S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl

GSC Game World · 2007 · $19.99 · Action · deal grade A

Measured on 2026-09-24 10:28 UTC, 11 days ago. The whole catalog is re-measured daily; a game that just launched can move fast between passes.

Estimated net residual revenue: $7.7k to $11.6k per month
Opportunity: $13.0k per month at x1.35 dormancy
Estimated lifetime owners: 2.9M
95% positive across 48152 reviews · 89.9 reviews/month

Why it's flagged

Developer silent for 16 months
Studio active elsewhere (15 titles tracked), so this one may welcome a partner

Analyst notes (AI-assisted)

Note written 2026-08-25; the live figures above take precedence over any numbers in it.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl is a 2007 first-person shooter set in a post-apocalyptic Chernobyl exclusion zone, built on immersive atmosphere, dynamic faction AI, and deep mod support.

This 2007 cult classic remains quietly profitable, generating solid four-figure monthly residuals with a small but devoted playerbase and an exceptional positive sentiment rating. GSC Game World (operating, 16 titles) has run zero Steam discounts in nearly two years, suggesting a stable pricing strategy on an evergreen catalog asset. The title is best suited for a watching angle: meaningful revival depends on licensing clarity around the Chernobyl setting itself, GSC's current operational status in light of the Ukraine conflict, and whether a buyer intends to bundle it into a larger franchise acquisition or publish a remaster. Most realistic play: watch.

Risk: GSC Game World is a Ukrainian studio; geopolitical and operational uncertainties may complicate rights verification, asset transfers, or future collaboration.
Risk: Seventeen years old with outdated engine and mechanics; player comments cite bugs, radiation system frustration, and stamina mechanics as friction points despite high sentiment scores.
Risk: Niche audience (184 current players, 266 peak 30d); residual revenue is modest and unlikely to scale without a major revival campaign or franchise bundle.

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