Methods: The Detective Competition

LockedOn Games · 2020 · $19.99 · Casual · deal grade B

Measured on 2026-09-23 17:36 UTC, 12 days ago. The whole catalog is re-measured daily; a game that just launched can move fast between passes.

Estimated net residual revenue: $680 to $1.0k per month
Opportunity: $1.1k per month at x1.30 dormancy
Estimated lifetime owners: 26.8k
91% positive across 762 reviews · 7.9 reviews/month

Why it's flagged

Developer active, last post 1 months ago
Studio active elsewhere (2 titles tracked), so this one may welcome a partner
Store page localized in only 2 language(s)

Analyst notes (AI-assisted)

Note written 2026-09-04; the live figures above take precedence over any numbers in it.

A visual novel puzzle game where 100 detectives compete against 100 masterminds across serial mystery challenges.

Methods sits in a quiet pocket of the VN market with solid community sentiment (91% positive) and persistent residual revenue despite minimal promotional activity. The game's core concept, a tournament-style detective competition with distinct character writing, generates organic replay and word-of-mouth appeal, particularly in Chinese markets (599 Simplified Chinese reviews suggest regional traction). This is a realistic acquisition or publishing partnership target for a studio wanting a proven IP with engaged followers and room for sequel or spin-off development. Most realistic play: acquisition.

Risk: Casual VN segment is crowded; growth requires active content roadmap or sequel to retain players beyond the median 11-hour completion window.
Risk: No cloud save or workshop support; technical debt may exist if porting or live-service features are planned.
Risk: Developer studio has only two titles in catalogue; institutional knowledge concentration risk if key creators depart post-acquisition.

This case as Markdown · Estimates carry ±30-50% error per title.