Ben Starr’s Clownish BAFTA Speech Highlights Indie Gaming’s Struggles and Triumphs

The Final Fantasy 16 actor’s surreal acceptance speech for Balatro’s Best Debut Indie Game award critiques industry norms while celebrating independent creators.

Balatro, developed by LocalThunk, won Best Debut Indie Game at the 2025 BAFTA Game Awards, marking a significant achievement for indie games.
Actor Ben Starr, dressed in clown attire, accepted the award on behalf of LocalThunk, delivering a humorous and unconventional speech.
Starr’s remarks critiqued the commercialization of art in gaming, calling out traditional publishers like Playstack as ‘freeloaders.’
The speech emphasized the importance of supporting indie games, urging the audience to recognize titles like ANIMAL WELL as vital to the industry.
Fans and industry figures praised Starr’s performance, which blended satire, humor, and a call to action for greater respect for independent creators.