Train Sim World 2

[raptorengineer]

Why not create it using Unity instead?

or there that new game engine godot.

[cnwfan]

By now, the realization should be setting in that TSW is a console product. It is not going to be a TSxxxx replacement. Unless DTG has a serious realignment in their marketing strategy, TSW is going to remain a closed application. Obviously there is a market for that, and that is where DTG is directing the development resources.

We, as a community, need to face the reality that TSxxxx is on life support. Yes, DTG is releasing content for TSxxxx, but there hasn't been any real core improvements to graphic engine, or updating the product to use a more modern graphic engine. At some point, Windows and/or available hardware will stop supporting the graphic engine used in TSxxxx. I think DTG understands this, and has looked at what it would take to bring TSxxxx up to modern game standards that allow for user content creation and modifications. I'm sure DTG has determined that the revenue gained verses resources spent for an upgrade is not inline with their long term plans, hence why we're seeing resources directed to developing and marketing TSW towards the console market.

I would hope DTG would recognize the need for an upgraded TSxxxx by the user comments made on this and other forums. While I'm not a fan of product bashing, we do need to keep the heat on DTG for either an updated TSxxxx, or at the very least a long term road map for the future of TSxxxx.

At the same time, each of us should be looking at possible alternates to TSxxxx. As of this writing, the only real alternatives I see is Open Rails or Trainz. Both have their pros and cons. I love the idea of Open Rails as it is free and open source. But product development is slow, and at least two 3rd party content developers have exited the market as the user base slowly declines. But maybe if there was an infusion of new users, maybe the development pace of Open Rails would speed up. And, we have some really talented folks in this community that can help support and promote Open Rails through their development efforts. Open Rails graphics are still reminiscent of MS Train Simulator, but the physics are good.

Trainz, being the other option, is slowing coming out of what I like to call "the toy train sim" pigeon hole, and is making inroads to making their product a true sim instead of a virtual model railroad. With the latest TS19 release, they introduced PBR materials for better rendering, along with using .fbx geometry objects. Those are two huge steps forward in modernizing the core product. Yes, the physics are hit and miss, but NV3 is asking for user input regarding physics, and I see that being the next product improvement.

[DigitalRails]

Trainz, being the other option, is slowing coming out of what I like to call "the toy train sim" pigeon hole, and is making inroads to making their product a true sim instead of a virtual model railroad. With the latest TS19 release, they introduced PBR materials for better rendering, along with using .fbx geometry objects. Those are two huge steps forward in modernizing the core product. Yes, the physics are hit and miss, but NV3 is asking for user input regarding physics, and I see that being the next product improvement.

i like the positive spirit towards trainz

[_o_OOOO_oo-Kanawha]

Level crossing animations are now removed even from Sand Patch Grade, the only route that had them to begin with, because apparently they used too much resources, and instead of fixing it, they just removed the system altogether

It is supposed to come back in a different, more resource friendly form, as part of the track structure. I believe with some virtual track circuits even, so the gates stay down as long as the crossing is occupied.

Remember though, CSX:HH was the learning ground for DTG.

Wonder how many programmers from that era are still on board, gaming industry being so volatile, and DTG have been going through quite some staff over the years.

[DigitalRails]

The number of programers in DTG are rare species as compared to the rest of the technical staff to be precise.

It is supposed to come back in a different, more resource friendly form, as part of the track structure. I believe with some virtual track circuits even, so the gates stay down as long as the crossing is occupied.

Where did you read this?

[_o_OOOO_oo-Kanawha]

The number of programers in DTG are rare species as compared to the rest of the technical staff to be precise.

It is supposed to come back in a different, more resource friendly form, as part of the track structure. I believe with some virtual track circuits even, so the gates stay down as long as the crossing is occupied.

Where did you read this?

I believe to have heard it in the Q&A stream, Matt told at length about this IIRC

[mrgreen]

I checked out the timetable for Köln-Aachen. 33 minutes end to end and not a single stop in between if you want to run the ICE3 realistically. Come on man...

[DigitalRails]

I believe to have heard it in the Q&A stream, Matt told at length about this IIRC

I now do not believe that man.
What a straight forward false statements made during December streaming of TSW Editor.
They can fool me once but not again with the same BS.

Where is the full PC Editor?
The Livery Editor and Scenario Planner are the first step on our journey towards releasing more comprehensive tools. It’s our hope that as many people who want to get creating for Train Sim World 2 will be able to do that, whatever gaming platform they are on.

Releasing the full editor on PC is a far more complex process than it was on the original train simulator. To begin with it requires a full download of the Unreal 4 Engine itself and then there are number of other unique plug-ins of our own, such as SimuGraph® and others, that are critical to building both locos and routes.

We know from both closed door testing and working with experienced third-party developers that this isn’t an easy editor to use and until we have resolved these issues, we are not going to release anything more widely.

[_o_OOOO_oo-Kanawha]

Rivet Games and TSC both have access to the editor.

Unless special compensation has been agreed with Rivet Games, I doubt they'll be pleased to have their BR 204 put into the junkyard August 6.

I think DTG will, when TSW2 takes off, eventually remaster their old 'preserved' DLC and will sell it as good as new in some repacked form.

About this editor, the Maik Gotz from TSC told it is a very difficult instrument, both to understand, even with UE4 knowledge and experienec,e and to use the TSW plugins and overlays.

[DigitalRails]

I have a formal training in UE4 through a local studio I work with in my city.

Sad to hear it had gone.
I can only wait and watch.

[_o_OOOO_oo-Kanawha]

I have a formal training in UE4 through a local studio I work with in my city.

Sad to hear it had gone.
I can only wait and watch.

Apart from the graphics part, I am more interested in this SimuGraph thing TSW concocted. Seems UE4 isn't particularly suited to clean and pure Newtonian physics, being primarily and FPS game engine. Simugraph is what makes trains trains instead of multipeds on wheels.

And the complete lack of any dispatcher functionality (which I enjoy in Run8 even with a couple dozen AI trains) means DTG isn't really confident about any serious network operation in a multi player environment. It could be a major gameplay feature even on the consoles when properly implemented alongside cooperative multiplayer using DTG's own servers in some kind of subscription scheme.

[_o_OOOO_oo-Kanawha]

Anthony "Amtrak" Pecarero is DTG's staunchest fanboi both on the discord and on dovetailgames' own forums. Discord is the same people twittering between themselves, all the while trying to get on the good side of the DTG staff participating.

Dovetailgames forums are kind of interesting, given the fact that there is lots of well founded criticism allowed.

I cannot get rid of the impression these forums are just a 'spark arrestor' and most of the tips, info, bug reports etc are binned when the next PR person takes charge.

[glenn68]

Anthony "Amtrak" Pecarero is DTG's staunchest fanboi both on the discord and on dovetailgames' own forums. Discord is the same people twittering between themselves, all the while trying to get on the good side of the DTG staff participating.

Dovetailgames forums are kind of interesting, given the fact that there is lots of well founded criticism allowed.

I cannot get rid of the impression these forums are just a 'spark arrestor' and most of the tips, info, bug reports etc are binned when the next PR person takes charge.

Well said and I did not know DTG had a discord.

[BigBoyMoon]

Anthony "Amtrak" Pecarero is DTG's staunchest fanboi both on the discord and on dovetailgames' own forums. Discord is the same people twittering between themselves, all the while trying to get on the good side of the DTG staff participating.

Dovetailgames forums are kind of interesting, given the fact that there is lots of well founded criticism allowed.

I cannot get rid of the impression these forums are just a 'spark arrestor' and most of the tips, info, bug reports etc are binned when the next PR person takes charge.

he also attacks people for any criticisms of TSW, be they valid ones or not

[ElphabaWS]

DTG today published its Road Map for TSW2:

https://live.dovetailgames.com/live/tra ... -18-august

Of particular note to those of us interested in North American railroading:

In production:

[Loco Add-On] NDD-L7 02 - C40-8W (Sand Patch Grade)

In planning:

[Route Add-On] NDD-R7 02 - Cane Creek. With AC4400CW & SD40-2. (Developed by Skyhook Games)

[Route Add-On] NDD-R5 01 - Clinchfield Railroad: Elkhorn - Dante. With SD40, F7 A/B.