Roller Coaster Tycoon Wonderworks announced

Atari and Springloaded have announced a new Roller Coaster Tycoon game during the Gamescom Opening Night Live preshow called “Roller Coaster Tycoon Wonderworks” coming soon to Steam Eary Access.

The game will be the first core release in the series in a decade after the reception (and ongoing lacklustre appeal of) 2016’s Roller Coaster Tycoon World, it appears Atari is keen to get this release right starting with an early access period that is planned to last around a year.

Why Early Access?

“RollerCoaster Tycoon is a franchise with an extremely dedicated, passionate fanbase. The classic RCT games represent cherished gaming memories for millions of players and are still enjoyed to this day. Early Access offers an opportunity for us to involve this passionate community directly in our development process, helping to sculpt the next great RCT. We want to hear from you! What works? What’s missing? What do you want to see in your ideal RCT?

We have a tremendous legacy to uphold, beginning with Chris Sawyer’s original RollerCoaster Tycoon in 1999. We hope, with your support, we can build a game that continues to build on the brilliance of the series, taking what worked in those classic games and pairing it with surprising new twists and modern sensibilities.

We have a dedicated roadmap of new parks, rides, and features that we’ll roll out throughout Early Access (including water). But in addition, we’re leaving space to hear from you and incorporate feedback and suggestions from the community directly into the game. Time to get in on the ground floor, Tycoon!”

It feels like the team are taking the right approach to development, as for what to expect when it is available on Steam:

• THE ORIGINAL THEME PARK SIM RETURNS: All the features you love from the original reimagined with new levels of chaos and wonder.
• BUILD YOUR TYCOON PARADISE: Place over 60 rides, coasters, and shops, and 150+ decor pieces across two parks – the derelict Hollow Creek and lush Forest Frontiers… with more to come throughout Early Access.
• NEW ROLLER COASTER BUILDER: Intuitively design roller coasters in an all-new builder that helps you quickly fine-tune and visualize your final custom ride.
• EMBRACE THE CHAOS: Experience a new level of destruction and mayhem, driven by the chaotic new physics engine. Rides break into pieces, guests go flying, and a helicopter crew gets called in for clean-up.
• TUNE YOUR RIDES: Customize ride settings including duration, acceleration, and speed, and watch the ride, and guests, react in real-time.
• KEEP GUESTS HAPPY: Guests have their own needs and desires, and aren’t afraid to share their thoughts. Keep them happy to ensure your theme park thrives!
• MANAGE STAFF: Hire janitors, mechanics, and mascots to keep your park’s ratings up. Create zones to make employees more efficient.
• LOADS OF CUSTOMIZABLE OPTIONS: Personalize rides, scenery, decorations, and park layouts to create a one-of-a-kind theme park.

Fingers crossed this is a strong return for the series!