Train Simulator 2014 Announcement

[PapaXpress]

So I basically got the online version of "Thanks for the suggestion, we'll talk it under consideration."

Do you realize they are preparing for a release? Back when I worked at Roxio the Product Manager would usually handle these questions, but when he had time.. During a release he usually put his QA hat on and his boxing gloves. He took the last phase very seriously making sure that all bugs found were either fixed, or backlogged to the next version (or service pack). Even when I worked in software support (waaaayyy back with a different company) I was not allowed to answer emails like this because 'I' a lowly support grunt could not speculate what the next release would include. I was always told to respond with a canned answer (such as you have received).

Wait a few weeks after the release. If you don't hear from them, write another polite email to follow up with RCS. Let them know that you have not forgotten about them. Always follow up. Be consistent. Be polite. Eventually they will want to fix the squeaky wheel, even if its with an answer like: "We have considered so-and-so features you have requested, and we are not planning for implementing it in the foreseeable future."

[Shortliner]

So I basically got the online version of "Thanks for the suggestion, we'll talk it under consideration."

Do you realize they are preparing for a release? Back when I worked at Roxio the Product Manager would usually handle these questions, but when he had time.. During a release he usually put his QA hat on and his boxing gloves. He took the last phase very seriously making sure that all bugs found were either fixed, or backlogged to the next version (or service pack). Even when I worked in software support (waaaayyy back with a different company) I was not allowed to answer emails like this because 'I' a lowly support grunt could not speculate what the next release would include. I was always told to respond with a canned answer (such as you have received).

Wait a few weeks after the release. If you don't hear from them, write another polite email to follow up with RCS. Let them know that you have not forgotten about them. Always follow up. Be consistent. Be polite. Eventually they will want to fix the squeaky wheel, even if its with an answer like: "We have considered so-and-so features you have requested, and we are not planning for implementing it in the foreseeable future."

I'll do that, I'll wait till October to send them another e-mail.

[RudolfJan]

I I sent them this e-mail, I'll let you guys know if I hear anything substantial back.

Ever since RailWorks was released to the masses in 2009, I have heard three things that people have been wanting from the game, improved physics, better AI, signaling and Dispatch. Finally and probably the most requested item, Multiplayer.



From a long time rail fan,

Sean

Just wondering, what do you guys expect from multiplayer? I think this will be very hard to implement. Do we mean several people playing a scenario, each one driving a train and few others in the dispatcher role? You will need appointment then, make sure all participants have the required stock available and I'm not sure this will be an interesting experience. Or do we expect something completely different? I think we may get true multiplayer, but it would help to express what we expect in a very tangible way.

[PapaXpress]

I will speculate for a moment.

For those thinking about MP consider this. All players must have the same assets to run the same MP scenario. Opening up the Workshop to custom routes, scenery models, and better scenario tools would play a big factor in achieving this. So perhaps next year you will get MP after all the kinks in the Workshop are worked out.

[GSkid]

I will speculate for a moment.

For those thinking about MP consider this. All players must have the same assets to run the same MP scenario. Opening up the Workshop to custom routes, scenery models, and better scenario tools would play a big factor in achieving this. So perhaps next year you will get MP after all the kinks in the Workshop are worked out.

Well one of the ways to do that is the way Run 8 handles it. Those that don't own any of the rolling stock DLC can still download free versions that have the word RUN 8 slapped on them instead of the normal skins. So when a NON-DLC owner encounters a train of someone who bought the DLC, they will at least still be able to see the rolling stock.... it just won't have the original skins on them at all. But it's only to see someone else's rolling stock, it doesn't mean the NON-DLC owner can have it as a part of their own train as far as I know. It may allow you to pick up and add it to your train if a DLC owner leaves it on a siding for you to pick up. Haven't played it enough to find out.

Only DLC owners will see the original skins of their train and will also see the original skins on the trains of other users that also bought the DLC.


HACK has a somewhat similar solution in that he graciously provides a low resolution FREE version of ScaleRail so that user made routes that have ScaleRail can still be used by those that didn't purchase the high res version.

[imnew]

I sure hope RSC put their time and effort into other more important fixes and content development than MP ( I do understand why some people scream for MP though ) but in my opinion RSC should fix other things first.

[pschlik]

...But it's only to see someone else's rolling stock, it doesn't mean the NON-DLC owner can have it as a part of their own train as far as I know. It may allow you to pick up and add it to your train if a DLC owner leaves it on a siding for you to pick up. Haven't played it enough to find out....

Yep, you can use those ugly freeware ones in your own train if you have them installed.

I wouldn't think RSC would make freeware versions of any of their stuff, no matter how ugly. Just doesn't seem to be the RSC way.

[arizonachris]

I sure hope RSC put their time and effort into other more important fixes and content development than MP ( I do understand why some people scream for MP though ) but in my opinion RSC should fix other things first.

+1 to that, I was thinking the same thing.

[artimrj]

+2 I think the same way also.

[ozinoz]

Todays update: http://www.engine-driver.com/2013/08/ex ... tures.html

I can just hear Mike Rennie's anguished wail and the gnashing of teeth as he realises he is about to be inundated with posts about having multiple cab camera views in the upcoming 800 series I feel for him...
(wouldnt say no to a Connie update though )

Sounds interesting, as does, finally, what looks to be a graphical consist builder (about time)

Re the long hoped for changes to the AI operation and despatch operation, there is an interesting post over on the UK board, and there was a series from Rich Garber over on the TS forum a few weeks back, regarding conversations and Paul Jacksons directional push with TS. If the investment in time and more importantly $$ verses return, there just wont be any material changes to the technical core side of the program, which goes a long way in explaining why we only seem to get graphical updates rather than technical updates and as to why MP will likely never see light of day with TS because of the cost involved in making it available versus the return. They would either have to release a complete new platform and then you have the issue of the 2 versions (think RS US and RS Europe back in the day and those issues). Those that have no interest would wish to remain on the last non MP platform, or you would have to charge considerably for the update. Run 8 is in the situation that it was created as a MP platform. Creating one from a base that isn't is a whole new headache. Its all about the $$

[buzz456]

I often wonder how much time some of the constant "wish list " gang actually spend driving trains. I know I am a train nut but I have 8000 hours in game and think this simulator is an awesome effort that has come a long long way from when I started. In today's world it seems to me that most want absolutely everything, want it right now, and want it for little or nothing.
Well I hate to break the news to all but when you are dealing with a small private company it's not going to work that way. What's more anything done by a bunch of volunteers is even less likely to ever end up being anything remotely resembling a immersive experience.
Everyone would do well to focus on the creative stuff being done by RSC, the partners and the third party folks instead of constantly yearning for something that isn't going to happen any time soon.
Rant off.

[ozinoz]

Buy that man a beer...

[BNSFdude]

Wow. Zoom, a consist builder? Apparently they DO listen.

[XDriver]

I think the FOV wheel zoom will make good screenshots. That's all I have to say about the update.

[5292nate]

I hope the consist builder tool is compatible with 3rd party stock. Otherwise, I'm quite pleased by this news!