Philadelphia, PA – September 22, 2025 – Prepare to descend into the darkness. Indie video game developer and publisher Retroware, in collaboration with Cinemassacre, is thrilled to announce that Gnome Cave, a brand new horror/thriller from the mind of James Rolfe (the AVGN), is now available in paperback, hardback, and Kindle.
Gnome Cave is a tale of terror spanning three decades, as a group of childhood friends revisit an infamous abandoned amusement park to face their fears in a bloodcurdling story of redemption.
“It was very satisfying writing this all out and letting my imagination run wild,” said Rolfe in a video announcing the book’s release. “Unlike making a movie, there’s no concern for budget—you know, words are free. No location hunting, no effects. You don’t have to think about logistics, solve a whole bunch of problems, or explain what you want from people. This was just me at my computer, with a cup of coffee, day after day. And what you get is my total, uncompromised vision—straight from my mind to the page.”
Watch the full Gnome Cave Announcement Video Here
About Gnome Cave:
Thirty years ago, Dante and his friends dared to ride the notorious Gnome Cave—a theme park attraction known for its cheerful gnomes and infamous for its terrifying finale: a dragon so feared, it led to the ride’s permanent closure. When Dante’s own fear stopped his group from confronting the beast, their adventure ended prematurely, leaving him with a lifetime of regret.
Now, determined to rewrite the past, Dante reunites his childhood friends to explore the now-abandoned park and finally finish the ride. But what has been lurking in the shadows for decades is far more sinister than childhood nightmares. Dante’s redemption may come at a horrifying cost.
Growing up doesn’t mean outgrowing the fear.
From the imagination of filmmaker James Rolfe, Gnome Cave is a haunting story that will take you back to the past… in a very different way.
About Retroware:
“We’re all about modern retro games. We develop, publish, make merch, and run arcades. Bringing you retro experiences with modern conveniences.”
About James Rolfe:
James Rolfe is a filmmaker, writer, and creator of the long-running Angry Video Game Nerd series through his company, Cinemassacre. He has written and directed numerous independent short films and is the author of A Movie Making Nerd, his first book about his life and career in film. Gnome Cave is his debut horror novella and second released book.
