Beautiful Train Simulator by Solo Japanese Developer Running Train Released in Early Access

Developer Novatetsu Games launched its realistic train simulator Running Train in early access on Steam, and it looks like it’s a gem.

The game was launched this morning on Steam’s store for a very affordable $17.99, including a 10% release discount.

Running Train includes interface and subtitles in English and Japanese, while voices are in Japanese only.

It’s very likely that the images in this article have already caught your attention thanks to the lovely Unreal Engine 5-powered visuals, but you’ll probably be even more impressed when I tell you that Novatetsu Games is actually a solo developer named Rizu based in Japan.

The simulation is set on a fictionalized version of Japan across over 40 Km of rural railway, featuring exactly what you’d expect: spectacular cherry blossoms, lovingly detailed seaside scenes, and romantic countryside locations.

Here’s what you can expect in terms of features:

4 Train type with different characteristic
2 Fictional Railway operator spanning 40km of meticulously handcrafted fully detailed route
Railway Safety system such as Vigilance and Automatic Train Stop implemented
Realistic physics and train motion
Features over 40 diagrams both local and express train spanning early morning, afternoon, and nighttime operation.
2 seasons available: Sakura Spring and Snowy Winter
Selectable weather and environment settings
Master controller support
Auto-drive mode, let you enjoy route scenery as passenger or trainspotter
Open livery editor
Photo mode

The developer already has a detailed plan for the early access period in the upcoming year or so.

(2026, Q3-Q4) Implementing the passenger system and a Passenger POV mode.
(2026, Q4) Localization.
(2027, Q2-Q4) Sankai Main Line: Extension to Hayase (bringing the final route to approx. 80km).
(2027, Q2-Q3) Fukugawa Main Line: Extension to Tenryuko (bringing the final route to approx. 20km).
(2027, Q2-Q3) Conductor Mode.

Running Train has been received positively on its first day, with a “very positive” welcome across hundreds of user reviews.

If you want a glimpse of the reasons why, you can check out a teaser trailer, some gameplay, and a number of screenshots below. We’ll certainly keep an eye on this one.