Russia Develops Educational Game on Imperial-Era Railways

Students and graduates from technical universities in Russia are developing a strategy game focused on the expansion of railroads across the Russian Empire from the 19th century through the revolution. The project, Zheleznye dorogi Rossiyskoy imperii (Railways of the Russian Empire), combines strategy gameplay, management simulation, and a historical reference guide. Players lay tracks, manage resources, and make decisions that influence the country’s development.

The development team includes graduates of Bauman Moscow State Technical University, along with students from Moscow Polytechnic University and Oryol State University. The team has applied for funding from the Institute for Internet Development.

Archives and Real Historical Figures

The developers are drawing on 19th-century documents and archival materials. The game will feature excerpts from newspapers, archival records, and real historical figures, including Nicholas I and Minister of Railways Mikhail Khilkov. It also highlights the reforms of Alexander II and the policies of Alexander III, which shaped the expansion of the rail network.

The project includes an AI-powered assistant that answers questions about history, explains gameplay mechanics, and offers guidance to players.

The assistant is already available on the project’s website, where it helps track development stages and provides reference information.

The developers are working closely with the Central Museum of Railway Transport to accurately recreate historical events, architecture, and details of the era. They aim to show not only the technology but also the broader historical context, including the impact of railroads on the economy of a vast country.

A demo version is scheduled for release by the end of 2026, with a public presentation planned for a game developers conference in Moscow in June.