Future Friends Games and indie duo Akos Makovics & Fabi Smith invite players to a stress-free sandbox adventure launching May 29
The cozy game renaissance rolls on, and the next charming title on the tracks is Islands & Trains, a relaxing sandbox railway builder officially set to launch on May 29 for PC via Steam. Developed by indie duo Akos Makovics and Fabi Smith, and published by the ever-cozy-forward Future Friends Games (SUMMERHOUSE, Gourdlets, Europa), this whimsical sandbox promises a serene blend of trains, creativity, and endless tiny diorama possibilities.
The game’s launch will coincide with Rokaplay’s Cozy & Family Friendly Festival on Steam, making it the perfect spotlight for those looking to unplug and unwind with a gentle building experience.
🎥 Watch the official Steam trailer for Islands & Trains:
Steam Page
Build the Railway Island of Your Dreams
At its core, Islands & Trains is all about slow, thoughtful play. There’s no pressure, no timers, and no fail states. Players are free to construct detailed railway dioramas at their own pace, weaving tracks through forests, coasting past seaside towns, or spiraling around mountain peaks.
Described by Rock Paper Shotgun as “like Townscaper but with trains,” the game carries that same instant charm and visual satisfaction of placing colorful, modular tiles — but with the added joy of animated locomotives puffing through your handmade scenes.
The goal? There isn’t one. Just create, decorate, and enjoy.
Key Features of Islands & Trains
- 🌲 Stress-Free Sandbox: No missions, timers, or objectives. Just you and your imagination.
- 🚂 Custom Train Routes: Lay down tracks in intricate patterns. Send your train gliding through peaceful pastures or along cliffside trails.
- 🎨 400+ Tiles: With over 400 unique elements to place — including cafes, homes, bridges, and terrain — each island you craft can be completely unique.
- 🐄 Life on the Island: Populate your world with cows, ducks, and sheep, or fill it with lush flora and cozy countryside scenes.
- 🧩 Inspired by the Best: If you’re a fan of Townscaper, Dorfromantik, or Islanders, this is your next cozy obsession.
Meet the Devs: Akos & Fabi
Behind the charming visuals and relaxing design is a wholesome origin story. Hungarian software engineer Akos Makovics and German kindergarten teacher Fabi Smith met back in 2008 on Unity development forums. Years later, they’ve teamed up to create Islands & Trains, their debut game as a dev duo.
Outside of their passion for virtual railways, Akos has helped launch real-life payloads into space, while Fabi dreams of opening a real-world kindergarten. Their shared love for tranquil, design-forward games shaped Islands & Trains into what it is: a heartfelt project born from friendship and cozy vibes.
Publisher Spotlight: Future Friends Games is on a Roll
Islands & Trains marks another promising release in what has already been a standout year for Future Friends Games, a publisher that’s become synonymous with polished, soothing indies. With recent releases like SUMMERHOUSE, Gourdlets, and the viral hit CloverPit, they’ve firmly established themselves as curators of cozy content that hits all the right notes with casual and creative players alike.
Their continued commitment to helping indie projects shine — especially in the cozy and wholesome space — makes them a publisher to watch in 2025 and beyond.
Release Details
- 🗓️ Launch Date: May 29, 2025
- 💻 Platform: PC (via Steam)
- 🧩 Genre: Sandbox builder / Creative simulation
- 💵 Price: TBA
The game will be part of the Cozy & Family Friendly Festival on Steam, giving players the perfect opportunity to wishlist and demo the game ahead of release.
All Aboard the Cozy Train
Whether you’re a hardcore city builder fan looking for something slower-paced or just want a comforting game to unwind with at the end of the day, Islands & Trains is shaping up to be a must-play. Its modular design, no-stress approach, and charming art style make it one of the most anticipated cozy titles of the spring.
With Future Friends Games at the helm and a dedicated dev duo pouring love into every asset, Islands & Trains looks set to deliver a relaxing ride you won’t want to miss.
🌟 Stay Connected
- 💻 Wishlist the game on Steam now!
- 🧑🎨 Follow the devs on social media via Future Friends Games
- 🎮 More from the Cozy & Family Friendly Festival on Steam this May
