'Bus Driver:' Game of the Year?

Have you ever ridden a city bus and looked at the driver and thought: "He must be the happiest guy on earth?" Us either, but if you said "yes," you're going to be excited: Meridian4 has announced the imminent release of Bus Driver, a bus driving-simulator that will allow eager players the excitement of driving a realistic bus, keeping a timetable, and picking up and placating passengers, all while obeying traffic laws. Sounds fun!

Here's the official details:

• 12 buses to drive – detailed models inspired by real-world buses, including London’s double-decker bus, America’s school bus, Europe’s low floor buses.
• 30 routes arranged into 5 tiers with increasing difficulty
• Multiple duties, such as driving a school bus, transporting tourists, sight-seeing tours and even the transportation of prisoners!
• High replay value based on sophisticated system of traffic rules and game-play related bonuses.
• Large city to drive in, with several districts of varying styles: modern, old-town, suburb, airport, harbor and more with day/night cycles and realistic weather conditions. Living roads with intelligent traffic controlled by AI system Non-violent, easy to pick up gameplay, suitable for all ages.

We're waiting for Airport Tram Driver, where you ferry an endless stream of travelers from the long-term parking gate to their departure gate, while carrying luggage. It's the only game that could top Bus Driver on the excite-o-meter.

We also think this might be a joke... but there are screenshots in a gallery for you.