Samuel Gauthier, a nostalgic soul with a penchant for the early ’90s, channels his childhood memories into his latest venture as an independent video game developer. Gauthier, who co-founded Blood Pact Studios, is one of the creative minds behind Retro Rewind, a video-rental-store simulator that has quickly captured the attention of gamers, debuting at number one on Steam’s top 10 list shortly after its release. While its sales may not rival the blockbuster success of The Lion King in 1995, the game has certainly made a notable impact on the platform, which serves as a hub for indie developers and studios alike.
Immersive Gameplay Inspired by Nostalgia
In Retro Rewind, players step into the shoes of a store owner reminiscent of the iconic Blockbuster Video, navigating the challenges of running a movie rental shop set in the vibrant early ’90s. The game features a whimsical collection of 14,000 fictitious movie titles, predominantly generated through AI prompts. Gauthier has crafted 21 films inspired by the era’s biggest hits, including a playful take on Ghostbusters titled Phantom Patrol.
“We kind of take some liberties,” Gauthier, 33, shared, acknowledging the creative freedom that comes with the game’s concept. Players can expect a nostalgic experience, with faux films rolling out weekly, mirroring the excitement of yesteryear.
As players immerse themselves in the simulation, they engage in various tasks such as designing their store, working the counter, restocking shelves, and even rewinding tapes—a nod to the VHS era. In return, computer-controlled customers pay with cash, reminiscent of the ’90s rental prices, to rent movies and indulge in concessions.
For Gauthier, who is a father of two, the game serves as a bridge between generations. He fondly recalls his own experiences renting movies, particularly the Lord of the Rings films with his father, and now has the opportunity to share those memories with his children. “When I was younger, there was a time where we went out to rent movies,” he reminisced, noting that his kids struggle to envision such a world.
A Journey from Concept to Creation
The development of Retro Rewind was no small feat, taking 15 months of dedicated effort, with Gauthier and his team working over 60 hours a week to bring their vision to life. The idea emerged from a blend of nostalgia and the realization that their first game, the gruesome Bonesaw, did not achieve the commercial success they had hoped for. Recognizing the broader appeal of family-friendly simulator games, they pivoted towards a concept that could resonate with a wider audience.
“I was thinking of the time I was younger. I was going to my local video store—the little one, because there was not a big Blockbuster in my town,” Gauthier explained. “It started as simple as that.” Despite having never visited a Blockbuster, the essence of video rental stores significantly shaped his childhood.
The contrast between Gauthier’s two games is striking. Bonesaw, a grotesque challenge inspired by Buckshot Roulette, pits players against the Devil in a high-stakes card game, while Retro Rewind offers a more lighthearted experience. Although Bonesaw sold around 10,000 copies, its modest price tag limited its profitability, prompting Gauthier to seek a more accessible gaming experience with their latest title.
Future Prospects and Aspirations
Currently priced at .92, Retro Rewind boasts greater replayability and a wider appeal. Gauthier acknowledges the growing demand for console adaptations, although the high costs of development kits and the complexities of adapting a point-and-click game for consoles present challenges. Meanwhile, Blood Pact Studios remains focused on providing ongoing support for Retro Rewind across various platforms, including handheld devices like Valve’s Steam Deck.
Looking ahead, Gauthier and his partner are already contemplating their next project, though details remain under wraps. They express a desire to return to multiplayer or co-op gaming, reflecting on the collaborative energy that characterized their work on Bonesaw. “It was more interesting, I would say,” Gauthier noted, reminiscing about the dynamic play-testing sessions they enjoyed together.
Should Retro Rewind continue to thrive, Gauthier envisions a future where the game evolves alongside technological advancements, perhaps transitioning from VHS to DVDs, complete with new challenges like cleaning and repairs. He humorously mused about a scenario where the game’s fictional rental store avoids the fate of real-life Blockbuster by acquiring Netflix in its early days, paving the way for a potential sequel that explores the evolution of the rental business.
