Tramworks to Debut Motor-Driven Tram Controller at TGS 2026
Tramworks will show its Tram Controller (tentative name), a controller built for railway driving simulation games, at Tokyo Game Show 2026. The company plans to exhibit the prototype from September 17 to 21 at Makuhari Messe in Hall 9's Indie Game Corner, booth 09-E14, where visitors can drive TRAMCITY HAKODATE, the Hakodate tram game Tramworks develops and sells. The controller puts motors inside the master controller and brake handle axes. Those motors generate the notch detents and brake lever resistance, so the notch count and brake feel are defined in software rather than by mechanical parts. One unit can switch between vehicle types without swapping components. In the game, the Hakodate City Tram 8000 series uses a 7-notch master controller with direct air brakes, while the 3000 series uses a 4-notch master controller with electric command brakes. For the 8000 series, the brake cylinder air pressure in the game feeds back to the handle as force feedback. The controller uses the same door switches as real vehicles and an analog needle meter unit, which will be an option at sale. Tramworks plans a crowdfunding campaign this winter to fund manufacturing, with the controller delivered as a reward. Price and specifications are to be announced.