Two Steam Games Shared a Concept, but Only One Became a Best-Seller

One of the standout surprises on Steam this March was Retro Rewind – Video Store Simulator, a management game that takes players back to the nostalgic era of Blockbuster. Developed by a duo from Canada, this indie gem recently hit the impressive milestone of 100,000 copies sold, placing it among the elite successful titles on Steam. Even during Steam’s Spring Sale, this lighthearted simulator has managed to secure a spot among the top sellers, right alongside heavyweights like Resident Evil and Marathon.

Retro Rewind launched on March 17, but just a week earlier, another title made waves with a similar concept. Rewind 99, which debuted on March 11, also revolves around managing a VHS rental store. While both games share a core theme, they diverge in execution. Rewind 99, currently in early access, leans into a more whimsical, action-oriented style with RPG elements, allowing players to unlock new powers and abilities as they progress.

Similar to Retro Rewind, Rewind 99 incorporates management sim mechanics, such as ordering stock and serving customers. However, it expands the gameplay by offering an open-world experience where players can explore a city and interact with NPCs. The developers have described Rewind 99 as “the open world of Schedule I meets the store manager simulator of TCG card shop simulator.” In essence, while Retro Rewind taps into nostalgia akin to that of Stranger Things, Rewind 99 caters to those who enjoy a more comedic gaming experience, reminiscent of Peak.

Rewind 99 has performed reasonably well on Steam, garnering a few hundred reviews and achieving a “very positive” overall rating. Notably, around half of all Steam releases fail to reach even a dozen reviews! According to SteamDB, Rewind 99 peaked at about 1,100 concurrent players.

In contrast, Retro Rewind has outperformed its rival significantly. At the time of writing, it boasts around 4,500 active players, solidifying its place in the mainstream gaming conversation, with coverage from various outlets and a strong following among YouTubers and Twitch streamers.

The phenomenon of multiple developers arriving at similar ideas is not uncommon. Earlier this month, two games on Steam went viral for sharing the same name. It’s a trend we’ve seen before, such as with the recent release of Slay the Spire 2. The rise of management games that allow players to indulge in nostalgic fantasies has also been notable.

While the developers of Rewind 99 have not publicly commented, at least one team member has taken to social media to clarify the distinctions between the two games. They highlighted that Rewind 99’s open world and co-op features lead to significant differences in gameplay mechanics and overall experience, including art direction.

Interestingly, while some fans speculate whether these games “copied” each other, they are not the only titles with similar themes vying for attention. Later this year, Video Store Simulator will make its debut on Steam, offering a first-person perspective. Perhaps all three can coexist and thrive, much like Piece by Piece did.

Despite Retro Rewind’s success, the team behind Rewind 99 remains dedicated to enhancing their game. Since its launch, Rewind 99 has received several updates addressing bugs and introducing new content, such as toys, snacks, and side hustles. The developers anticipate that the full version, complete with polish and player feedback, won’t be ready until 2028, though a successful launch could expedite that timeline.

In the competitive landscape of Steam, developers often express concern about standing out amidst a flood of new releases each month. Gaining visibility, especially when launching a game with a similar name and premise to another, is increasingly challenging. Conversations with developers reveal that while competition is a reality, many prefer to view their peers as collaborators rather than rivals. In an industry where a game’s success can determine a studio’s fate, this perspective is crucial.

In this instance, the stakes may not be as high for Rewind 99, as the team has years of industry experience and multiple game releases under their belts. Ultimately, both games serve as a case study in how factors like tone, art direction, and features can shape the appeal of a shared concept. For some, this situation may reinforce the idea that success is often arbitrary, and that execution can outweigh the originality of an idea.

Regardless of the takeaways, the developers of Rewind 99 are simply excited to see their game resonate with players. One developer expressed gratitude on Reddit, sharing their joy at seeing someone discover the game through a YouTuber, stating, “It was an incredible moment getting to watch caseoh play last night – I’ll be real… I teared up big time LMAO.”