Indonesian-developed Running Train simulation game receives global praise

A train simulation game developed by an Indonesian creator, Running Train, is generating buzz among train simulation gaming communities, including in Japan. The game officially launched in Early Access on Steam on 24 May 2026. Developed by Indonesian indie studio NovatetsuGames, the project is led by solo developer Rizky Nova, alias ‘Rizu’, who handled most aspects of development independently, from programming and environment design to 3D modelling. The game has received positive feedback from Japanese gamers and the international train simulation community. One Steam user described it as ’ the most beautiful train simulator ever released ’ , while others praised the ‘remarkably realistic’ environments, lighting, and weather. On Reddit’s train simulation community, several users commended the game’s visual quality, with one stating ‘This is what a train sim should look like in 2026.’ International gaming outlet Kotaku also highlighted Running Train as one of the most realistic train simulators created by a solo developer. Running Train tasks players with operating trains on fictional Japanese lines such as Hayamori Railway and Kofuku Railway. The game features over 40 kilometres of track with detailed rural, coastal, and cherry blossom areas. The visuals are built using Unreal Engine 5.