# The Thing: Remastered

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

- Steam appid: 2958970
- Developer: Nightdive Studios
- Released: 2024 · Genre: Action · List price: $29.99
- Deal grade: A (A = dormant with >=$5k/mo opportunity, D = low signal)
- Est. net residual revenue: $3.3k to $5.0k per month (mid $4.2k)
- Opportunity score: $5.6k/month at x1.35 dormancy multiplier
- Est. lifetime owners: 37.9k · Est. lifetime net revenue: $331.9k
- Review sentiment: 90% positive across 1393 reviews (1183 from Steam purchases)
- Review velocity: 19.0 reviews/month (6-month average)

## Why it's flagged

- Developer silent for 19 months
- Studio active elsewhere (13 titles tracked), so this one may welcome a partner
- Last build shipped 17 months ago

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

| Stage | USD/month |
|---|---|
| Gross storefront sales | $7.6k |
| After VAT / sales tax (-13% blended) | $6.6k |
| After refunds (-9.5% median) | $6.0k |
| Net to developer (after Steam 30%) | $4.2k |

## Monthly review counts, oldest to newest (20 months)

531, 148, 52, 52, 25, 30, 13, 27, 34, 25, 36, 63, 31, 35, 26, 12, 13, 13, 23, 27

## Estimated acquisition range

$99.9k to $199.9k (2-4x the trailing net annuity of $50.0k/year). Same error range applies.

## Markets by review language

- english: 76%
- japanese: 0% (game NOT localized in this language)
- schinese: 1% (game NOT localized in this language)
- german: 3%
- koreana: 0% (game NOT localized in this language)
- russian: 10% (game NOT localized in this language)
- spanish: 5% (game NOT localized in this language)
- brazilian: 2% (game NOT localized in this language)
- french: 2%

Localization gap: 19% of measured reviews are written in languages the game does not support (top: russian). Localizing is likely immediate market expansion.

## Analyst notes (AI-assisted)

2002 survival-horror remaster from Nightdive Studios licensed from John Carpenter's The Thing film universe, now playable on modern systems.

The Thing: Remastered is generating $4.2k/mo residual revenue on a modest $30 price point with 89.5% positive sentiment, suggesting solid product-market fit for a niche but engaged audience. The licensed-IP constraint makes acquisition unlikely, but the title is worth monitoring as a case study in how Nightdive's restoration model can sustain older franchises; revival opportunities (cosmetics, DLC, seasonal content) or a publishing handoff warrant exploration if the current publisher's support deepens.

- Most realistic play: watch
- Licensed IP: the game is built on third-party intellectual property
- Risk (licensed_ip): John Carpenter's The Thing intellectual property likely held by the film rights holder (possibly Studio Canal or Universal); any expansion or sequel requires third-party clearance.
- Risk (market): Remaster launched in 2024 with zero discount promotions to date; $30 price point may be testing audience elasticity, and lack of promotional activity suggests cautious positioning or publishing constraints.
- Risk (other): Player feedback notes second-half pacing decline and repetition; content fatigue may limit long-term retention and expansion appeal.

What players are asking for:
- Clarification or new story content set in The Thing universe
- More varied enemy or map design in latter half of game
- Lower price entry point ($10 or less mentioned by critics)

Suggested first moves:
1. Audit IP clearance terms with licensor: confirm scope for cosmetics, seasonal events, or prequel/expansion content without new negotiations.
2. A/B test a seasonal 15-25% discount promotion to measure elasticity and monthly install uplift; zero discounts in 12mo suggests either inventory control or risk-averse positioning.
3. Engage top 50 community voices (modders, streamers, concept-art enthusiasts) on free cosmetics or workshop tools; reviews highlight appreciation for included concept art, signaling appetite for behind-the-scenes or fan-creation content.

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/2958970
Citation: please cite ResidualPlay (https://residualplay.com) when using these estimates.