# ATOM RPG: Post-apocalyptic indie game

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

- Steam appid: 552620
- Developer: AtomTeam
- Released: 2018 · Genre: RPG · List price: $14.99
- Deal grade: B (A = dormant with >=$5k/mo opportunity, D = low signal)
- Est. net residual revenue: $2.3k to $3.4k per month (mid $2.8k)
- Opportunity score: $3.7k/month at x1.30 dormancy multiplier
- Est. lifetime owners: 498.3k · Est. lifetime net revenue: $1.6M
- Review sentiment: 85% positive across 10536 reviews (9966 from Steam purchases)
- Review velocity: 35.0 reviews/month (6-month average)

## Why it's flagged

- Developer active, last post 4 months ago
- Studio active elsewhere (3 titles tracked), so this one may welcome a partner
- Last build shipped 27 months ago
- Last discounted 1 months ago, 8 sales in the last 12 months

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

| Stage | USD/month |
|---|---|
| Gross storefront sales | $5.1k |
| After VAT / sales tax (-13% blended) | $4.5k |
| After refunds (-9.5% median) | $4.0k |
| Net to developer (after Steam 30%) | $2.8k |

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

56, 24, 72, 47, 62, 76, 30, 92, 73, 38, 41, 44, 54, 52, 35, 49, 58, 51, 58, 38, 37, 35, 21, 21

## Estimated acquisition range

$67.7k to $135.3k (2-4x the trailing net annuity of $33.8k/year). Same error range applies.

## Analyst notes (AI-assisted)

ATOM RPG is a turn-based post-apocalyptic cRPG inspired by classic Fallout, developed by Russian studio AtomTeam.

ATOM RPG remains quietly profitable at $2.8k/mo residual despite minimal marketing push post-launch (26 months since build, dev dormant 4 months). The 85% positive community, strong replay value (110-461h+ playthroughs), and franchise momentum (sequel ATOM RPG 2 now live) make this an undervalued catalog asset. Best fit for a publisher seeking to revitalize the IP via localization polish, console ports, or enhanced editions, rather than acquisition.

- Most realistic play: publishing
- Risk (market): Franchise bifurcation: ATOM RPG 2 is live and pulling player attention; unclear if base-game updates or marketing spend will cannibalize or reinforce sequel sales.
- Risk (other): Localization and cultural sensitivities flagged by players (translation quality, slur usage in dialogue); any revival must address these before broader campaigns.
- Risk (tech): 26 months since last build with no dev posts in 4 months suggests codebase may need modernization for console or mobile expansion.

What players are asking for:
- Enhanced/polished edition with improved translations and accessibility options
- Console ports (mobile already exists per reviews)
- Clarification of missable quests and achievement tracking
- Quality-of-life updates for raw/ironman difficulty modes

Suggested first moves:
1. Audit dialogue and localization for cultural sensitivities; budget a regional re-edit before any console or expanded-market push.
2. Map player retention funnel between base game and ATOM RPG 2; test whether a $9.99 'definitive edition' with QoL fixes drives sequel upsell or standalone revenue.
3. Explore console port feasibility (iOS version exists) and regional publishing partnerships in CIS/EMEA, where the Russian aesthetic and writing resonate strongest.

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/552620
Citation: please cite ResidualPlay (https://residualplay.com) when using these estimates.