunk revealed this tidbit in response to the suggestion that Balatro, which is a poker-influenced roguelike, was meant to lure impressionable minds and younger generations into gambling (thanks, IGN). As this is something that both they and publisher Playstack have had to contend with and publicly refute before, with LocalThunk described as “staunchly anti-gambling”, it seems the issue is one they want to underline:

“From the outside, this might make no sense, but I hate the thought of Balatro becoming a true gambling game so much that when I recently created my will, I stipulated that the Balatro IP may never be sold or licensed to any gambling company or casino.”

What do you think of the entire affair? Are you a fan of Balatro? Does it make you want to roll the dice in the comments section below?