Okay, maybe I’m a bit of a bus sim nerd (don’t judge), but when I saw Bus Bound pop up at the PC Gaming Show, it actually made me sit up. stillalive studios, the folks behind Bus Simulator 21 and 18, are back-with Saber Interactive in tow this time-and they’re promising a more vibrant, accessible, and even social spin on the humble bus-driving simulator. A bustling city, legit American buses, co-op, and some honest attempts at progression mechanics: is this finally the bus game for the rest of us?
Game Info
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Saber Interactive |
| Release Date | 2025 (exact date TBA) |
| Genres | Simulation, Driving, Co-op, City Builder Lite |
| Platforms | PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S |
Let’s not kid ourselves: bus simulators are traditionally a tough sell to anyone outside the diehards. But stillalive studios have been quietly iterating for years, culminating in Bus Simulator 21 and its “Next Stop” update—a game that started out clunky, but slowly earned respect thanks to its attention to detail and community support. Now, with Bus Bound, it feels like they’re actively trying to break out of that niche, without throwing out what longtime fans actually want.
The core pitch here? Take the wheel of licensed American buses (finally, something besides the usual Euro fare), and help grow—and literally shape—the city of Emberville. We’re talking upgrading bus stops, unlocking new routes, and watching districts visibly transform as you run better service. If that all sounds a little “simcity lite,” you’re not wrong. This kind of persistent change could add some much-needed motivation for folks who usually bounce off the grind of job sims. It makes your actions feel tangible.
But what really makes Bus Bound stand out—on paper, at least—is the robust four-player online co-op. Previous bus sims have dabbled in multiplayer, but this push for a proper, “let’s all run the city together (or mess it up spectacularly)” feels like a move designed for modern gaming culture. We’ve seen farming, trucking, and even power-washing games blow up on Twitch and Discord because they make for surprisingly compelling hangouts. If Bus Bound nails chaotic, low-stress co-op—road rage optional—I can absolutely see it becoming a hangout game for sim-curious players, not just hardcore enthusiasts.
Where I do raise an eyebrow is that catch-all promise: “accessible to newcomers, but deep enough for core fans.” That’s a notoriously tricky balance. Bus mechanics need to be forgiving enough for casuals, but if the management/progression is too lightweight, the “sim” crowd bounces off fast. stillalive’s track record shows gradual progress here, but never perfection. So colour me curious, but not yet convinced. I’ll also be interested to see how much “live service” is baked in—customisation and city upgrades are cool, but I hope it’s not all carrot-on-a-stick grind for cosmetics.
If you’ve never touched a bus game, Bus Bound is basically posing the question: what if a sim felt good to play, look at, AND had chill friends co-op in a city that genuinely reacts to your efforts? If they can back up the “bus management meets actual city evolution” angle and keep the driving fun, this could be the game to finally break bus sims out of the ultra-niche. On the other hand, if it leans too hard into grind or sacrifices depth for mass appeal, it’ll fizzle out the moment novelty wears off. The future of sim games is social, and Bus Bound is smart to lean into that—let’s just hope the tech (and fun) actually deliver.
Bus Bound could be a turning point for the sim genre: proper US bus licenses, persistent city progression, and real, four-player co-op give it a shot at mainstream appeal. I’m excited thanks to the studio’s improving track record and the sheer potential for multiplayer chaos—but cautious, because “accessible but deep” is a promise so many sims trip over. If they stick the landing, this could be the American bus sim that finally parks itself in a lot of gaming libraries—mine included. Your move, devs.