Brice Cooper on UnsplashIf you’re not well-versed in the Indie Game scene, you might’ve missed the recent release of a game called Subway Builder. The game, developed by a 21-year-old man named Colin Miller, provides a real-world passenger simulation for subway systems across different American cities.
The idea came about when Miller was on a broken-down New York City subway while trying to get home.
Like many of us who are cursed with having to regularly take public transit, Miller thought, “Well, I could make a better one.” While it began as a small project, the demo he posted to social media quickly went viral, and he decided to build out a full game, according to an article from The Baltimore Banner.
Miller used real-world census and redistricting data to generate an accurate commuter setup, while also having to worry about budget, station placement, train frequency, and construction challenges as you expand your underground empire.
The game also provides in-depth analysis for things like wait times, transfers, delays, income, and other considerations that your commuters weigh on a day-to-day basis.
Why Is It So Fun?
This very in-depth, very reality-based management game is tailored to those who like to challenge themselves with real-world problems in a low-stakes environment, while also having the opportunity for creativity. Some games that come to mind are Roller Coaster Tycoon, Cities: Skylines, and Railroad Engineer.
Alternatively, if you just want to mess around with a bunch of subway lines, the game also offers a sandbox mode. Infinite money, but with the same data being used. This mode allows you to create whatever you want to without worrying about that pesky government funding.
Like any management sim, you’ll also get the opportunity to learn something new about how the world works. Funnily enough, Miller said in an interview with Spectrum News New York that he “understands why the lines are built where they are,” and that “once you’ve built out a network, it’s very hard to change it.”
The Meat And Potatoes
Currently, the game is in its Beta launch, as Miller works out any kinks and takes user feedback into consideration. The game will eventually make its way to Steam, with more domestic and international cities added as the game mechanics are ironed out.
Currently, Subway Builder has maps for Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Honolulu, Houston, Indianapolis, Miami, Minneapolis, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, St Louis, and Washington.
The game currently costs $30 USD when purchased directly from its website. However, it will cost $40 USD once it launches on Steam. It’s also available on Windows, macOS, and Linux, and requires an internet connection to play. The game is also currently available in English, Spanish, and French.
This is a rare opportunity to support a young video game developer, who has spent the past year creating a breath of fresh air to the management simulation genre.
