The following article appeared in the print issue of Ponca City Monthly magazine, which includes hyperlocal stories about Ponca City. Get full access to all online articles, videos, and content by becoming a paid subscriber. We offer free and paid subscription plans. Find rack locations to pick up your free print copy here, or subscribe here to get online access plus exclusive content.
With brick-and-mortar video game stores becoming a thing of the past, maybe the past is exactly what gamers and hobbyists in Kay County need to thrive.
When you walk into The Game Corner at 1800 N. 5th Street in Ponca City, it feels less like stepping into a store and more like stepping into a time machine — evoking the warm, nostalgic energy of the local “nerd havens” of years gone by: GameStop, Hastings, and Game X Change, for those who remember that deep cut.
Coming down 5th Street, you might spot Mario himself — Nintendo’s iconic plumber — waving down traffic with a sign out front. Inside, the familiar scent of plastic and cardboard hangs in the air, nostalgic even before your eyes land on rows of game cases and boxes spanning nearly half a century of gaming history.
It feels like home to anyone who’s ever held a controller — and that’s not even counting the shelves of memorabilia, action figures, and collectibles.
For owner Victor Rocha, that feeling is exactly the point.
“I wanted to bring a better experience to my customers,” Rocha says. After four years working inside Hall of Heroes, he decided it was time to branch out on his own — to create a space that celebrated gaming’s past, present, and future. The result is The Game Corner, Ponca City’s newest hobby and gaming shop, where retro meets modern in a family-friendly environment that’s quickly winning over local gamers.
From the Oil Field to the Arcade
Rocha’s path to small business ownership didn’t begin with a joystick in hand. Before opening his first video game store in Oklahoma City, he worked in the oil field — a far cry from consoles and collectibles. After years of long hours and stress, he found himself craving something different.
“I wanted a less stressful environment,” he admits. “Something that I could build and grow, and something that I truly enjoyed.”
When Ponca City’s local GameStop closed its doors, Rocha saw a gap in the market — and an opportunity to turn his passion into something meaningful for the community.
A Time Machine for Video Games
Ask Rocha how he describes The Game Corner to someone who hasn’t been there yet, and his answer comes easily:
“It’s like a time machine for video games.”
The shop carries new and used video games and consoles, along with Legos, HDMI repairs, cleanings, and layaway options. But more than that, it offers an atmosphere that’s open and welcoming — a space where everyone feels invited into the gaming community.
“I want people to feel like they’re part of something,” Rocha says. “Somewhere they’ll be treated with integrity and respect.”
The store’s inventory is one of the most impressive in northern Oklahoma. From hard-to-find classics to modern bestsellers, there’s something for every kind of gamer. “We have a large inventory and rare, hard-to-find games,” Rocha says proudly. “And we’re adding more all the time — retro consoles and Pokémon cards are coming soon.”
Community and Connection
Since opening, The Game Corner has been embraced with enthusiasm by local gamers and families alike.
“We’ve received a lot of support from the community,” Rocha says. “Our customers tell us, ‘We’re so glad to have a store like this in town.’”
It’s more than just a retail space — it’s becoming a community hub. Rocha plans to host gaming tournaments, hobby nights, and community events in the near future, creating a place where players can come together not just to shop, but to share their passion.
That sense of community extends beyond gaming, too. In a move that’s won over parents and teachers alike, The Game Corner offers discounts to local students who bring in report cards showing good grades — a creative way to reward achievement and keep kids motivated. “If they’re working hard in school, they deserve a little something fun,” Rocha says with a grin.
And that passion runs deep. Rocha has noticed a renewed appreciation for classic consoles and retro titles since opening his doors. “People are rediscovering the magic of those older games,” he says. “The nostalgia brings people together — parents showing their kids what they played growing up. It’s a shared experience.”
The Rewards and Challenges of Going Independent
Launching a small business in today’s retail climate isn’t easy — especially when competing against big-box corporations and online sellers.
“Being competitive with bigger companies is tough,” Rocha admits. “But we offer something they don’t — personal connection. We know our customers, we listen, and we make sure everyone who walks in feels welcome.”
For Rocha, the most rewarding part of running The Game Corner has been the personal growth that’s come with it. “The freedom to grow as a person,” he says simply. “That’s been the best part of all this.”
Looking ahead, he hopes to continue expanding and strengthening his ties within the Ponca City community. “We expect to keep growing in the years to come,” he says. “And we’re hoping to partner with more local clubs and schools.”
Following Dreams and Pressing ‘Start’
When asked what advice he’d give to someone dreaming of turning their passion into a business, Rocha doesn’t hesitate. “Go for it,” he says. “Follow your dreams.”
That sense of optimism and authenticity defines The Game Corner. It’s a place built not just on nostalgia, but on courage, community, and the belief that fun and connection are still worth investing in.
Rocha smiles when asked about his all-time favorite game. “Donkey Kong Country,” he says, without missing a beat. “Because of the childhood memories.”
If he could spend a day gaming with any character, it would be Link from The Legend of Zelda — a hero known for courage, heart, and adventure. In many ways, that’s a fitting reflection of Rocha himself: a man who took a leap of faith, powered on a new beginning, and invited the community to join in the game.
“Gaming isn’t a waste of time,” he says. “There are so many skills that come from it — and it can open doors to careers and creativity people never expect.”
➡️ Opt in or out of different newsletters on your “My Account” page.
➡️ Learn more about Ponca City Monthly+
Ponca City Monthly is a locally owned publication that delivers hyperlocal news in print and online.
Like what we are doing? Feel free to forward this along and tell a friend.
Sponsorship information/customer service: email [email protected]
