Post by Deleted on Mar 31, 2006 10:40:21 GMT
Link to story HERE
Train company First Great Western is to be the central feature of an exciting new computer game which is to go on worldwide sale later this year. Called “Rail Simulator”, the game means players can pretend to drive a train or design a route and will appeal to all ages.
It is being developed by Kuju Entertainment and as well as featuring First Great Western’s High Speed Trains (HSTs) it also includes opportunities for players to take charge of steam, diesel and electric trains on routes in the UK and Germany.
Players will be able to ‘drive’ a First Great Western HST which has been accurately modeled in 3D and features a realistic driving model and sound effects. It is in the very latest livery which will be unveiled for the first time in April when First Great Western starts operating the new Greater Western franchise.
To help make the game come alive, and make sure it is accurate, First Great Western is giving Kuju, one of Europe’s leading independent game developers, access to its depots and stations as well as allowing recordings of sounds including shunting, coupling and the noises the instruments in the driver’s cab make. Technical information has been provided by engineers, drivers and station managers and close-up photographs taken to help with the accurate reconstruction.
“This is probably one of the most unusual projects we have been involved in and it is a fascinating one,” said Elaine Wilde, Head of Corporate Communications for First Great Western. “We have been impressed with the care and attention given to every detail and we cannot wait until ‘Rail Simulator’ is available. I’m sure everyone is really going to enjoy it – let’s face it lots of people have secret yearnings to be train drivers!”
Richard Rogerson, Executive Producer for ‘Rail Simulator’, added: “Kuju approached First Great Western because it is one of the leading franchise operators in the UK and the company has been incredibly helpful. Using a HST, an iconic train, with the new livery gives us a chance to focus on the modern operations of one of Britain’s premier train companies using a famous and well loved engine.”
The First Great Western section of the game is accurately modeled on the Oxford-London Paddington route and players will experience a mix of urban and rural landscapes.
‘Rail Simulator’ will be distributed and marketed by Electronic Arts.
Train company First Great Western is to be the central feature of an exciting new computer game which is to go on worldwide sale later this year. Called “Rail Simulator”, the game means players can pretend to drive a train or design a route and will appeal to all ages.
It is being developed by Kuju Entertainment and as well as featuring First Great Western’s High Speed Trains (HSTs) it also includes opportunities for players to take charge of steam, diesel and electric trains on routes in the UK and Germany.
Players will be able to ‘drive’ a First Great Western HST which has been accurately modeled in 3D and features a realistic driving model and sound effects. It is in the very latest livery which will be unveiled for the first time in April when First Great Western starts operating the new Greater Western franchise.
To help make the game come alive, and make sure it is accurate, First Great Western is giving Kuju, one of Europe’s leading independent game developers, access to its depots and stations as well as allowing recordings of sounds including shunting, coupling and the noises the instruments in the driver’s cab make. Technical information has been provided by engineers, drivers and station managers and close-up photographs taken to help with the accurate reconstruction.
“This is probably one of the most unusual projects we have been involved in and it is a fascinating one,” said Elaine Wilde, Head of Corporate Communications for First Great Western. “We have been impressed with the care and attention given to every detail and we cannot wait until ‘Rail Simulator’ is available. I’m sure everyone is really going to enjoy it – let’s face it lots of people have secret yearnings to be train drivers!”
Richard Rogerson, Executive Producer for ‘Rail Simulator’, added: “Kuju approached First Great Western because it is one of the leading franchise operators in the UK and the company has been incredibly helpful. Using a HST, an iconic train, with the new livery gives us a chance to focus on the modern operations of one of Britain’s premier train companies using a famous and well loved engine.”
The First Great Western section of the game is accurately modeled on the Oxford-London Paddington route and players will experience a mix of urban and rural landscapes.
‘Rail Simulator’ will be distributed and marketed by Electronic Arts.
;D
