The masters of serious train simulation are teaming up with the world’s most famous tank engine. Dovetail Games announces a narrative-driven adventure that brings the Island of Sodor to life like never before.
For decades, the Island of Sodor has been a place of magic, machinery, and lessons learned for children and adults alike. From the original Railway Series books by the Rev. W. Awdry to the global television phenomenon, Thomas the Tank Engine has remained a cultural icon. Now, the franchise is getting a significant video game adaptation that promises to be more than just a simple tie-in.
Dovetail Games, the acclaimed UK-based developer known for the hyper-realistic Train Sim World franchise, has announced a landmark collaboration with Mattel, Inc. to release Thomas & Friends: Wonders of Sodor.
This new standalone narrative adventure game is coming soon to a massive array of platforms, including PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC (via Steam, Epic Games Store, and Microsoft Store), and Nintendo Switch. In a forward-looking move, the announcement confirmed backward compatibility with the Nintendo Switch 2, ensuring the game will have a home on the next-generation handheld.
A Simulation Studio Takes on a Childhood Icon
The announcement has sent a ripple of intrigue through the gaming community, particularly among simulation enthusiasts. Dovetail Games is not a studio typically associated with licensed children’s properties. They are the heavyweights of the “hardcore” simulation genre, building complex, physics-based recreations of real-world railways such as the Northeast Corridor and the London Underground.
By handing the keys to Sodor to Dovetail, Mattel signals its intent to create a Thomas game with greater fidelity and mechanical depth than previous iterations. While the game is described as a “narrative adventure,” the involvement of a “state-of-the-art simulation entertainment video game developer” suggests that driving Thomas won’t just be a single-button affair. Players can expect a polished, immersive recreation of the island that respects the mechanics of railroading, even if the trains have faces.
Explore the Wonders of Sodor
Thomas & Friends: Wonders of Sodor is designed to put the magic of the beloved television show directly into players’ hands. The game features a fully realized island map, allowing fans to travel along iconic routes they have watched on screen for years.
According to the press release, the game covers significant ground:
- The Main Line: The central artery of Sodor’s railway network.
- Thomas’ Branch Line: The charming, scenic route that Thomas calls home.
- Knapford Harbour: The bustling industrial hub where goods are shipped, and stories often begin.
- Vicarstown: The eastern terminus connecting Sodor to the mainland.
Players will be able to run locomotives from Vicarstown to Knapford, engaging in what the developers describe as “freely exploring the island.” This open-ended approach is a dream come true for fans who have always wanted to see how the geography of Sodor connects, turning the map from a series of disconnected sets into a cohesive, living world.
Narrative and Nostalgia: Mark Moraghan Returns
A Thomas game is nothing without a storyteller. In a move that will delight long-time fans of the series, Dovetail has secured the talents of Mark Moraghan to narrate the game.
Moraghan is a leading figure in the Thomas universe, having served as the narrator of the television series from 2013 to 2017 (the CGI era). His voice brings an immediate sense of authenticity and warmth to the project.
The game features eight unique adventures inspired by the show’s original stories. These aren’t just random tasks; they are structured narratives that capture the spirit of Awdry’s world—themes of friendship, hard work, and the occasional mishap that requires a “Really Useful Engine” to fix.
The Steam Team: Playable Characters
Who gets to blow the whistle? The base game allows players to step into the wheels of the core “Steam Team,” plus a certain devious diesel. The confirmed playable roster for the standard edition includes:
- Thomas: The cheeky little tank engine himself.
- Percy: Thomas’s best friend and the mail carrier.
- Gordon: The big, proud express engine.
- Emily: The kind and clever Stirling Single.
- Diesel: The shunting engine who loves to stir up trouble (but often learns a lesson).
Each character will likely offer a different perspective on gameplay. Driving Gordon on the express line will feel vastly different from shunting trucks in the yard with Percy or Diesel. The inclusion of shunting puzzles, specifically the “Truck Challenge,” hints at gameplay that requires logic and track switching, leveraging Dovetail’s expertise in rail logistics.
First Class Ticket: The Deluxe Edition
For those who want the complete experience, Dovetail and Mattel are simultaneously launching the Thomas & Friends: Wonders of Sodor Deluxe Edition.
The headline feature of the Deluxe Edition is the addition of James the Red Engine as a playable character. Known for his splendid red paint and occasional vanity, James is a fan favorite whose absence from the base roster might sting for some, but his inclusion here adds a “premium” feel to the package.
In addition to James, the Deluxe Edition includes four additional adventures, bringing the total story count to 12. These extra missions will take players to corners of the island not covered in the main campaign, offering more hours of gameplay and more opportunities to explore the “Wonders of Sodor.”
Bridging Generations
The collaboration between Mattel and Dovetail is a strategic masterstroke. Thomas & Friends is a franchise that transcends generations. There are young children watching current cartoons, parents who grew up with the model series in the 80s and 90s, and grandparents who read the original books.
By creating a game that looks visually stunning (thanks to Dovetail’s engine tech) and features authentic narration and routing, Wonders of Sodor seems positioned to appeal to all these demographics. It is a “family” game in the truest sense—something a parent can play with their child, or a train enthusiast can play to relive their childhood.
“Dovetail Games develops and publishes exceptional rail, transport & digital tabletop video game simulations,” the studio’s profile reads. Bringing that level of “exceptional simulation” to a property that is often relegated to simple mobile apps or educational shovelware significantly elevates the IP.
Technical Details and Availability
The game is slated for a “Coming Soon” release window, though a specific date has not been set. However, the platform list is exhaustive.
The mention of the Nintendo Switch 2 is particularly interesting. While Nintendo has been tight-lipped about its next console, third-party developers are beginning to include it in their press materials. Confirmed backward compatibility for Wonders of Sodor ensures that parents buying this for the current Switch won’t lose access when they eventually upgrade to Nintendo’s next hardware.
Watch the Announcement Trailer: YouTube Link
The trailer showcases the game’s visuals, which appear to strike a balance between the toy-like aesthetic of the merchandise and the vibrant, fully rendered world of the CGI series. The lighting, steam effects, and environment details look to be a cut above standard licensed fare.
A New Era for Sodor
With Wonders of Sodor, Dovetail Games is moving beyond its niche and into the mainstream spotlight. For Mattel, it is an opportunity to revitalize the Thomas video game presence with a title that feels premium and substantial.
Whether you are a serious simmer curious about how Dovetail handles a fictional gauge, or a parent looking for a wholesome adventure for your kids, the Island of Sodor is open for business.
Players can wishlist the game on Steam now to stay up to date on release dates and pricing.
For more information, visit the official website at www.wondersofsodor.com.
About the Companies
Dovetail Games was founded in 2009 and rebranded in 2013. Dovetail Games has established itself as the market leader in train simulation software. Acquired by PulluP Entertainment in 2023, they continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the genre across PC and console.
Mattel, a leading global toy company, owns one of the world’s strongest portfolios of children’s and family entertainment franchises. From Barbie to Hot Wheels and Thomas & Friends, Mattel has been empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood since 1945.