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Nostalgia is hitting rewind. Indie developer Gunmetal Games is set to launch a free public demo for Rewind 99, a cooperative open-world video rental store simulator, on Steam February 18, 2026. The demo offers a taste of the quirky world of Reshoot Springs, allowing players to experience approximately 40 minutes of gameplay across the first two in-game days.
Rewind 99 places players in the role of a video store owner battling against the tide of streaming services and a mysterious corporate rival, RentNet. The game blends retail management with a sandbox environment, offering a unique take on the simulation genre. Players will manage inventory, assist customers, and navigate the eccentricities of a small town while trying to retain their business afloat. The core gameplay loop, as described by the developers, centers around balancing customer needs with the unusual opportunities that arise in Reshoot Springs.
But running a video store in Rewind 99 isn’t just about stocking shelves and ringing up sales. The demo unlocks a series of bizarre side hustles for enterprising players. Those willing to dive deeper can install a Mechanical Bull to wager on customer riding skills, partner with an “Illicit Candy Dealer” to create shopping frenzies, hire a Repo Man to recover overdue rentals, or even operate a Claw Machine stocked with rare prizes. Players can also experiment with “Movie Mixing,” a system that allows for the creation of custom films within the game itself.
Beyond the immediate tasks of running a store, Rewind 99 features extensive progression systems. Players can collect 99 unique items, try their luck with lottery scratchers, and fully customize both their character and the store itself. The developers promise numerous secrets are hidden throughout the game world, encouraging exploration, and replayability. The game is planned to remain in Early Access for two years, with Gunmetal Games committed to expanding the town, adding new goods, and deepening customer interactions, according to PC Gamer.
The demo will serve as a preview for the game’s participation in Steam Next Fest, beginning February 23, 2026. Gunmetal Games intends to release updates to the demo leading up to the festival, aiming to expand the playable experience to between 60 and 90 minutes of gameplay. The full game will feature seamless co-op, allowing friends to manage the store together, as noted on the IndieDB page.
Rewind 99 is categorized on Steam as an Early Access simulation game with elements of action, casual gameplay, character customization, and open-world exploration. The game’s aesthetic is described as cartoony and colorful, evoking the nostalgia of the 1990s. You can find more information and add the game to your wishlist on its Steam page.
The free demo will be available on Steam starting February 18, 2026. Players eager to experience this unique blend of retail simulation and open-world adventure won’t have long to wait.
What comes next for Rewind 99 is a period of community feedback and iterative development during its Early Access phase. Gunmetal Games plans to leverage player input to refine the game’s systems and expand its content. The team’s commitment to a two-year Early Access period suggests a substantial vision for the game’s future.
Have you ever worked in a video rental store? Share your memories in the comments below, and let us know if you plan to check out the Rewind 99 demo!
