Rain World, the notoriously challenging indie survival game released in 2017, has experienced a significant turnaround in its fortunes after years of legal and publishing difficulties. Initially launched by Videocult with publishing support from Adult Swim Games, the game struggled with inconsistent updates across platforms and a prolonged period of stagnation. This situation persisted until Akupara Games stepped in to take over publishing duties in 2022.
When Akupara Games assumed control, Rain World's peak concurrent player count hovered around 600. The developer and publisher duo, David Logan and Buddy Sola, recognized the game's potential, noting a deeply devoted community that had sustained the game through its troubled early years. Akupara Games aimed to revitalize the title by first standardizing all versions of the game. Following this, they focused on engaging the existing player base and attracting new fans.
This strategy included releasing the game's first downloadable content, Downpour, in 2023, which was an adaptation of a popular community mod. Akupara Games also initiated community events such as art contests and live streams, introduced physical merchandise, and finally brought the game to Xbox. These efforts led to a substantial increase in player engagement, with the peak concurrent player count soaring to 8,500 following the Downpour DLC.
The momentum continued with the release of a second DLC, The Watcher, in 2025, which further boosted the peak concurrent player count to 15,500. Sales figures also reflect this growth; Downpour sold 186,000 units at launch, and The Watcher sold 128,000 units. During a recent Steam summer sale, Rain World itself sold 1.3 million units, bringing Akupara's total sales for the game to 3.5 million units since they took over publishing.
Despite its harsh and often inscrutable gameplay, where players control a vulnerable slug cat navigating a hostile ecosystem, Rain World has found a significant audience. The game's core loop involves scarce resources, formidable predators, and deadly environmental hazards, with death and repetition being central to the learning process. While the median playtime may be low, a dedicated segment of players remains highly invested, and a notable portion of the community engages with the game through watching streams and purchasing merchandise, contributing to substantial revenue streams for Akupara Games, including over seven figures from merchandise alone.
Adding to the game's recent developments, a physical collector's edition was announced, coinciding with the game's ninth anniversary. However, the game remains indirectly linked to Adult Swim Games and Warner Bros. Discovery, which is reportedly looking to divest itself of remaining ties to the defunct publishing label. Akupara Games leadership expressed optimism about reaching a resolution that would grant them full independence. While future DLC for Rain World is unlikely due to the game's age and development limits, Akupara Games has indicated a desire to continue working on new projects, potentially including other games.