OMX vs openOMSI
Two independent projects that both reimplement OMSI 2 and run existing OMSI content. Here is how they differ, based on what each project has published.
If you have searched for a modern way to run OMSI 2 content, you have probably come across both OMX and openOMSI (also written "Open OMSI"). They are not related: different teams, different code, different approaches. This page compares them on facts only. Details about openOMSI are taken from its own public documentation and dated, so they can be checked.
At a glance
| Topic | OMX | openOMSI |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A from-scratch reimplementation of OMSI 2 | A from-scratch recreation of OMSI 2, written in Rust |
| Requires OMSI 2 | Yes. Runs the content from your OMSI 2 installation | Yes. Plays on the content of an installed OMSI 2 and will not start without one |
| Includes OMSI 2 content | No | No |
| Architecture | 64-bit application | 64-bit, multithreaded, with a wgpu renderer (Metal, Vulkan, DirectX 12) |
| Platforms | Windows (64-bit), Linux (64-bit). macOS untested | Windows, macOS, Linux and Android, plus dedicated server builds |
| Behaviour goal | Reproduce the behaviour of the original simulation as accurately as possible | "1:1 behaviour" with OMSI 2.2.032 across content formats |
| Source code | Closed source | Open source, MIT licence |
| Cost | Client is free. Optional hosted servers by subscription | Free. Accepts voluntary donations |
| Availability | Closed beta. Testers are selected by the developer; no public download | Public releases on GitHub. Describes itself as an early release |
| Updates | Updates are delivered from within the client | The launcher updates itself, from version 0.1.7 onwards |
| Affiliation with OMSI 2 rights holders | Independent; not affiliated with MR Software or Aerosoft | Independent; states it is not affiliated with the OMSI trademark owners |
openOMSI details checked on against its published sources.
What the projects share
Both projects start from the same observation: OMSI 2 has a large library of community-made buses, maps and scenery, and a new engine can keep that content usable on modern systems. Both are written from scratch rather than modifying the original program. Both require an existing OMSI 2 installation and include no OMSI 2 content of their own. Both are 64-bit.
Goals and compatibility
OMX's central goal is to reproduce the behaviour of the original simulation as accurately as possible, so that existing content behaves the way its authors tested it. OMX is deliberately not a graphical remaster.
openOMSI also lists faithful behaviour as its first goal, describing it as "1:1 behaviour" with OMSI 2.2.032. Its documentation also describes additions beyond the original, such as Lua plugins, PBR materials for mods and VR support on Windows.
Architecture and platforms
OMX is a 64-bit application that runs on Windows and Linux. macOS has not been tested.
openOMSI is written in Rust and renders through wgpu (Metal, Vulkan or DirectX 12). It publishes builds for Windows, macOS, Linux and Android, as well as dedicated server builds.
Source code and cost
OMX is closed source. The OMX client is free; OMX will also offer hosted dedicated servers as an optional paid subscription.
openOMSI is open source under the MIT licence and free to use. It accepts voluntary donations.
Status and availability
OMX is in a closed beta. Testers are selected by the developer from the OMX Discord, there is no public download, and OMX updates itself from within the client. See beta status and development progress.
openOMSI publishes releases on GitHub and describes itself as an early release in which things may be missing or broken.
Which one is for you?
That depends on what matters to you. If open source and broad platform support are your priorities, or you want something you can download today, openOMSI fits that description. If your priority is an implementation built around reproducing the original's behaviour, with official hosted servers planned, OMX is being built for exactly that. You can follow its development progress as it is published.
Sources
Information about openOMSI on this page comes from:
Projects change quickly. If a detail here has become outdated, the openOMSI project's own documentation is the authoritative source for openOMSI.