# Circuit Superstars

> ResidualPlay case file: an overlooked Steam game still earning residual revenue. Estimates carry a ±30-50% error range per title.

- Steam appid: 1097130
- Developer: Original Fire Games
- Released: 2023 · Genre: Action · List price: $19.99
- Deal grade: B (A = dormant with >=$5k/mo opportunity, D = low signal)
- Est. net residual revenue: $2.2k to $3.2k per month (mid $2.7k)
- Opportunity score: $3.5k/month at x1.30 dormancy multiplier
- Est. lifetime owners: 70.5k · Est. lifetime net revenue: $351.4k
- Review sentiment: 85% positive across 2604 reviews (2203 from Steam purchases)
- Review velocity: 21.7 reviews/month (6-month average)

## Why it's flagged

- Developer active, last post 6 months ago
- Studio active elsewhere (3 titles tracked), so this one may welcome a partner
- Last build shipped 26 months ago

## Where a gross dollar goes (monthly, at current velocity)

| Stage | USD/month |
|---|---|
| Gross storefront sales | $4.9k |
| After VAT / sales tax (-13% blended) | $4.3k |
| After refunds (-9.5% median) | $3.9k |
| Net to developer (after Steam 30%) | $2.7k |

## Monthly review counts, oldest to newest (24 months)

16, 13, 12, 19, 27, 22, 24, 22, 14, 16, 6, 35, 29, 15, 21, 23, 32, 33, 8, 74, 15, 8, 14, 11

## Estimated acquisition range

$64.8k to $129.6k (2-4x the trailing net annuity of $32.4k/year). Same error range applies.

## Analyst notes (AI-assisted)

Circuit Superstars is a stylized arcade racing game with local split-screen and online multiplayer, built on physics-driven competition.

A profitable but quiet arcade racer earning $2.7k/mo from a stable 70k-unit installed base. The title has genuine player affection (85% positive) and strong local multiplayer credentials, but zero discount activity in 12 months and recent developer silence (5.5 months) suggest low priority. Best case: niche publishing partner or revival play if online matchmaking and control depth can be addressed without full remake.

- Most realistic play: watch
- Risk (market): No promotional activity in 12 months despite $3.5k/mo opportunity, signaling possible developer bandwidth constraints or commercial indifference.
- Risk (multiplayer): Player reports note empty online lobbies despite matchmaking support, which can erode community longevity.
- Risk (other): Control scheme criticism suggests design lock-in that may resist quick iteration; accessibility to casual buyers may be capped.

What players are asking for:
- Functional online matchmaking with populated lobbies
- Expanded control remapping and sensitivity options
- Cross-platform play or expanded player pool
- Seasonal content or cosmetic progression

Suggested first moves:
1. Audit player retention via Steam and backend telemetry: identify if churn is post-tutorial, post-campaign, or at online mode.
2. Contact Original Fire Games to understand 5-month quiet period: is this a staff transition, license issue, or intentional dormancy?
3. Model cost and player uplift of one targeted patch: matchmaking queue transparency, three new control presets, one cosmetic season, assess ROI against $2.7k/mo baseline.

Generated 2026-08-20 from public signals and player reviews. Directional, not diligence.

## Methodology

Units are estimated from Steam-purchase reviews times a release-cohort multiplier (Boxleiter method, 20-75x by year). Revenue uses an effective price (lifetime discounts and regional pricing) and nets out VAT (~13%), refunds (~9.5%) and Steam's 30% cut: roughly 55% of gross reaches the developer.

Source: https://residualplay.com/game/1097130
Citation: please cite ResidualPlay (https://residualplay.com) when using these estimates.