Analysts Call Balatro and Hollow Knight: Silksong Financially Irrational — Players Prove Otherwise
Balatro and Silksong Labeled Financial Risks
The business value of video games has long been a subject of debate within the industry. Recently, this discussion resurfaced after a prominent analyst shared a thought-provoking perspective on indie titles such as Balatro and Hollow Knight: Silksong. While both games are considered “financially irrational” under traditional business frameworks, they have nonetheless achieved overwhelming popularity and strong support from players worldwide turning them into case studies that challenge the industry’s conventional mindset.
“Games That Shouldn’t Have Happened”
Joost van Dreunen, a gaming industry analyst and professor at NYU Stern School of Business, told GameIndustry.biz that Balatro and Hollow Knight: Silksong are projects that “shouldn’t have happened” when viewed through the lens of traditional financial logic. Based on project scale, budget, and development structure, these games do not align with the established success formulas typically followed by large-scale studios.
However, reality tells a different story. Both titles have achieved commercial success and garnered widespread acclaim from players. In fact, their impact and reach go beyond what conventional market theories can easily explain.
A Changing Gaming Economy
According to van Dreunen, these successes reflect deeper structural changes in the gaming economy. The industry is gradually opening up more space for smaller projects to grow into major hits. He compares this shift to the era when television disrupted Hollywood’s traditional business model.
In today’s market, free-to-play titles like Candy Crush can compete with or even outperform blockbuster franchises such as GTA or Call of Duty. At the same time, games like Silksong thrive without relying on massive budgets, live-service structures, or aggressive monetization strategies.
“Low Technology” as a Competitive Advantage
Another key factor highlighted by van Dreunen is the concept of “low technology.” Rather than being a limitation, he argues that restrained technological ambition can be a strength. When new technology becomes available, many studios use it to increase complexity, often sacrificing efficiency and focus in the process.
By contrast, Balatro and Silksong make smart use of limited resources. Developed by small teams with controlled budgets, these games prioritize design, challenge, and player experience resulting in compelling titles that resonate deeply with audiences.
Success Beyond Traditional Financial Logic
Van Dreunen’s perspective underscores a growing reality in modern gaming: success is no longer exclusively tied to massive budgets or cutting-edge technology. Balatro, which became one of the most downloaded games on the App Store in 2025, and Hollow Knight: Silksong, which is set to receive the free expansion Sea of Sorrow, stand as clear examples.
Together, they prove that creativity, fun gameplay, and fair pricing still matter most to players even when such projects go against traditional financial reasoning.
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Origin: gamespot
