Indie Japanese developer Lafrontier/noa recently announced that their game Elin, a prequel to Elona, has surpassed 350,000 copies in sales.
The success of Elin mirrors that of its predecessor, the niche sandbox RPG Elona. Released on Steam for Windows PC in November 2024, Elin has garnered a dedicated fan base despite its modest price of $20/3000 yen.
With a similar scope to Elona, Elin has seen steady growth, selling 200,000 copies in its first year and an additional 150,000 in the following year. Lafrontier/noa, the sole developer behind the game, attributes its success to consistent updates and the support of the existing Elona community.
In an interview, noa stated, “We initially aimed for gradual player growth through updates rather than relying on a big launch impact. The unexpected initial sales figures were a pleasant surprise, and we believe that the success of our Kickstarter campaign and the loyalty of Elona players played a significant role.”
Looking ahead, noa expressed a desire for more players to experience Elin, setting a personal goal of reaching “One Million Little Sisters” (players). This aspiration reflects a deep appreciation for the gaming community and the joy of sharing one’s creations with others.
