# VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action

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

- Steam appid: 447530
- Developer: Sukeban Games
- Publisher: Ysbryd Games
- Released: 2016 · Genre: Adventure · List price: $14.99
- Deal grade: A (A = dormant with >=$5k/mo opportunity, D = low signal)
- Est. net residual revenue: $10.1k to $15.1k per month (mid $12.6k)
- Opportunity score: $18.9k/month at x1.50 dormancy multiplier
- Est. lifetime owners: 2.2M · Est. lifetime net revenue: $7.1M
- Review sentiment: 97% positive across 38619 reviews (33736 from Steam purchases)
- Review velocity: 156.3 reviews/month (6-month average)

## Why it's flagged

- Developer active, last post 2 months ago
- Last build shipped 8.7 years ago
- Store page localized in only 3 language(s)
- Last discounted 0 months ago, 7 sales in the last 12 months

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

| Stage | USD/month |
|---|---|
| Gross storefront sales | $22.9k |
| After VAT / sales tax (-13% blended) | $19.9k |
| After refunds (-9.5% median) | $18.0k |
| Net to developer (after Steam 30%) | $12.6k |

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

216, 140, 125, 189, 291, 266, 149, 315, 190, 188, 168, 227, 167, 122, 194, 163, 197, 183, 134, 175, 125, 147, 167, 190

## Estimated acquisition range

$302.2k to $604.5k (2-4x the trailing net annuity of $151.1k/year). Same error range applies.

## Analyst notes (AI-assisted)

A pixel-art cyberpunk visual novel where you bartend and build relationships with recurring customers across multiple story branches.

VA-11 Hall-A has generated $7.06M lifetime on 2.19M copies sold and maintains strong residual revenue of $12.6k/mo with 97% positive reviews despite zero discounting in 8 years. The game's cult status, evergreen appeal, and emotional resonance make it a prime candidate for publishing partnerships (console ports, localization), licensing its IP for adaptations, or acquisition by a publisher seeking a reliable backlist anchor with negligible maintenance burden. The developer remains active (recent post 1.98 months ago) and the title's design and music have become reference points in indie game discourse, suggesting meaningful IP value beyond current Steam channel.

- Most realistic play: licensing
- Risk (market): Visual novel category remains niche; expansion beyond core audience (anime/story-first players) may require significant localization or media adaptation investment.
- Risk (other): Developer (Sukeban Games) is a single-title studio; long-term IP stewardship and sequel development depend entirely on founder availability.

What players are asking for:
- More save slots and checkpoint system (current 6 pages insufficient for replayability focus)
- Sequel or expansion content (multiple reviews mention anticipation for VA-11 Hall-A 2)
- Console ports (strong demand implied by 'cozy game' positioning and play patterns)
- Better onboarding/tutorial clarity on controls

Suggested first moves:
1. Investigate console port interest and feasibility: 97% positive baseline + 'cozy game' trend suggest Nintendo Switch/PlayStation viability at minimal risk; survey community on platform preference.
2. Explore merchandising and media adaptation rights: soundtrack is a stand-alone asset (composer Garoad is mentioned by name in multiple reviews as draw); anime/comic adaptation common for story-driven VNs with this IP footprint.
3. Secure long-term publishing or acquisition agreement with developer: ensure continuity of sequel development, localization roadmap, and platform expansion; current residual revenue of $12.6k/mo justifies non-exclusive backend terms or buyout evaluation.

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/447530
Citation: please cite ResidualPlay (https://residualplay.com) when using these estimates.