A virtual model train set game allows players to explore and customise tracks through Marlborough and Kaikōura.

Gamers around the world are playing with Marlborough's railways in a new virtual reality (VR) game.

Gaugepunk Games has released Rolling Line, a VR game that looks like a model train set and follows the railway line from the Picton ferry terminal to the Kaikōura tunnels.

The game sold so well in its first few days on gaming retail hub Steam that Blenheim-based game developer Jack Huygens plans to spend the next six months improving it.

Huygens said he wanted to expand the game with railways set in other regions, and the trans-alpine railway through the Southern Alps was the top of his list.

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"Even through the North Island there are some good spots - Wellington, for instance, or the central North Island volcanic plateau with the volcano in the background," Huygens said.

SCOTT HAMMOND/STUFF Blenheim man Jack Huygens has spent the last 12 months creating a virtual reality game about Marlborough's trains.

"I'm also going to add mod[ification] support so people can add anything they want to the game, and get multiplayer going as well."

Rolling Line was built for virtual reality gaming, which requires a visor headset and controllers for an immersive experience.

But it could also be played on ordinary computer monitors and laptops, and Huygens said he suspected train enthusiasts would enjoy the customisable nature of the game.

GAUGEPUNK GAMES Rolling Line takes train drivers as far south as Kaikōura's tunnels.

"You can walk around the world, you can push the trains along the tracks ... you can put the tracks where you want - you can even ride the train."

Huygens was halfway through a four-year degree in software engineering at Victoria University when he got a summer internship at a computer programming company, and was considering applying for a job there instead of finishing his studies, he said.

"Lots of people do that. The reason you're studying is to get a job, so if your internship turns into a job, why not?"

GAUGEPUNK GAMES Rolling Line takes players from the ferry terminal in Picton through Marlborough.

But instead, Huygens decided to develop Rolling Line, living off his savings.

"It was a big decision. The only reason I was able to do this was because I was getting paid at my programming job and I saved a lot of money."

He had been developing computer games as a hobby since he was in secondary school, he said.

SCOTT HAMMOND/STUFF Jack Huygens expects train enthusiasts will enjoy the customisable nature of the game, which simulates a model train set.

The concept for Rolling Line was a step beyond his previous VR game, Echo Grotto, set in the caves of Takaka, near his hometown of Nelson.

Players were able to climb through the limestone caves and wave a controller, which acted as a lantern, to light up the pitch black caves. It took Huygens about six weeks to finish.

He was surprised by the feedback he got after setting the game in New Zealand, he said.

GAUGEPUNK GAMES The game even features some of the destruction the rails suffered in the 7.8-magnitude earthquake in 2016.

"It had fern fronds and weta, and people really liked it. The amount of people commenting from New Zealand and who recognised it was more than I expected."

So he decided to set Rolling Line in Marlborough, having moved there from Wellington to go flatting with friends, and being impressed by the varied and picturesque landscape.

"Rolling Line is special, for that. It's got Picton, Blenheim, the rail bridge near Seddon, the Kaikōura tunnels, even the saltworks. The Marlborough Flyer is even in it."

GAUGEPUNK GAMES The game features the restored steam train, the Marlborough Flyer.

When Huygens uploaded the game last week he found gamers as far afield as Germany and Russia were waiting for its release and commenting online about their excitement, he said.

"I had about 10 videos out as trailers before the game was released. And people were ready and waiting for it. That was cool, I've never had that before.

"That's modern-day tech for you. A game completely made and marketed for free."

Huygens said he did not plan to go back to computer programming any time soon.

"Making these games, it's fun. If I have the opportunity to make games, I'd much rather be doing that. You feel more accomplished than you do working for someone else."