Indonesian game developer Novatetsu Games has officially released their latest train simulation game, RUNNING TRAIN, on Steam as an Early Access title on 25 May 2026.
RUNNING TRAIN places players inside the train operator’s cabin as they navigate more than 40 kilometres of detailed Japanese rural railways. Developed with Unreal Engine, the game features operational patterns and scenery inspired by the Japanese countryside and seaside landscapes.
The game offers several gameplay modes, ranging from beginner-friendly driving assistance to more challenging options such as Hard Mode, No UI, and No Speedometer mode. Players can also access a Free Mode, allowing them to relax while an AI driver operates the train, turning the experience into a virtual sightseeing journey through rural Japan.
The game gained strong traction on Steam. It surpasses 50 user reviews just a few hours after the release, allowing it to receive Steam’s Very Positive review label. The game has also attracted attention from Japanese train simulation fans, with around half of the reviews written in Japanese.
Novatetsu Games is an indie game studio run by Indonesian video game developer Rizky Nova. On the Steam page, the developer stated that the full version of the game will be available around Q2 to Q4 of 2027. The full version will feature 80-100 kilometres of the Hayamori Line. However, the exact date has not been announced yet.
The Indonesian Anime Times
