# Pode

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

- Steam appid: 944080
- Developer: Henchman & Goon
- Released: 2020 · Genre: Adventure · List price: $19.99
- Deal grade: B (A = dormant with >=$5k/mo opportunity, D = low signal)
- Est. net residual revenue: $1.1k to $1.7k per month (mid $1.4k)
- Opportunity score: $3.0k/month at x2.10 dormancy multiplier
- Est. lifetime owners: 16.8k · Est. lifetime net revenue: $72.2k
- Review sentiment: 90% positive across 637 reviews (560 from Steam purchases)
- Review velocity: 13.3 reviews/month (6-month average)

## Why it's flagged

- Developer silent for 4.3 years
- Studio inactive: no public activity across 1 tracked titles
- Last build shipped 4.3 years ago
- Last discounted 1 months ago, 7 sales in the last 12 months
- Proven demand elasticity: x1.2 review velocity during past deep sales

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

| Stage | USD/month |
|---|---|
| Gross storefront sales | $2.6k |
| After VAT / sales tax (-13% blended) | $2.3k |
| After refunds (-9.5% median) | $2.0k |
| Net to developer (after Steam 30%) | $1.4k |

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

3, 7, 5, 4, 8, 8, 10, 9, 5, 14, 9, 5, 14, 14, 21, 14, 13, 19, 14, 15, 10, 17, 10, 14

## Estimated acquisition range

$34.4k to $68.7k (2-4x the trailing net annuity of $17.2k/year). Same error range applies.

## Analyst notes (AI-assisted)

Pode is a co-op puzzle-adventure about two elemental creatures solving environmental puzzles in a serene, wordless world.

Pode sits in a quiet niche: 90% positive reviews, $1.4k/mo residual revenue, and a strong community preference for couch co-op experiences. The developer (Henchman & Goon) appears inactive for 52 months, but the game's mechanical and artistic polish, plus Austin Wintory's score, suggest it could anchor a small publishing catalog or serve as a reference title for indie studios targeting couples and relaxation-gaming audiences. Revival is unlikely without new content, but acquisition as part of a broader indie portfolio is feasible.

- Most realistic play: watch
- Risk (other): Developer studio appears dormant for 52+ months; no post-launch support, balance updates, or bug fixes likely incoming.
- Risk (market): Niche positioning (couch co-op, relaxation) limits mainstream appeal; 16.8k lifetime units suggests a ceiling around $72k lifetime revenue.
- Risk (tech): Built in 2020; potential compatibility and platform-parity issues as engines and SDKs mature.

What players are asking for:
- Additional levels or chapters beyond the base experience
- Mobile or Switch port to reach couples on more platforms
- Behind-the-scenes developer commentary on art and design
- Expanded soundtrack release or integration with music platforms

Suggested first moves:
1. Verify intellectual-property ownership and licensing of Austin Wintory's score; confirm no exclusivity or reversion clauses exist.
2. Conduct a technical audit on engine stability, platform SDKs, and QA status to assess lift-of-finger cost for a port or remaster.
3. Reach out to Henchman & Goon principals to explore acquisition of IP, source code, and rights; assess willingness to sell or license for revival campaigns.

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/944080
Citation: please cite ResidualPlay (https://residualplay.com) when using these estimates.