“Aurora Studio”
Conference:
Experience Type(s):
Game Type:
Title:
- Aurora Studio
Program Title:
- Games Exhibition
Description:
OMSI 2 Add-On: Project Numazu is the first officially published Japanese city expansion for the renowned bus simulator OMSI 2. Developed by Aurora Studio, a Hong Kong–based indie team, the project recreates the coastal city of Numazu in Shizuoka Prefecture with meticulous attention to detail. It introduces right-hand traffic, Japanese road rules, and faithfully modeled buses inspired by real Isuzu and Mitsubishi vehicles, bringing new mechanics and cultural authenticity to the simulator.
Players can experience two major routes, N13 and N45, covering more than 15 miles of urban streets, coastal roads, and regional landmarks. The journey includes Numazu Station, Honmachi, the bustling fish market, and scenic coastal drives toward Uchiura. The environment is populated with AI traffic from neighboring cities, realistic taxis, postal vans, and emergency vehicles, creating a living Japanese streetscape.
What sets Project Numazu apart is its cultural layer. Numazu is known globally through Japanese anime, and the add-on integrates subtle references to local high school idol groups, weaving anime-inspired charm into an otherwise authentic city. This balance of realism and cultural storytelling demonstrates how simulation games can capture both technical accuracy and local identity.
With fewer than ten members, Aurora Studio worked with international partners and secured publishing support from Aerosoft GmbH. Project Numazu stands as both a technical achievement and a cultural experiment, offering global players a chance to experience Japanese daily life through the lens of interactive simulation.
