Train Station Manager

Game poster
Take charge of an train station
Check ticket and flag fake one
Send train
Take care of the passengers
Sell ticket
Enjoy the station running

Check tickets, guide passengers, and keep the trains running on time! Become the ultimate Train Station Manager.

Inspiration

Train Station Manager is my very first world created on the Horizon Worlds platform. It was inspired by many deep simulation games, such as "Papers, Please", which I wanted to reinterpret with a train station theme. To ensure it remains mobile-friendly, the game is divided into short day cycles, each lasting around 4 real-world minutes, allowing for quick and engaging game sessions.

What it does

In this game, you are tasked with managing a small, old-fashioned train station. You'll need to take care of passengers, check their tickets, clean the station, dispatch trains, and more! Everything can be played solo or cooperatively with one or two friends to maximize your station's reputation.

How we built it

The entire game was built using the Meta Horizon Worlds development tools for Windows and tested exclusively on mobile and web. Throughout development, I drew from my experience with simulation games to design a variety of interconnected mechanics and ensure a smooth gameplay experience.

Challenges we ran into

The biggest challenge was learning how to create a full world without any prior experience using Horizon Worlds’ tools. It took a lot of practice, especially with the TypeScript API (which also fueled the creation of my side project, Void Runner), to understand what was possible. Once I got started, I was impressed by how much could be achieved with the tools available for creators.

Accomplishments we're proud of

I'm really proud of how far the game has come, especially having a solid, playable version ready before the deadline. I'm also proud of the complex NPC logic I implemented — like queue systems, dynamic passenger spawning, and arrival timing — which brings a lot of life to the world and was achieved relatively efficiently.

What we learned

This project was a great opportunity to dive deep into the Horizon Worlds environment and better understand the vast creative possibilities it offers. I also refined my understanding of TypeScript, which will help me build even more sophisticated projects in the future.

What's next for Train Station Manager

In the future, I plan to add a second train track to increase station capacity, allowing even more passengers and dynamic gameplay. I’m also developing a lost and found mechanic and a thief system to add further depth and immersion to the world.