Empire Water Works is a steam engine simulator based in a water pumping station. Operate and maintain your pumping station day and night, maintain city water pressure and fulfill contracts. Interact with realistic steam, coal-firing, and audio simulation in a vintage setting.

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Coming Soon To Early Access

The developers of this game intend to release as a work in progress, developing with the feedback of players.

Note: Games in Early Access are not complete and may or may not change further. If you are not excited to play this game in its current state, then you should wait to see if the game progresses further in development. Learn more

What the developers have to say:

Why Early Access?

“I believe that game development is iterative in nature, and through careful and consistent updates, high-fidelity simulation can be achieved over time. I want to involve the community during the development phase of this unique simulation, as it will help make this sim the best it can be. I welcome all feedback during the Early Access phase so that I can deliver an authentic experience in this very unique genre.”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“I am currently planning for the Early Access phase to last anywhere between 6-12 months. This may change (either reduce or increase) if priorities/scoping for the project changes during development.”

How is the full version planned to differ from the Early Access version?

“The full version will add additional components and mechanics to the game world, as well as having more diverse 'contracts' and challenges for the player to complete.

During the development process, I am also planning on adding an additional boiler, a steam jet condenser, and many upgrade options for the pumping station itself.

Not to mention, other aspects of the game will be further refined and polished during Early Access, and included in the full version release.”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“The Early Access build will provide a solid foundation for the player to interact with the main steam engine and pumping station to complete their shifts.

They will have full control over preparing, running and maintaining the boiler, main steam engine, as well as the associated pumping systems. They will be able to receive and fulfill contract offers, order supplies, perform record-keeping and generally keep the pumping station running (or not). The player will also have access to a DC generator with auxiliary diesel engine so they can run their pumping station isolated from the power grid

While the core experience is in place and is solid, players may encounter bugs and optimization issues during Early Access.”

Will the game be priced differently during and after Early Access?

“The price of the game will be lower during the Early Access phase. I believe in rewarding early players of the game by making it more accessible and it is hoped that with ongoing community feedback during the Early Access phase, Empire Water Works will be developed to be the best it can be as we approach v1.0 release.”

How are you planning on involving the Community in your development process?

“Most of the community interaction I plan to have will be via the Steam discussion boards and through my social media channels such as my YouTube channel and Facebook page.”
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About This Game

THE STEAM ENGINE IS YOURS TO CONTROL!

You control the speed (RPM) of the engine, fine-tune the valve gear duration and ensure that lubrication is up to snuff! Running low on bearing oil can cause power loss and bearing damage; running out of steam cylinder oil can damage the cylinder walls, resulting in massive steam leaks and power loss.

PUMP WATER RELENTLESSLY!

Your steam engine exists to pump as much water as possible to the town's three reservoirs: Residential, Municipal and Industrial, with the help of your two massive water pumps downstairs. 

Check the reservoir pressures and pump water to maintain their water pressure within the prescribed pressure thresholds.

But be careful! Trying to push too much water flow through the system can cause your water pumps to moan, groan, hammer and FAIL...such failures will need attention NOW otherwise critical events such as flooding can occur.

PERFORM 'COLD AND DARK' STARTS

At the beginning of each shift, you'll need to raise boiler pressure and warm-up the massive steam engine's cylinders and clear them of condensate before you can turn it over! You'll also have the opportunity to keep the engine warm overnight by following certain procedures before locking-up the night before...saving you time the next morning!

KEEP EVERYTHING OILED

The main bearings, valve gear linkages, and cylinders all require oil. Do your rounds and don't forget to check the levels frequently!

LOOK AFTER YOUR BOILER

The boiler is the heart of your pumping station...it supplies precious steam pressure to your steam engine! Make sure you clean out the fire tubes and keep it topped-up with water - you don't want an unscheduled explosion...

YOUR TELEPHONE IS YOUR LIFELINE

The phone will be ringing off the hook! Receive over 40 unique telephone calls, everything from reservoir pressure issues and leaks/fixes, to prank/joke/'foamer' calls and 'advisory' calls based on your current situation.

You'll also use your telephone to order supplies such as coal and steam oil, to keep your pumping operation buoyant!

FULFILL CONTRACTS AND MAKE MONEY TO STAY AFLOAT

Don't let that phone ring-out...you might miss a lucrative contract! Successfully pump the required 'contracted gallons' and score funding, reputation boost, and merit points which you can use to apply upgrades!

FEATURES

  • Faithful depiction of a 1920s-era steam-powered water pumping station

  • Operate and maintain a massive double-expansion steam engine from the bygone era, pumping water to the town's residential, municipal and industrial water reservoirs, to maintain sufficient water pressure

  • Perform realistic 'cold and dark' startup procedures such as warming cylinder jackets and filling oil lubricators to ensure minimal wear on cylinder liners, main bearings and other components

  • Interact with vintage machinery like boilers, generators, water pumps and bilge pumps

  • Fine-tune your steam engine's operation, by adjusting the steam regulator, valve gears and boiler water feed

  • Operate advanced steam equipment such as a jet condenser

  • Perform maintenance on equipment such as cleaning boiler fire tubes and monitoring lubrication levels

  • Monitor supply levels such as coal and steam oil and place orders in advance to replenish these before they deplete

  • Complete event-based 'contract' challenges to supply reservoirs with a given amount of water and receive funding and reputation bonuses in return

  • Earn 'merit' points which can be used to apply a range of upgrades to the pumping station

  • Experience realistic audio recorded from a real vintage stationary steam engine

  • Deal with critical events such as varying levels of reservoir leaks, steam leaks, flooding and machinery damage, including cylinder wear and boiler explosions

  • Work a realistic day or night shift with a moving day and night cycle over 24 in-game hours

  • Keep records about the running of the pumping station in your ledger - but be careful to ensure the records are accurate!

AI Generated Content Disclosure

The developers describe how their game uses AI Generated Content like this:

AI has been used as an assistive technology to assist with creation of some minor textures.

System Requirements

    Minimum:
    • OS: Windows 10
    • Processor: Intel or AMD
    • Memory: 8 GB RAM
    • Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 1070
    Recommended:
    • OS: Windows 11
    • Processor: Intel or AMD
    • Memory: 16 GB RAM
    • Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 3070 or better
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