Train Simulator (originally RailWorks) is a train simulation game developed by
Dovetail Games, formerly known as RailSimulator.com. It is the official successor to
Rail Simulator, and was released online on 12 June 2009 and in stores on 3 July 2009.
Compared to Rail Simulator, RailWorks contained new rolling stock, tools that previously
had to be downloaded separately, graphical advancements such as modification of the
existing content, bug fixes, backwards compatibility and the ability to trade elements
from the virtual world with other users online. The first release of RailWorks contained
all of the five real-world routes of the original European and North American releases
of Rail Simulator, and added three new fictional routes: a large UK goods yard, a route
set in the Alpine region and a route based around Denver, Colorado. It is a Steamworks
title, which means it uses and requires Steam to activate and to deliver core game
updates. Steam is also used to deliver additional routes and locomotives in the form of
DLC. The core game has received several free updates since release, including major new
versions RailWorks 2: Train Simulator in 2010, RailWorks 3: Train Simulator 2012 in
2011, Train Simulator 2013 in 2012, Train Simulator 2014 in 2013, Train Simulator 2015
in 2014 and Train Simulator 2016 in 2015.
