# sweet pool

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

- Steam appid: 852910
- Developer: Nitro+CHiRAL
- Publisher: JAST
- Released: 2018 · Genre: Adventure · List price: $19.99
- Deal grade: B (A = dormant with >=$5k/mo opportunity, D = low signal)
- Est. net residual revenue: $1.0k to $1.6k per month (mid $1.3k)
- Opportunity score: $2.7k/month at x2.10 dormancy multiplier
- Est. lifetime owners: 23.4k · Est. lifetime net revenue: $100.5k
- Review sentiment: 91% positive across 507 reviews (468 from Steam purchases)
- Review velocity: 12.2 reviews/month (6-month average)

## Why it's flagged

- Developer silent for 7.7 years
- Studio quiet across its whole catalog
- Last build shipped 7.7 years ago
- Store page localized in only 1 language(s)
- Last discounted 1 months ago, 7 sales in the last 12 months
- Proven demand elasticity: x1.5 review velocity during past deep sales

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

| Stage | USD/month |
|---|---|
| Gross storefront sales | $2.4k |
| After VAT / sales tax (-13% blended) | $2.1k |
| After refunds (-9.5% median) | $1.9k |
| Net to developer (after Steam 30%) | $1.3k |

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

1, 2, 5, 3, 8, 10, 3, 6, 7, 7, 6, 6, 9, 6, 10, 10, 9, 14, 10, 16, 7, 12, 12, 16

## Estimated acquisition range

$31.4k to $62.7k (2-4x the trailing net annuity of $15.7k/year). Same error range applies.

## Analyst notes (AI-assisted)

Sweet Pool is a 2018 boys-love visual novel from Nitro+CHiRAL exploring instinct versus reason through branching narrative choices and multiple character routes.

This title has generated $100.5k lifetime on 23,400 units with a 91% positive rating and maintains a quietly consistent $1.3k/mo residual revenue stream despite no developer activity in 92 months. The core audience (BL/visual novel enthusiasts) remains engaged; the game's narrative structure and emotional impact drive passionate replay, evidenced by 12 reviews per month in a dormant catalog window. For a niche publisher or IP holder exploring category consolidation, Sweet Pool represents low-risk, proven recurring revenue with minimal operational demand. Revival potential depends entirely on whether Nitro+CHiRAL or JAST have rights to expand the IP; standalone acquisition is unlikely to move needle.

- Most realistic play: watch
- Risk (other): Developer studio (Nitro+CHiRAL) shows fading status with no posts in 92 months; unclear who actively holds IP rights between developer and publisher JAST.
- Risk (market): BL visual novel category is niche, geographically concentrated, and sensitive to localization; single-language build (1 language count) may leave revenue on table.
- Risk (tech): Game is 92 months old; underlying engine and DRM infrastructure may require maintenance or compatibility work as platforms evolve.

What players are asking for:
- More Makoto character content and routes
- Expanded save/load and extras UI features (players appreciate current design)
- DLC patch applied by default (some friction with optional application)

Suggested first moves:
1. Clarify IP ownership and rights status between Nitro+CHiRAL and JAST; determine if either party is open to licensing, remaster or expanded localization.
2. Audit DRM, engine compatibility and server infrastructure (if any); cost a maintenance refresh against $1.3k/mo residual to assess viability window.
3. Map untapped localization markets (German, French, simplified Chinese) using elasticity model (1.53) and current 7.7% key-share to estimate uplift; validate audience size in each region via wishlist/community signals.

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/852910
Citation: please cite ResidualPlay (https://residualplay.com) when using these estimates.