A Study in Steampunk is a text-based interactive mystery novel for iOS and Android that uses the ChoiceScript engine to process user-driven narrative branches.
The App DNA
What makes this app unique?
The title serves users seeking a deep, ad-free narrative experience that prioritizes stat-based decision-making over visual or auditory immersion.
For Fans of interactive fiction, mystery novels, and steampunk settings who prefer text-based narrative experiences.
What does it look like?
Key features
Text-based narrative engine that processes user decisions to branch story outcomes
277,000-word interactive mystery novel with multiple character roles and romance options
Customizable font selection including OpenDyslexic and Helvetica options
How much does it cost?
Fixed-price model at $6.99 per unit, targeting users seeking a complete, ad-free interactive novel experience.
Velocity
Maintenance developmentaccessibilityUX improvementsShow more...
The app has released only two updates in the last four months, resulting in a cadence of approximately 0.12 releases per week. This falls into the maintenance tier, as development is limited to infrequent accessibility improvements rather than ongoing feature expansion or live operations. The latest release focused on font customization, but there has been no significant activity since early January 2026. The development trend is currently stable at a low-frequency maintenance level.
Who built it?
Hosted Games
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MoonriseUser Sentiment
What do users think recently?
Review voice lately leans thrilled. Users appreciate complex branching narrative structures provide high replay value for interactive fiction enthusiasts, but report lack of gender selection options limits character identification for a portion of the audience.
How are ratings & reviews evolving?
What users say, by theme
- Complex branching narrative structures provide high replay value for interactive fiction enthusiasts
- Lack of gender selection options limits character identification for a portion of the audience
60 of 107 recent reviews analyzed · high confidence · Thrilled overall
Read the full review analysisUnlock 1 user request, each backed by review evidence.
Access the full report for freeCompetition
Competitive landscape for A Study in Steampunk
How's the Games market?
A Study in Steampunk holds a #81 Paid rank in the UK category and #177 Grossing in the Polish Role Playing category, signaling a niche but stable discovery funnel.
Read the market outlookThe rivals identified
By Choice of Games LLC
Both titles utilize the ChoiceScript engine to deliver high-fidelity, text-based interactive fiction that targets the same core demographic of narrative-driven RPG enthusiasts.
- Offers robust accessibility settings for font and contrast that this app currently lacks.
- Implements a cross-platform save state system, allowing users to transition seamlessly between mobile and desktop.
Unlock the head-to-head verdict: where this rival wins, and where it loses.
Access the full report for freeThe Analyst's Read
Key takeaways for A Study in Steampunk
Where is it heading?
The interactive fiction market is consolidating around titles that offer higher levels of character customization and cross-platform utility. A Study in Steampunk remains advantaged by its high narrative quality, but its lack of basic inclusivity features and cross-device support leaves it exposed to more modern, user-centric rivals.
- The lack of gender selection options in the latest release continues to drive negative sentiment, which limits the potential audience for the title.
- The maintenance-only release cadence (4-month intervals) suggests the title is in a stable state, but it lacks the feature expansion needed to capture new market share.
The SWOT
- Thematic cohesion of Victorian mystery and steampunk tropes sustains high user satisfaction scores
- Implementing cross-platform save states would align the title with nemesis-level retention standards
Next best moves
Ship gender selection options because user complaints cite this as a primary barrier to full enjoyment → increase conversion and retention
+ 1 more prioritized moveThe counter-intuitive read
The lack of visual elements is a strength, not a weakness…
Read the full takeFeature gaps
Cross-platform save state system (available in The Eagle's Heir but missing here) +1
Since the last report: The competitive strategy shifted from internal infrastructure maintenance to direct feature parity with nemesis titles, specifically targeting cross-platform save states and multi-language support to counter new market entrants.
Bottom line
Addressing the gender selection gap would remove the most cited barrier to purchase, directly improving the conversion funnel for the existing audience. Prioritizing this over new narrative content will stabilize the user base against more inclusive, newer entrants.
Unlock 1 critical friction, 1 market threat, 1 more prioritized move and the analyst’s take.
Access the full report for freeFAQ
Is A Study in Steampunk suitable for casual readers?
How does A Study in Steampunk compare to The Eagle's Heir?
Does A Study in Steampunk allow me to play as a female character?
What are some alternatives to A Study in Steampunk?
Sources
- [1] Play Store listing, source
Report last updated