“Balatro Madness” Exploring Addictive Game Elements in Indie Hit Through Octalysis Framework and Flow Theory

This study explores the addictive elements of the hit indie game Balatro using the Octalysis Framework and Flow Theory. This study employed an explanatory mixed-method approach, combining quantitative survey data with qualitative open-ended responses. The questionnaire was answered by 59 players from the Balatro Game community on Facebook and Discord. Data were collected through a questionnaire structured based on the Octalysis Framework and the Flow model. The findings indicate that Balatro scored 66.78 out of 80 on the Octalysis scale, indicating strong addictive potential. The average Flow score was 28.5 out of 35, indicating high player engagement and an optimal FLOW state. Key addictive elements include: a balanced challenge-skill progression, objectives that adapt to players’ skill levels, collecting Joker cards, unpredictable strategy combinations, and a collectible card system. These elements are effective because Balatro gradually increases in difficulty as players’ skills increase, with eight Stake levels and an unlimited score cap (Naneinf). Players are rewarded with rare cards and encouraged to share achievements socially, which strengthens a sense of ownership and social influence. This research shows that the addictive mechanics in Balatro, developed by a single indie developer, can serve as a replicable model for designing educational and commercial games with high engagement potential.