A recent addition to the roguelike deckbuilder genre, Insider Trading, has garnered attention since its launch in February. Drawing clear inspiration from the immensely popular poker-like game Balatro, which has sold over 7 million copies since its release in 2024, Insider Trading presents a unique twist: rather than crafting a winning hand, players navigate the complexities of the stock market.
In Insider Trading, players draw cards daily, each featuring distinct modifiers that influence stock prices. Strategies revolve around deciding whether to buy stocks or skip a day after evaluating their cards. For instance, some cards may increase a stock’s price, while others can drastically decrease it—sometimes by as much as 10 percent, contingent on their position in the player’s hand.
The game challenges players over the course of a week to accumulate a target dollar amount. Along the way, they earn tokens, which can be used to purchase various perks, including items whimsically referred to as “pills,” enhancing their gameplay and enabling novel card interactions. The balancing act is crucial; while players aim for rising stock prices to boost their earnings, they must also consider the pitfalls of allowing prices to soar too high, risking an unmanageable market.
Initially, players might approach Insider Trading with the mindset shaped by Balatro’s success—seeking to elevate stock prices as much as possible. However, this strategy often leads to confusion since the deeper mechanics involve more nuanced decision-making. Understanding when to let stock prices drop becomes integral to building a successful portfolio.
Despite these complexities, players find joy in the game, bolstered by a nostalgic interface and a rhythmic soundtrack that enhances the experience. The satisfying sound of card effects synchronizing with the music creates a playful yet tense atmosphere, akin to the fast-paced environment of real-life trading floors.
Insider Trading is not alone in its approach; it joins a growing cohort of games inspired by Balatro, including Clover Pit, Dice A Million, Chark, Wordatro!, and Omelet You Cook. Each title embodies the roguelike essence, showcasing the versatility of the genre.
For those interested in trying Insider Trading, a demo is available, and the game is currently priced at $10.95 on Steam for a limited time as part of its launch promotion. While real-world insider trading carries severe legal repercussions, the gaming experience offers a starkly different—and arguably more enjoyable—take on the stock market.
