# STEINS;GATE 0

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

- Steam appid: 825630
- Developer: MAGES. Inc.
- Publisher: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
- Released: 2018 · Genre: Adventure · List price: $34.99
- Deal grade: A (A = dormant with >=$5k/mo opportunity, D = low signal)
- Est. net residual revenue: $12.6k to $18.9k per month (mid $15.7k)
- Opportunity score: $29.9k/month at x1.90 dormancy multiplier
- Est. lifetime owners: 390.8k · Est. lifetime net revenue: $2.9M
- Review sentiment: 96% positive across 8360 reviews (7815 from Steam purchases)
- Review velocity: 83.7 reviews/month (6-month average)

## Why it's flagged

- Developer silent for 2.8 years
- Studio active elsewhere (31 titles tracked), so this one may welcome a partner
- Last build shipped 33 months ago
- Store page localized in only 4 language(s)

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

| Stage | USD/month |
|---|---|
| Gross storefront sales | $28.6k |
| After VAT / sales tax (-13% blended) | $24.8k |
| After refunds (-9.5% median) | $22.5k |
| Net to developer (after Steam 30%) | $15.7k |

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

64, 37, 170, 236, 168, 157, 117, 135, 82, 86, 93, 179, 176, 70, 99, 88, 88, 89, 72, 96, 80, 90, 80, 84

## Estimated acquisition range

$377.6k to $755.1k (2-4x the trailing net annuity of $188.8k/year). Same error range applies.

## Markets by review language

- french: 0% (game NOT localized in this language)
- german: 0% (game NOT localized in this language)
- english: 22%
- koreana: 1% (game NOT localized in this language)
- spanish: 2% (game NOT localized in this language)
- schinese: 65%
- brazilian: 1% (game NOT localized in this language)
- russian: 6% (game NOT localized in this language)
- japanese: 2%

Localization gap: 11% of measured reviews are written in languages the game does not support (top: russian). Localizing is likely immediate market expansion.

## Analyst notes (AI-assisted)

Steins;Gate 0 is a visual novel sequel exploring an alternate timeline where the protagonist confronts trauma and loss while attempting to change fate.

This 2018 title generates $15.7k/mo residual revenue with exceptional community sentiment (96% positive) and continues accruing $84/mo in reviews six years post-launch, signaling durable IP affinity. The game sits dormant on Steam with zero promotions in 12 months and no developer posts in 33 months, yet maintains strong catalog value for licensees seeking proven anime-to-game franchises. For publishers or distribution partners, the opportunity lies in cross-media promotion (anime revivals, merch), localization gaps (11% untranslated, Russian underserved), and potential sequel/spin-off greenlight.

- Most realistic play: publishing
- Licensed IP: the game is built on third-party intellectual property
- Risk (licensed_ip): Title adapted from Steins;Gate franchise IP; rights controlled by original creator and likely require Spike Chunsoft approval for any marketing, localization, or derivative expansion.
- Risk (market): Visual novel genre skews niche on Steam; ceiling for new audience acquisition is inherently limited without anime tie-in or mainstream media momentum.
- Risk (other): Developer (MAGES. Inc.) has been silent for 33 months; long-term support or patches unlikely without external publisher intervention.

What players are asking for:
- Clearer flagging system to track which player choices lead to specific endings (reviewers note confusion about decision trees)
- Anime adaptation of 0 content to reach broader audience and reinforce game narrative
- Expanded side stories or spin-offs exploring secondary character arcs

Suggested first moves:
1. Audit Spike Chunsoft IP licensing terms to identify windows for localization (Russian, Korean), regional pricing, or bundle packaging with original Steins;Gate or anime tie-ins.
2. Map review cohort by region and review recency to identify which locales are still acquiring players organically; prioritize Russian translation and community engagement to close the 11% loc gap.
3. Explore anime sequel or OVA release synced with discount campaign; visual novels see measurable sales lift when broadcast media refreshes franchise mindshare.

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/825630
Citation: please cite ResidualPlay (https://residualplay.com) when using these estimates.