Leicester Railway Station created on Xbox, PlayStation and PC

A busy rail route through Leicester has been recreated by game developers to feature in a popular railway simulator video game on Xbox, PlayStation and PC. A 38-mile route from Derby through to Leicester can now be travelled virtually by avid rail enthusiasts on Train Sim World 3. An expansion to the existing game to include the major Midland Main Line means a new fleet of East Midlands Railway[1] locomotives will now feature in the new version.

It follows requests from the gaming community who wanted the routes to be included. The game allows users to live out their train-driver fantasy through the heart of the East Midlands and brings to life iconic landmarks in full detail. It includes the likes of Ratcliffe Power Station and Red Hill Tunnel and all 12 stations along the line including Leicester station[2] and Loughborough.

A train near Ratcliffe power station

Players can have a virtual wander around the station as well as sit in a carriage and just enjoy the journey on board the newly-rendered Class 158 diesel multiple unit. Liverpool-based game development and art outsourcing studio, Skyhook Games, were contracted by Train Sim World owner and publisher Dovetail Games to recreate the route.[4] Sean Delaney, a producer from Skyhook Games, who also created the popular Lawn Mowing Simulator, said: “This new development will allow fans from around the world to experience the Midland Main Line. “The East Midlands is synonymous with the development of the rail industry, so it was a particularly special experience to create this much-requested route and we are confident it will create a lot of excitement when launched, from both a local and global audience.”

Matt Peddlesden, Executive Producer at Dovetail Games added: “It’s always exciting to introduce a brand-new train operator[5] to Train Sim World, so I’m delighted that we’re bringing some of the bright and colourful East Midlands trains fleet to the game. With tons to do and in a new part of the country, this fantastic route Add-on is going to keep you driving!” The Derby to Leicester, Midland Main Line Expansion launched on Train Sim World 3 today for PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/s, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.

References

1. ^ East Midlands Railway (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
2. ^ Leicester station (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
3. ^ New image shows scale of planned GBP750m Hinckley Rail Freight Terminal on fields near Burbage Common (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
4. ^ virtual wander around the station (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
5. ^ train operator (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)