Two independent video game developers have brought a ‘blockbuster’ idea to life. They’ve created a video rental store simulator. The game lets users run their own video rental store, like it was the 1980s and 1990s all over again. The game is called Retro Rewind.
Check this out. (WATCH)
Two indie devs made a game where you run your own video store in the early 90s. It’s currently the #5 top-selling game on Steam.
– Rent out VHS tapes & manage customers
– Charge Late & Broken Fees
– Upgrade & customise your storeIt’s called Retro Rewind – Video Store Simulator pic.twitter.com/LIrpX4QI9M
— Indie Game Joe (@IndieGameJoe) March 17, 2026
give the people what they want @blockbuster – reopen all physical stores.
— Indie Game Joe (@IndieGameJoe) March 17, 2026
We miss VHS/DVD rental stores like Blockbuster, Hollywood Video, and Family Video.
But hitting rewind on technological advancements and current instant-gratification attitudes is easier said than done. Posters explain.
I think that’s ultimately the key issue. Digital is overtaking physical, and the numbers just aren’t what they used to be, especially as retailers get rid of their physical media products.
Between streaming and digital purchases, it’s an uphill battle for sure.
— Enigma #LGM #Trump47 (@E_Wonder85) March 18, 2026
As much as I would love this, I wonder what prices would be like today? They don’t mass produce physical copies like they used to either.
— Frosty (@Frosty_Coconuts) March 17, 2026
Yeah, I could easily see it being $7.99 or $9.99 to rent. Possibly even $11.99.
— 〽️att Tucker (@MattBCTucker) March 18, 2026
The highest hurdle is that, with the advent of streaming services, many people have gotten rid of their DVD, Blu-Ray, and VHS players.
Some posters say a Blockbuster-themed party room might work.
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New business model, rent them out for parties, and the party is just running the store.
— bIm Moving Forward Unburdened (@0youngbs) March 17, 2026
We’re so desperate to go back we’d have parties working at blockbuster🤣
— Darryl (@DarrylRicardo17) March 17, 2026
Only birthday boy/girl gets to go check the drop box?
— Western Decadence (@cousinBalky) March 17, 2026
It’s amazing how something so mundane sparks the imagination now.
Posters have some ideas for other online video game simulators of other long-gone experiences.
Things are so bad now that escapism is just being a minimum wage employee at a video store in the 90s.
— NERKISH (@NerkNews) March 17, 2026
It’s just a matter of time until someone makes the shopping mall pretzel restaurant simulator.
— Dissident Soaps (@DissidentSoaps) March 17, 2026
Next up – indie devs develop a game where you run your own 1980’s era Pizza Hut, complete with cloth tableware and vintage arcade games. pic.twitter.com/dSRnTxWhv7
— Palace Leavitt (@palace_leavitt) March 17, 2026
Mark my word.
It’s coming back… pic.twitter.com/pHBitYmf9V
— B-rad Brad (@HawksandCards) March 18, 2026
It’s not, unfortunately. Outside of fond memories, an online simulator is the closest thing to a ‘Blockbuster night’ we’re going to get in 2026.
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