Starbase

Frozenbyte · 2021 · $34.99 · Action · deal grade B

• Estimated net residual revenue: $2.0k to $3.0k per month
• Opportunity: $4.6k per month at x1.85 dormancy
• Estimated lifetime owners: 198.5k
• 55%% positive across 6752 reviews · 11.5 reviews/month

Why it's flagged

• Developer silent for 22 months
• Studio active elsewhere (11 titles tracked), so this one may welcome a partner
• Last build shipped 3.3 years ago
• Store page localized in only 3 language(s)

Analyst notes (AI-assisted)

Starbase is a physics-driven sandbox space MMO in extended early access where players build and pilot custom spacecraft and stations.

Starbase generated $1.73M lifetime on 198k units at a $35 price point, currently earning $2.5k–$3k/mo residual with minimal dev cost. However, the title is functionally dormant (no dev post for 22 months, no discount in 3+ years), officially deprioritized behind Trine IP, and Steam reviews overwhelmingly describe it as abandonware. The core risk is reputational: the game's own player base views ongoing sales as cynical. For a buyer, the IP and codebase hold modest value, but reviving trust requires transparency about roadmap intent or a clean divestment. Most realistic play: watch.

• Risk: Player sentiment is severely damaged; reviews consistently call the title abandoned and a cash grab, which will deter new buyers and amplify churn on any revival attempt.
• Risk: 39 months since last build and no recent dev activity suggests codebase may be fragile; multiplayer infrastructure (if still live) carries cost and technical debt risk.
• Risk: Still selling at $35 in early access with no updates in 3+ years creates ethical and legal friction; Steam moderation risk if positioning continues unchanged.

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