Traffic Strategy Game Adds Istanbul Map and Long-Requested Endless Creative Feature
Indie game developer Dinosaur Polo Club has released a major new update for Mini Motorways, introducing a new Istanbul-inspired map and expanded gameplay options for millions of players across Apple Arcade, PC, Mac, and Nintendo Switch.
The free “Lokum Lanes” update launched Thursday and marks the second of four planned map releases scheduled throughout 2026 for the award-winning minimalist traffic management simulator, which has attracted more than 9 million players globally since launch.
Known for its clean visual style and strategic gameplay, Mini Motorways challenges players to design efficient road systems for rapidly growing cities. The new Istanbul map adds fresh transportation mechanics and geographic complexity inspired by one of the world’s most densely populated urban regions.
Istanbul Map Introduces Ferries, Bridges, and New Traffic Challenges
The update transports players to Istanbul, Türkiye’s largest city and a major transcontinental hub connecting Europe and Asia. The map features the Bosphorus Strait, requiring players to carefully manage waterways, bridges, and ferry systems while handling heavy commuter traffic.
“BOATS ARE BACK!” Dinosaur Polo Club said in the update announcement, highlighting the return of ferry transportation mechanics that allow players to ease roadway congestion by moving vehicles across waterways.
Players can navigate Istanbul in Classic, Endless, Expert, and Creative Modes while attempting to manage transportation for the city’s population of more than 15 million residents.
The update also incorporates cultural references tied to the city, including mentions of lokums — commonly known in the United States as Turkish delight candies.
“Snag a bag of Lokums* (the local word for Turkish Delights, of course!), and transport the city’s population of over 15 millions commuters across the roads and waterways in the culturally rich landmark of Istanbul, Türkiye,” the developer said.
The company added a humorous disclaimer: “Please note that you will have to buy your own Lokums! DPC makes games, not candy!”
Creative Mode Expansion Addresses Player Demand
Alongside the new map, the update introduces one of the game’s most requested features: the ability to continue building cities in Creative Mode after reaching a Game Over screen.
Previously, gameplay sessions ended once traffic congestion became unmanageable. The new feature removes that limitation for Creative Mode players, allowing uninterrupted city-building and experimentation.
“Game Over? More like GAME FOREVER!” the developer said in promotional material accompanying the launch.
The addition reflects broader trends in simulation and sandbox gaming, where players increasingly favor open-ended building systems over rigid progression mechanics.
In addition to standard gameplay modes, Mini Motorways continues offering Daily Challenges, Weekly Challenges, and City Challenges designed to test optimization and puzzle-solving skills.
Player Feedback Continues Shaping Future Updates
Dinosaur Polo Club said the Istanbul map was heavily influenced by community demand, with players actively voting on future city additions.
“If I had to use one word to describe this update, it’s ‘delectable!’ ” said Aditia Hasib, Publishing Operations Manager, Dinosaur Polo Club. “This map has been highly requested by Mini players, and we’re so excited to finally be able to bring it to them. Singapore is next up, decided entirely by player votes!”
The developer confirmed Singapore will serve as the next playable city in the game’s ongoing 2026 content roadmap.
Independent Studio Continues Growing Global Audience
Dinosaur Polo Club, based in Wellington, New Zealand, was founded in 2013 by brothers Peter and Robert Curry. The studio first gained international recognition with Mini Metro, its BAFTA-nominated subway design simulator known for minimalist visuals and relaxing gameplay mechanics.
Mini Motorways expanded on that formula by focusing on road construction and urban traffic management while maintaining the studio’s signature accessible design philosophy.
The company says the two titles now form part of a broader “Mini Collection” franchise centered around simplified city infrastructure management.
The studio has also expanded significantly over the past decade and now employs nearly 35 people while continuing development on future projects.
With simulation and strategy games maintaining strong popularity across the U.S. gaming market — particularly among PC and Nintendo Switch audiences — Mini Motorways continues carving out a niche among players seeking slower-paced but intellectually engaging gameplay experiences.
The “Lokum Lanes” update is available now as a free download on all current platforms.
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