Thomas the Tank Engine is Coming to yet Another Game, But Not As a Mod This Time

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Summary

  • Dovetail Games collaborates with Mattel to bring official Thomas the Tank Engine content to Train Sim World 5 in 2025.
  • Train Sim World 5 is the eighth iteration of the game, offering players access to various trains and routes.
  • The new expansion pack will provide a story-driven experience featuring Thomas, his friends, and foes, expanding the simulation game uniquely.

As a seasoned critic with a lifelong obsession with both trains and children’s entertainment, I must say that the upcoming collaboration between Dovetail Games and Mattel is nothing short of a dream come true. Having spent countless hours playing Train Sim World and reminiscing about my childhood days spent with Thomas the Tank Engine, this merging of two worlds feels like a perfect symphony to my ears.

Dovetail Games have revealed plans to incorporate content based on Thomas the Tank Engine into Train Sim World 5, set for release next year. Train Sim World 5 is a popular series of simulation games developed by Dovetail Games for both PC and consoles. Unlike many unofficial mods featuring Thomas the Tank Engine, this partnership with Mattel’s franchise will result in an official expansion pack for Train Sim World 5, offering a distinctive take on the simulation experience.

2019 marked the debut of Train Sim World, followed by annual updates since Train Sim World 3 in 2022. The latest addition, Train Sim World 5, was rolled out on September 17, 2024. This new edition offers players an array of trains and their respective routes, such as the West Coast Main Line between London Euston and Milton Keynes, and the L.A. to San Bernardino Metrolink Line. For the gaming year of 2025, Dovetail Games has planned a fresh expansion pack inspired by the Thomas and Friends franchise. Unlike other game add-ons, this one is entirely story-focused.

In the unveiling trailer for the new content in Train Sim World 5, JD from Dovetail Games reveals that they are thrilled to be partnering with Mattel on this project. Although an exact launch date for the expansion pack next year hasn’t been set yet, JD hints that Thomas will be accompanied by his friends Annie and Clarabel. Furthermore, players can expect some trouble from Diesel and the Troublesome Trucks. Dovetail Games also shared a few gameplay previews, showcasing the appearance of Thomas the Tank Engine in the simulation game and a replica of the West Somerset Railway.

Thomas and Friends Coming to Train Sim World in 2025

In a recent chat between Dovetail Games and producers Ian McCue (Mattel) and Matt Peddlesden (executive), they discussed exciting details about the upcoming update, revealing how this partnership transpired. Peddlesden mentioned that the team had long desired to collaborate with the franchise, but highlighted several challenges involved. However, the perfect moment presented itself, enabling Thomas to join Train Sim World 5. This collaboration offers players an immersive storyline alongside typical tasks in a Train Sim World game.

In previous instances, Thomas the Tank Engine has been integrated as a mod in diverse games such as Fallout, Resident Evil, Silent Hill, and Elden Ring, often for amusing contrast. However, this addition to Train Simulator 5 is inspired by genuine affection and admiration for the classic series, as indicated by Dovetail Games’ eagerness towards this collaboration.

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2024-12-25 17:43