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Hey Samuel, thanks for reaching out. I really appreciate how much thought you put into this, and it sounds like you understand exactly what I’m trying to build with PLEASE REWIND.

Your approach to rebuilding the project in UE5 is actually very close to what I’m looking for. My biggest priority is getting away from temporary prototype-style systems and rebuilding the core gameplay on a clean, reliable foundation that we can continue expanding.

I’m definitely looking for someone interested in a long-term collaboration, not just a one-off task. I’d be handling the overall creative direction, story, marketing, Steam/publishing side, assets, and project management, while I’m looking for a technical partner who can take the lead on implementing and polishing the actual UE5 gameplay systems. I’m absolutely open to discussing the revenue split, responsibilities, ownership, milestones, and expectations clearly before we start.

I’d love to talk more and show you where PLEASE REWIND currently stands, what needs to be rebuilt, and where I want the vertical slice to go.

My Discord is od1ns — feel free to add me there.

When you get a chance, I’d also love to see any UE5 projects, gameplay systems, portfolio pieces, or examples of your work that you think are most relevant, and let me know roughly how much time you’d normally be able to put into the project each week.

Thanks again, Samuel. I’m definitely interested in talking further.

Hey everyone,

I’m looking for an Unreal Engine 5 programmer/developer to collaborate with me on PLEASE REWIND, a single-player VHS store work-sim horror game set during an overnight shift at a 90s-style video rental store.

The basic idea is to combine the satisfying routine and task-based gameplay of a work simulator with increasingly unsettling horror.

You start your shift doing normal things: clocking in, organizing VHS tapes, working the counter, rewinding returns, cleaning up, and completing store tasks.

As the night continues, the store slowly begins to change.

Tapes trigger strange events, the power starts failing, things appear where they shouldn’t be, creatures begin showing up, and eventually the player realizes they may not actually be alone in the store.

Current Status

This is not just an idea.

I already have:

• A playable prototype
• The core gameplay concept and story
• Night 1 and Night 2 planned out
• Environment and prop assets
• VHS artwork and signage
• Enemy concepts
• Gameplay footage
• Publisher outreach already underway
• A clear vision for the final game

The current prototype was built using AI-assisted development tools, but I want to move away from that and rebuild the game properly as a clean, maintainable Unreal Engine 5 project.

Who I'm Looking For

Ideally, I’m looking for one UE5 programmer / technical partner who is comfortable with things like:

• Unreal Engine 5
• Blueprints and/or C++
• First-person player systems
• Interaction systems
• Pick-up / placeable objects
• Inventory or objective systems
• Triggered horror events
• Enemy AI
• Lighting and scripted sequences
• Basic UI
• Optimization and packaging builds

You do not need to be an expert in every area.

I care much more about finding someone dependable who enjoys horror games and wants to help turn an existing prototype into something polished.

First Goal

The first milestone would be rebuilding a polished vertical slice of the video store.

That would include things like:

• Entering the store
• Clocking in
• Exploring the environment
• Picking up and placing VHS tapes
• VHS shelving
• Using the rewind station
• Finding and using the flashlight
• Completing store objectives
• Scripted horror events
• One enemy encounter
• Atmospheric lighting and audio
• A clean playable Windows build

After that, we would continue building out the full nights, VHS events, enemies, story sequences, and final sections of the game.

Compensation

This is currently a revenue-share / collaboration project, so there is no guaranteed upfront payment right now.

My goal is to create a significantly stronger vertical slice and continue pitching the project to publishers for funding.

If publisher funding is secured, the goal would be to transition development into paid work where possible.

Any revenue-share agreement would be discussed clearly before serious development begins so everyone understands ownership, responsibilities, percentages, and expectations.

About Me

I’m handling the game direction, concept, story, level ideas, asset sourcing, visuals, publisher outreach, marketing direction, and overall creative vision.

I’m looking for someone who wants to take ownership of the technical side and potentially become a long-term development partner rather than simply completing a one-off freelance job.

The goal is to build something commercially viable and eventually release it on Steam.

Interested?

If this sounds interesting, send me:

• A little about yourself
• Your Unreal Engine experience
• Examples of previous work if you have them
• Whether you prefer Blueprints, C++, or both
• What parts of game development you enjoy most
• Your availability
• Any questions you have about PLEASE REWIND

You do not need a massive professional portfolio.

If you’re a newer Unreal developer looking for a serious project to build your portfolio with, I’m open to talking.

Thanks for reading.

PLEASE REWIND Single-player • Work Sim • Psychological Horror • VHS Nostalgia • Unreal Engine 5

Hey! I’m currently developing PLEASE REWIND, a single-player 90s video-store work-sim horror game.

I already have a playable prototype and a clear direction for the game, but I’m looking for a programmer to collaborate with me through development rather than just handle one small task.

The main areas I need help with are UE5 Blueprints, gameplay systems, interactions, enemy behavior, objectives, level scripting, and cleaning up/rebuilding parts of the current prototype.

I want to be upfront that I don’t have cash available for upfront development costs right now, so I’m looking for someone interested in a genuine co-development/collaboration arrangement through the end of the project, with compensation/revenue terms agreed on together.

If that kind of partnership interests you, I’d be happy to send over the current build, pitch, and a breakdown of where the game is headed.