Breaking: Krafton's Victor Lee Calls for Originality Amid Roguelike Deckbuilder Saturation
KRAFTON, South Korea — A top executive at the publisher behind Subnautica 2 has publicly expressed his frustration with the endless stream of roguelike deckbuilder pitch decks that mimic the hit game Balatro. Victor Lee, Director of Europe Investments for Krafton, made the remarks during a panel at the Digital Dragons conference.
“It’s exhausting,” Lee said. “Nearly every pitch we see now is ‘Balatro with different cards.’ The roguelike genre can be anything, but developers keep narrowing it down to one specific formula.” He urged creators to explore the genre’s broader potential rather than chase trends.
The ‘Capital Reality’ Panel
Lee spoke on a panel titled “Capital Reality,” which gathered senior M&A figures to discuss investment and publishing deals. The atmosphere was described as “another planet” of dealmakers speaking in jargon like “dry powder” and “dealflop.”
Despite the corporate setting, Lee connected with the audience by voicing a shared fatigue. “We’re tired too,” he admitted. “We want games that surprise us, not just reskins of what’s already successful.”
Background: The Roguelike Deckbuilder Boom
The roguelike deckbuilder subgenre exploded after Balatro’s viral success in 2024. Its unique blend of poker mechanics and roguelike progression inspired a wave of clones, often changing only the theme—from sci-fi to fantasy to culinary.
Krafton, known for PUBG: Battlegrounds and Subnautica 2, has invested in multiple indie projects. Lee noted that their portfolio already includes a roguelike deckbuilder, but they seek diversity. “We have one. That’s enough. Now we want something different.”
What This Means
Lee’s comments signal a shift in investor appetite. Publishers are no longer impressed by mere genre imitation. Developers who want funding must innovate beyond the Balatro template, exploring roguelike mechanics in action games, RPGs, or even simulation titles.
For indie studios, the message is clear: originality is the new currency. “The roguelike genre is incredibly flexible,” Lee emphasized. “Use it. Mix it with something else. Don’t just change the card suits.”
Industry Reaction
Other panelists nodded in agreement. One anonymous investor noted, “We’ve seen ten ‘Balatro but with chess’ pitches this month alone. It’s become a red flag.” The consensus: publishers are looking for fresh concepts, not derivative work.
Lee concluded with a call to action: “Be brave. Pitch us a roguelike that isn’t a deckbuilder. Trust me, it will stand out.” The full Digital Dragons panel is available on the conference’s YouTube channel.