Viral retro gaming creator Jacob Payne, better known as Retro Jake, has died, his family announced on Instagram on November 7.
Payne owned Retro Jake’s video game stores in Richmond and Muncie, Indiana, and had built an audience of more than 550,000 YouTube subscribers and 150,000 Facebook followers through his retro gaming content.
His family said on Instagram that Payne was “in heaven now” and had “fought until the very end,” while asking followers to keep his loved ones in their thoughts and prayers as they take time to mourn.
Retro Jake’s family warns fans about scams
Payne’s death came after he had been largely absent from regular uploads. His last listed YouTube video, titled “Life Update. Long Video Incoming,” was posted on October 25, while a local report said his family had announced he was hospitalized with severe heart failure the following week. His family has not publicly provided a formal cause of death.
The Retro Jake account later issued a warning after the family said scammers were already attempting to exploit the situation. Followers were told not to send money or answer questions from anyone claiming to represent Payne, his relatives or his friends.
The family said all legitimate information would be shared through Retro Jake’s official Facebook page. It also warned that no financial support would be requested unless it was announced through that account.
Payne was known for buying, selling and trading retro games while showcasing collections and customer interactions at his stores. He also supported local causes, including a “Console For Kids” initiative with the Richmond Police Department that delivered video game systems to Girls Inc. last Christmas.
The Retro Jake stores are temporarily closed while Payne’s family, friends and employees mourn. Small businesses and gaming accounts have also shared condolences following the announcement.
I’m Abhishek Sharma, an author at TigerJek.com. I enjoy exploring games, testing different strategies, and turning what I learn into clear, useful guides. My goal is to help players understand the game better and improve without the usual confusion.
