August Developer Letter

It’s that time again — one month has already passed since our last letter. Over the past weeks, we’ve been hard at work building, polishing, and preparing the demo release. Shall we take a look at what we’ve been working on?

The Academy’s Conductor: Choi Soon-ja

The stern and intellectual conductor, Choi Soon-ja, has returned!

In the first game, she inspired many players with her powerful performance. And in this new entry, her abilities remain as formidable as ever!

But with great power comes many restrictions, and these will weigh heavily on her this time. Why did she wander so tirelessly in search of the “promised land”? Even as a conductor at the top of society, was life within the train never enough for her?

Landmarks

Do you remember Landmarks?

As you wander across the frozen world, you’ll occasionally encounter strange and unique places.

Some of these may hide powerful artifacts; others may present pivotal events that force you to make difficult choices. You’ll constantly weigh whether an immediate, guaranteed reward is worth giving up the potential for greater long-term gains — or, conversely, whether risking expulsion for a brighter future is worth it.

Decisions

Kings, emperors, conductors… what do they all share? They are the ones who make decisions.

To rule a society is to set its direction. Each decision sends ripples through the train: some may be minor, granting a few resources, while others are monumental, unlocking effects that combine with artifacts for immense power.

But you cannot unlock everything at once. Decisions unfold step by step, with prerequisites gating what comes next. This means careful planning and foresight are required — every path you choose matters.

So, will you lead like Choi Soon-ja, with logic and methodical planning? Or will you command like Im Seok-dae, ruling with charisma and iron discipline? The choice is yours.

Children of the Engine

The Children of the Engine are the only established order of faith within train society. Perhaps, in hidden corners, others still worship unseen gods — but inside the train, the Engine’s influence is absolute.

The Engine is eternal, and the train must run. Under this creed, they worship the everlasting train and its unfailing Engine. And as with all religions, one rule always applies: prayer must be done well.

When you align with the Children of the Engine synergy, you’ll offer prayers each cycle to build up Faith. Once that Faith surpasses a certain threshold, the god of the Engine may look kindly upon you and bestow a gift.

If pleased, the Engine may bless you with rare rewards. But when the deity is busy or indifferent… well, sometimes the gift may be nothing special at all.

The Engine God is almighty. At times, He may grant you a rare train without asking anything in return… or a powerful artifact. But He is also capricious. To Him, perhaps all train cars look the same. Surely you wouldn’t complain, would you?

Careful — the Engine God may grow angry! (And send you an even worse “gift”! 😂)

New Artifacts!

First, let’s revisit the silhouette we teased last time:

And the answer is…

A cute little teddy bear! …Though it’s a pity he’s shackled by the ankle.

Yes — in desperate times, some choices may become inevitable…

In Closing

That’s all we’ve prepared for today. It won’t be long now before we can finally share the game with you. We’ll give it our very best until the end to deliver a fun and memorable experience. Thank you!

Until next time, stay warm and keep your train running.

With gratitude,

nemonan