Hi Guys!
Developer, Rizu here. Just found out how to post here in community posts, so please accept my apologies for the recent silence. I would like to address some of the most frequently asked topic regarding the game's development and future plans.
Publishing Related Topic
RUNNING TRAIN will launch exclusively on Steam in Early Access. As a solo developer handling both development and publishing, my top priority is to stabilize and polish the Steam version. While I would love to bring the game to platforms like the PS5, Xbox, Epic, and GOG in the future, these ports will be considered only after the game reaches version 1.0 or achieves a highly stable state.
About Master Controller Support
RUNNING TRAIN will have native support for these controllers:
ZUIKI One-Handle MasCon (all variant)
ZUIKI Mascon Pro *Partial Support
Densha de GO! Two-Handle Controller for PC (DGOC-44U models with USB)
Note: If you are using a controller not listed above, a third-party mapping tool or script may be required. For example, a Densha de GO! Plug & Play console can be made compatible using a third-party USB script that emulates the DGOC-44U HID protocol.
About lack of People and Passenger
This was difficult decision. Creating 3D passenger models and animations that blend into the environment without breaking immersion is incredibly challenging. Handling both the modeling, animation and implementation myself would have significantly delayed the release. Consequently, I decided to exclude passengers for the initial launch, but I have placed this feature high on our post-launch roadmap.
If the absence of passengers is a dealbreaker for you, I completely understand and encourage you to save your money and wait for future updates. You can follow my social media channels below to track our progress.
Localization
Yes, I have plan to add more language given the unexpected popularity of the game outside of Japan. But Since language system in the game is hardcoded into the game itself, the progress might take a while than it expected. Future language priorities will be determined by wishlist and sales data, with Chinese or German currently being the top candidates.
About UGC/Mod support
The only modding feature supported at this time is the livery/reskin system. Because the game’s engine architecture was not originally built to support deep modability, comprehensive mod tools will not be possible for this project. I apologize for this limitation and appreciate your understanding :)
Finally, Release and Other Development Roadmap
RUNNING TRAIN launches in Early Access tomorrow, May 25, 2026 🎉, at a base price of $19.99 USD.
While a detailed development roadmap will be shared alongside the release statement, my top priorities moving forward:
Implementing the passenger system and a Passenger POV mode.
Localization.
Sankai Main Line: Extension to Hayase (bringing the final route to approx. 80km).
Fukugawa Main Line: Extension to Tenryuko (bringing the final route to approx. 20km).
Conductor Mode.
My target for completing these milestones and hitting full release is Q3 2027.
Thank you all for your incredible support and curiosity. I look forward to seeing you on the rails tomorrow!
Cheers,
~Rizu
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