Transport Fever 3 and A-Train developers discuss railway simulation

Paradox Interactive released Transport Fever 3 on September 30, the latest entry in Urban Games' logistics management series. The title allows players to construct transportation networks using over 250 vehicle types across diverse environments, featuring new day-night cycles and dynamic weather systems. To explore shared themes in the genre, AUTOMATON conducted a roundtable interview with Urban Games publishing manager Nico Heini and Artdink’s A-Train director Junmei Ono and producer Takayuki Seido.

The discussion highlighted the distinct design philosophies behind both franchises. Transport Fever 3 shifts focus from pure monetary accumulation to fulfilling specific city needs to drive organic growth. In contrast, the A-Train series, celebrating its 40th anniversary, develops towns indirectly through railway operations rather than direct plot designation. Both teams noted that their respective games evolved from early concepts involving train simulation into broader economic and urban development experiences.