Did DTG make a big mistake?

[buzz456]

There is a lot of topic drift going on here. Let's try to get back on subject. If you want to talk about all this other stuff please start a new thread.

[cnwfan]

Business decisions are based on known data points along with some hypothesizing outcomes at the time the decision was made. I do believe DTG based their decisions on some over / under estimations, along with some inaccurate / incomplete data. Was it a big mistake? I don't believe so. Was it a big risk? Absolutely... and I'm sure DTG would agree. If there are any lessons to be learned, I hope DTG has figured out those lessons. I believe the announcement of 64 bit TS 2019 is the result of one of those lessons learned. That being don't abandon your core cash product while developing a new product.

[BigBoyMoon]

The brick wall visible to the right of that image does have a moderately decent display resolution, but it makes it obvious that you're still playing a video game.

Bear in mind I was running a mixed low/medium setting for better framerates.

[buzz456]

Back off topic again.

[JOHNtheREDNECK]

I think DTG has made 3 major mistakes in regards to their train sims. (probably more)

1. Not withholding TSW for a longer period of time to refine it more before release.

I felt the game at release was still more of an alpha version than a polished game ready for a generic audience (and I still maintain that thought for now).

2. Leaving the community in the dark about content creation.

Just look at the Trainz community compared to us... A lot more people are able to make content, most of it isn't as good, but for the people that refine their skills, their models are top notch (look at Jointed Rail, K&L, RRmods, etc...)

3. Not refining the content creation process.

Its quite obvious a lot less people in this community are able to become content creators than in the Trainz community but at the same time it's significantly harder to create something for railworks than trainz, and we can only guess as to how complex content making for TSW will be.

I'm sure the rest of you can add many more points to this list. These were just the 3 things I've always thought about whenever I think about TSW.

[_o_OOOO_oo-Kanawha]

Very valid points, all seconded.

It still remains to be seen if DTG really 'opens up' the game for the casual creator, as originally intended.
3D modeling and texturing aka content creation, even route editing using prebuilt supplied assets, will it be limited to their 'preferred business partners'?

They are currently working on adapting the UE4 standard editor to their specific needs.
But will it ever be truely WYSIWYG? Will it have sufficient documentation for the non-professional content creator?
When you are inclined to content creating, DTG advises you to start learning UE4, and there is plenty of material available.

And in the larger scope of things? What are DTG's long term intentions with TSW apart from many promises made earlier?
A locomotive/train control type of game to compete on the console market, or a true rail transportation simulation?
The same as TS2018/9 but with a nicer picture? Possible VR and multiplayer to attract the upper market?

Time will tell ...

In the meantime, cash needs to flow ..