When Microsoft abandoned further development of its Train Simulator nearly two years ago there was a feeling among onlookers that virtual railroading was going nowhere fast and that it was doomed to a future in niche markets. While it would be foolish to suggest that VR has hit it big, one can certainly see signs of good times ahead. At least some game companies are thinking that way.
Through the "dark" times Auran continued to forge ahead with Trainz, and for all practical purposes should be considered the leader until someone else comes up with something more successful. Just as Auran is set to release its new version, TRS 2006, news of Kuju and Electronic Arts working together to develop a new product, Rail Simulator, arrived to fan the flames of enthusiasm.
For those who don't know, Kuju is the company that developed Train Simulator for Microsoft. They are now back at it with EA, a major game company. We have little knowledge of what the new product will be like or whether it will even be compatible with the earlier Train Simulator (a million owners of MSTS are probably hoping it WILL be compatible). There is something to be said for being able to start over (if that's what Kuju is doing) with the ability to learn from one's earlier experience and not be saddled with one's prior mistakes or lack of foresight. (I don't mean to accuse Kuju of being shortsighted, but things develop rapidly in the high tech world and one cannot always anticipate what lies around the bend.)
Not to be lost in the shuffle is the promised TrainMaster from RailDriver, which is expected to be compatible with MSTS while adding new features.
All of this bodes well for the VR community and its hobby.
-- Al
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