Simutrans

Simutrans is a freeware (but not open source) simulation game for Windows, BeOS or Linux that focuses on transport of goods and people. It is written by Hansjörg Malthaner, and it is at version Simutrans 0.84.15.3 (As of late August, 2004; although new releases come out fairly rapidly).

About the game

Simutrans features the ability to modify the terrain, build roads and rails, build bus stations and truck depots and it also features many ships, trains and vehicles. You can also play against up to 6 computer players, represented by a color. It is also multilingual and it can be configured to play with day/night cycles. There is also a freeplay option where you can play without fear of bankruptcy.

Like many similar games such as Transport Tycoon or Railroad Tycoon, its only real goal is to create a stable economy and grow as well as avoiding bankruptcy.

Simutrans is created by Hansjörg Malthaner, but is somehow an open project in many aspects. For example, there are various programmers help making bugfixes and new features. The number of artists (for buildings and vehicles drawing and making) are in a huge number. Nearly every player can contribute to the development of the game makes the game more and more popular among transport simulation game players.