Dev Log : 2026 Trackmap
Our route to arrival!
It was a very busy end to 2025 for us here at the Steam Wheels HQ, but annoyingly on things that aren’t Steam Wheels. Good news is we are back on track, and in the midst of various bits and pieces I thought it would be great to give a little Dev log on where the game is at, and where it’s heading.
As of now the game is in a playable state, but very fresh and rough around the edges; with some edges not there at all. We are aiming to get a demo and updated visuals together in the coming months. Our over arching thought process is to release any visuals or playable parts of the game only when they’re ready, so we’ve been holding off for a while with this apsect of Steam Wheels!
With us having full time commitments elsewhere it can be tricky to get really stuck into the game development, but what spurs us on every day is the amazing comments, emails and messages we get from everyone! Folk are so excited for Steam Wheels. Even with the small amount of visuals and videos we have put out there (that were very early on in development!). Bodes well for when the fully fleshed out game comes together.
Lights, camera, action!
Currently I’m on the end leg of all the passenger logic (embarking, finding their seats, getting XP for passengers.. etc). Which has been really good fun. Our wee test passengers find their nearest carriage, nearest door then sit in the next empty seat. It’s a joy to watch and trigger before steaming away to the next station.
Alongside this I’m trying to block out some events this year to try and get to to show off the game in person; some model railway exhibitions, game expos and alike. If there’s anything anyone can think of or know about get in touch! It gives us a great excuse for a deadline. And we’ve found speaking to people face to face a real joy and a help with the game.
Stay tuned for some more updated visuals, just tweaking the controls and UI style so they’re more in harmony. Hand-drawn UI vs nice and clean has been a constant battle for us! And probably the hardest decision we have designing Steam Wheels. We are just about there, though.
Next up on our devvin’ is to finish off our XP system, linking it to schedules and alike. This is how new trains and maps will be unlocked from across the world!
JKUB
