# In Other Waters

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

- Steam appid: 890720
- Developer: Jump Over The Age
- Publisher: Fellow Traveller
- Released: 2020 · Genre: Adventure · List price: $14.99
- Deal grade: B (A = dormant with >=$5k/mo opportunity, D = low signal)
- Est. net residual revenue: $1.2k to $1.8k per month (mid $1.5k)
- Opportunity score: $2.2k/month at x1.50 dormancy multiplier
- Est. lifetime owners: 62.3k · Est. lifetime net revenue: $200.7k
- Review sentiment: 87% positive across 2560 reviews (2076 from Steam purchases)
- Review velocity: 18.3 reviews/month (6-month average)

## Why it's flagged

- Developer active, last post 2 months ago
- Studio active elsewhere (3 titles tracked), so this one may welcome a partner
- Last build shipped 5.8 years ago
- Store page localized in only 3 language(s)
- Last discounted 1 months ago, 10 sales in the last 12 months

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

| Stage | USD/month |
|---|---|
| Gross storefront sales | $2.7k |
| After VAT / sales tax (-13% blended) | $2.3k |
| After refunds (-9.5% median) | $2.1k |
| Net to developer (after Steam 30%) | $1.5k |

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

26, 22, 21, 22, 26, 25, 20, 40, 32, 23, 22, 20, 25, 12, 9, 17, 13, 22, 8, 22, 22, 20, 15, 23

## Estimated acquisition range

$35.4k to $70.9k (2-4x the trailing net annuity of $17.7k/year). Same error range applies.

## Analyst notes (AI-assisted)

A contemplative sci-fi exploration game where you pilot a submersible through an alien ocean, uncovering mysteries via text-driven narrative and ecological sampling.

In Other Waters sits in a quiet pocket of indie narrative design with strong word-of-mouth (86.6% positive) and emotional resonance, yet generates only $1,476/mo residual revenue. The title's appeal to literary sci-fi fans (Becky Chambers comparisons) and its authorship by Gareth Damian Martin (pre-Citizen Sleeper) suggest latent cultural equity. For a publisher or platform seeking atmospheric, slower-paced acquisitions that drive engagement metrics over volume, this represents solid backlist IP with modest revival potential.

- Most realistic play: publishing
- Risk (market): Niche audience (word-of-mouth dependent, low mainstream reach) limits ceiling for paid-ad acquisition campaigns.
- Risk (tech): Navigation friction (noted in 2+ reviews: missing maps, mode-switching overhead) may deter new players without rebalancing.
- Risk (other): Developer Jump Over The Age has only 2 titles in catalog; limited track record for sustained post-launch support or sequels.

What players are asking for:
- Integrated map system or better navigation UI to reduce backtracking friction
- Faster pacing or optional story-only mode to reduce 6-10 hour playtime for players seeking narrative focus
- Quality-of-life: unified explore/move controls instead of modal switching

Suggested first moves:
1. Audit navigation UX against top complaints: prototype streamlined map integration and unified controls, measure lift on new-player retention.
2. Pitch to literary sci-fi communities (Becky Chambers / Murderbot fanbases, Substack newsletters, r/printSF crossover) via targeted content: developer interview, audiobook adaptation interest, or limited-edition release.
3. Evaluate bundling opportunity with Fellow Traveller's catalog or adjacent indie narrative titles to boost discoverability; current $1,476/mo suggests underperformance relative to 62k lifetime units.

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/890720
Citation: please cite ResidualPlay (https://residualplay.com) when using these estimates.