Unheard - Voices of Crime

NEXT Studios · 2019 · $6.99 · Indie · deal grade A

• Estimated net residual revenue: $6.2k to $9.4k per month
• Opportunity: $16.4k per month at x2.10 dormancy
• Estimated lifetime owners: 1.2M
• 96%% positive across 33847 reviews · 207.7 reviews/month

Why it's flagged

• Developer silent for 3.0 years
• Studio active elsewhere (6 titles tracked), so this one may welcome a partner
• Last build shipped 3.2 years ago
• Store page localized in only 4 language(s)
• Last discounted 1 months ago, 7 sales in the last 12 months
• Proven demand elasticity: x1.3 review velocity during past deep sales

Analyst notes (AI-assisted)

Audio-focused detective mystery where players reconstruct crimes by eavesdropping on layered dialogue across a crime scene.

Unheard has found a stable, engaged niche audience (96% positive, 208 reviews/mo, $7.8k/mo residual) five years post-launch, suggesting the core mechanic, listening rather than reading, resonates with puzzle and mystery enthusiasts willing to overlook localization rough edges. The title is neither a blockbuster nor moribund, making it attractive for a publisher seeking a proven, low-maintenance catalog asset with clear expansion upside in voice direction and localization quality. Best suited for studios building a mystery portfolio or exploring audio-first game design. Most realistic play: publishing.

• Risk: Audio is the entire interface; quality of voice acting and sound design is non-negotiable and directly impacts retention and word-of-mouth.
• Risk: Niche mechanic with limited replay value once puzzles are solved; DLC uptake suggests audience is small but loyal rather than broad.
• Risk: Localization (especially to English) is a consistent friction point in reviews; Chinese version appears stronger but untranslated DLC limits English-language audience growth.

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