# Ben and Ed

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

- Steam appid: 395200
- Developer: Sluggerfly
- Released: 2015 · Genre: Action · List price: $9.99
- Deal grade: A (A = dormant with >=$5k/mo opportunity, D = low signal)
- Est. net residual revenue: $2.6k to $3.9k per month (mid $3.2k)
- Opportunity score: $6.7k/month at x2.10 dormancy multiplier
- Est. lifetime owners: 295.9k · Est. lifetime net revenue: $635.5k
- Review sentiment: 83% positive across 4893 reviews (4553 from Steam purchases)
- Review velocity: 59.8 reviews/month (6-month average)

## Why it's flagged

- Developer silent for 10.3 years
- Studio active elsewhere (4 titles tracked), so this one may welcome a partner
- Last build shipped 10.3 years ago
- Store page localized in only 1 language(s)
- Last discounted 1 months ago, 4 sales in the last 12 months
- Proven demand elasticity: x1.7 review velocity during past deep sales

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

| Stage | USD/month |
|---|---|
| Gross storefront sales | $5.8k |
| After VAT / sales tax (-13% blended) | $5.1k |
| After refunds (-9.5% median) | $4.6k |
| Net to developer (after Steam 30%) | $3.2k |

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

48, 45, 36, 37, 89, 61, 35, 55, 52, 70, 107, 127, 59, 33, 72, 52, 73, 81, 52, 78, 43, 47, 49, 90

## Estimated acquisition range

$77.1k to $154.2k (2-4x the trailing net annuity of $38.5k/year). Same error range applies.

## Analyst notes (AI-assisted)

Ben and Ed is a 3D platformer where players control a zombie navigating deadly game-show obstacle courses to rescue his friend.

This 2015 action platformer has generated $635k lifetime on modest 296k unit sales, maintains 83% positive reviews, and still earns $3.2k/mo residual despite zero developer engagement in 10+ months. The high elasticity (1.67) and recent sale activity suggest latent demand; acquisition could unlock dormant value through seasonal discounts, bundle inclusion, or platform expansion without dev support.

- Most realistic play: acquisition
- Risk (tech): Platform consistency issues flagged by players (moving platforms behaving unpredictably); bug fixes would require developer or rebuild.
- Risk (market): Difficulty curve skews punishing at endgame; limited appeal beyond hardcore platformer enthusiasts may constrain growth ceiling.
- Risk (other): Studio status listed as 'fading' with only 3 titles and no dev activity for 123+ months; full IP history and rights transfer clarity needed.

What players are asking for:
- Balance or optional difficulty modes for endgame content (box-based parkour section mentioned repeatedly)
- Fix moving-platform physics inconsistency (timing, speed, acceleration behavior)
- Port to console or mobile platforms
- Cosmetic DLC or challenge packs to extend engagement

Suggested first moves:
1. Audit Sluggerfly's IP ownership, rights assignment, and source-code escrow status to confirm frictionless acquisition path.
2. A/B test a 50% discount campaign on Steam and bundle platforms (elasticity 1.67 suggests strong price-responsive demand) to validate revenue uplift potential.
3. Commission a lightweight gameplay audit focused on platform physics and endgame balance to identify quick-win fixes that could unlock reactivation or content revival.

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/395200
Citation: please cite ResidualPlay (https://residualplay.com) when using these estimates.