Train Sim World 5

Train Sim World Roadmap – 6th October 2022

TL;DR (too long; didn’t read) summary

A quick summary for those who don’t want to go through the whole article. There are more details on all these points within the Roadmap.

4 new entries into the Roadmap

New UK route
New US locomotive
New DE route
New UK route (developed by Rivet Games)

Work continues on Train Sim World 3 improvements, including Add-ons Manager, Save Game, and more

The Preservation Crew will become the ‘Special Projects’ team, with a new and improved focus

The much-anticipated ‘HST on Livery Designer’ update is coming

Alan Thomson Simulations joins the TSW Partner Programme set-up

# The Roadmap

Happy nearly-one-month birthday to Train Sim World 3!

We’re still in the throes of post-launch improvements – the first of which came last week (you can check it out using this link), and included reimplementing the Save Game toggle (more on that below) – and we wanted to start by once again thanking everyone for their ongoing feedback for the new game. We’ve been delighted to see how many people have been helping each other out, and providing positive, constructive feedback our way. We’re capturing as much as we can to improve, fix, and enhance your experience.

Okay, onto the fun stuff. We’ve added new stuff to the Roadmap! Whilst we’ll be revealing the details in due course, you can use the ID codes provided in the Roadmap listing to get an idea of what we might be planning. But, to summarise:

New UK route
New US locomotive
New DE route
New UK route (developed by Rivet Games)

As usual, we’re not providing timelines for any of these at this point, and will be providing more information when the features and content are locked in.

In this month’s Roadmap we’ll also be providing you with some more information on longer-term TSW3 improvements (including Save Game, accessibility, eye adaptation, performance, and more), a new section in which we’ll be covering our Third-Party developer updates, some exciting HST-related Livery Designer news, and more on the Preservation Crew’s new role in this brave new world of TSW3.

Shall we get to it, then?

Train Sim World 3 – what’s next?

We’ve grabbed an update for you on lots of different Train Sim World 3 improvements – here’s a quick summary of what you need to know.

Loco Add-on Bundle

We launched the RHTT, DB BR 182 Dispolok, and Santa Fe F7 on Tuesday, and will be monitoring your discussions around them.

One of the immediate things you mentioned was the size of the spray on the RHTT wagon. We have an update currently in testing that makes the spray significantly larger, even at high speeds, as you can see in the images below. This will come in a future update.

*Increased spray for the RHTT. The plan is that these locos, where relevant, will layer into future content.*

Save Game update

As previously mentioned, last week we added in a Save Game toggle in the Settings menu, allowing you to enable the same Save Game experience you experienced within Train Sim World 2 (a quick reminder that if you experience any issues whilst using it, to report them on this thread [https://forums.dovetailgames.com/threads/report-a-save-game-issue.59567/#post-549171] so we can investigate).

But we know we can improve it – so, a first batch of improvements are in testing, and planned to be released in the next game update, all being well. These won’t solve every issue, but should address a number of core issues we’ve been able to identify – so we’re expecting a marked improvement.

Also with that update, based on your initial feedback we’ll be adding the Save button to the footer of the Pause menu, making it a lot easier to use.

We’ll continue to investigate individual issues, but progress is being made, and we look forward to bringing you it in an update soon.

Add-ons Manager

Work is underway to port the Add-ons Manager to Train Sim World 3, after releasing it in Train Sim World 2 in September. We’ve had good feedback so far, and are ironing out any teething issues players have been experiencing so far in TSW2 and incorporating them into the TSW3 version. When we’re happy, it’ll go into a build for release.

UI/settings/toggles

We’ve seen so many great responses to the new Train Sim World 3 UI and player experience, and we want to keep improving it. As well as the Game Save toggle and mouse sensitivity sliders ( the latter of which we can confirm will be operational with the next game update), we’ve also added in a toggle for removing tutorials in Quick Play, based on your feedback.

But we’re not going to stop there. We continue to make bug fixes and improvements to the UI for each update going out. Here are some of the areas we’re looking at improving in future patches (this list is by no means exhaustive):

Route names for similar locos will be added to Train Select menus and Livery Designer screens, based on player feedback – as below:

The new UI with the routes for each loco included.

Changed icons for ‘Go Via’ and ‘Stop’, to make them more intuitive

The new icons for ‘Go Via’ and ‘Stop’

Added the Pause menu button prompts back so you can save from any Pause menu tab
completing Training Modules, Scenarios, and Services now will show them as complete in their Journey Mode too
an issue where the 2D map widget in the menus used inverted controls (i.e pressing up would pan you down) will be fixed
an issue where the segment duration times were disappearing when selecting an item in a Journey Mode menu will be fixed

…and slightly further down the line:

Saving your sort by settings, so when you return, the game is already sorted to what you previously set it to
Upgrading the search bar functionality so special characters are returned when the EN keyboard equivalent is used
Adding an option from the 'Where Next' screen to return back to the training centre loco list if the player has just completed something via Training Centre menus

And a final note – we’ve seen your feedback on the ‘greyed out’ colour when an item is selected in the menu screens. This, as well as a slightly different issue whereby two options are presented and it’s not clear which is the selected one, are being investigated by the UI team, but falls into the ‘further down the line’ category of improvements, as there a lot of UI components to consider when making a change like this and we want to ensure the team have the time to recommend the right improvements and agree with the wider team the next steps. Keep sending us through your suggestions!

Performance improvements

Performance is another area we’ll be looking to target on an ongoing basis. Investigations are continuing – member of the team has been dedicated to performance analysis and where it can be improved for all platforms. You’ll see these trickle through in future updates, starting with TSW3 core routes.

As part of our new testing process, we are now in a position to bring in autotesting, which – among a whole host of other benefits – should allow us to identify at a basic level where performance may drop in a route for any platform, in turn allowing us to identify potential issues well ahead of releases. We’ll speak about autotesting within the stream tonight (and go into much more detail in future), but it’s an exciting development we’ll be looking to use as part of our QA and development process in future.

As a reminder, we also expect Add-ons Manager to offer a slight memory-usage improvement, reducing the chance of Out of Memory errors when released for all platforms.

Shadows/draw distance

One of the major pieces of feedback we’ve had from players since Early Access are around shadows and draw distance. First up: it’s important to note that performance and these features are inextricably linked, so an improvement to one will likely compromise the other. We feel like the balance at the moment is good, but there will always be opportunities to improve and tweak as performance improves.

We’re currently investigating in the shorter-term trees from a distance not having shadowing, but the bigger ambitions in this space would be around customization of draw distance, and shadows on rails. It should be mentioned that, at present, no active work is happening on the latter two, and these are yet to be investigated.

Accessibility

We are continuously working on making TSW3 more inclusive by implementing additional accessibility options.

If you would like to request an accessibility option or particularly struggle with any features of the UI, menu screens, and inputs and outputs – then please let us know on this forum link.

We’re exploring the option to customise the Eye Adaptation feature for those who are light-sensitive, and this is planned after the investigation we’re undergoing on game performance – this would likely take the form of mediating the brightest ‘brights’ and darkest ‘darks’, and possibly the speed of the transition.

Achievements

We are investigating the impact of profile transfer on Achievements within TSW3 – it is, however intended that ‘Distance Travelled’ achievements will automatically complete upon transfer, whilst completion of Tutorials and Journeys would not.

(a general workaround is that you can complete any non-unlocked achievements that are showing as complete on a new profile).

As well as the Class 465 introduction achievement not unlocking (fixed with last week’s update), we are aware of 4 additional achievements from TSW2 which are either not completable or unlocking. The team are investigating.

It is worth noting that with a fix, it’s unlikely we can backport existing progress, so it would require completion from when the fix has been implemented.

As with everything mentioned prior, if you are experiencing issues, please let us know on this thread link

Derailing/ buffer issue

A previous update to reports of Spirit of Steam derailments has seemingly caused some other issues within the game that we’d like to get to the bottom of and fix.

An issue whereby braking sharply in some circumstances caused derailing is already being investigated, with unexpected and AI derailments next on the list (at this stage we’re not sure whether buffer clanging is related, but here’s where you can help!).

It’s super-helpful for us as we start to review individual instances (and what might be causing this) for your input. If you’ve experienced one, please head to this thread link and let us know – using the prompt we’ve mentioned in the thread title post to provide us with as much information as you can.

Preservation Crew/Special Projects Team update

In August’s Roadmap, we talked about providing you with more information on what the next steps for the Preservation Crew would be. Not only will they be changing their remit, but they’ve also got a swanky new name, too: here’s an introduction to the Special Projects team.

The Preservation Crew have provided some great content for you all, over the past couple of years – with 45 major updates covering 36 Add-ons, including the new TSW3 Training Center – and we felt it was time to use their talents in a slightly different way.

So, rather than spending a large amount of time on a wider series of upgrades, new features and bug fixes, which necessarily means only a small number of routes can be covered over a longer period of time, the Special Projects team will be lasering in on bugs specifically. Their remit is now to go through existing content as fast as possible and get all those long-standing issues resolved. We know everyone's been enjoying the fantastic upgrades to routes the team have delivered in the past, but we feel it's more important to resolve problems first.

As well as this, they’ll continue to work on developing the Training Center, and supporting our Third-Party Partner Programme to ensure the quality and direction of the content you see is to the level you expect.

The name ‘Special Projects’ fits this nicely – as the team are set up to support a diverse set of projects beyond the scope of a regular Add-on, such as the Training Center, recently introduced to TSW3.

Here’s a quick run-down of the team:

Adam L - Senior Producer - Gameplay & User Interface design
Adam R - Environment Artist - Environment & Technical Art
Martin - Technical Designer - Systems & Audio setup
Ryan - Assistant - Partner Support & Gameplay implementation
Vincent - Artist - Vehicle & Environment Art

And at a glance, here is what the team will be responsible for:

Expansion of Training Center – adding new tutorials, and developing the physical playable space
Maintenance of the back catalogue – jumping on improvements on released content quickly, addressing longer-term issues on a route-by-route or loco-by-loco basis
Supporting our Partner Developers (more on that below!)

Among some of the activities of the past month, we continue to work on resolving outstanding bugs with the Peninsula Corridor and Oakville Subdivision timetables as well as other reported issues found since the release of TSW3.

We’re looking forward to the team’s next evolution, and we hope it will provide a really tangible benefit for all players. Adam will be joining us on the stream tonight to talk about this and more!

Livery Designer on HST (TSW2/TSW3)

We know there has been a clamour to introduce Livery Designer compatibility to Great Western Express’ HST – well, we have good news!

The Special Projects team have been working hard to enable Livery Designer support for the Class 43 High Speed Train from Great Western Express. While this project is well advanced it is not yet finished. Currently the train is having test liveries applied, both real and fictional to review applications and ensure at least to a good degree that what we think players will want to do is achievable.

Screenshots from Adam’s folder of bits and bobs.

Provided here are screenshots from one such test livery. It does feature some errors that will need to be resolved before release, but we're really excited to see the availability of this train in the Livery Designer, and we hope you are, too.

The updated HST in all its glory.

The train will appear in the livery designer as '2+4', 2+7' and '2+8' formations as well as the Class 43 locomotive on its own. Finally, as part of enabling the ability to implement custom liveries on this train, we will be removing the long defunct 'blue' HST from TSW2 and TSW3.

Third-Party developer (Partner Programme) update

Rivet Games, Skyhook Games, Just Trains & Train Sim Germany are all working on new routes that all come with new trains, though they are only focused on electric and diesel traction. We have only added content to the Roadmap where the content is progressed to a suitable level though. Both Train Sim Germany and Just Trains have seen expansion of their teams working on TSW developments in recent weeks.

We’re really excited to welcome a new partner to the TSW environment - Alan Thomson Simulation. They already have an extensive catalogue of high-quality Train Simulator Classic releases so we look forward to what they will bring to the Train Sim World franchise.

Here’s a little blurb from them:

Alan Thomson Simulation is a team of rail enthusiasts who have found great enjoyment in exploring their passions producing headline projects for Train Simulator Classic focusing mainly on the West and East Coast Mainlines, Chat Moss and Fen Lines. We have built up a strong community of like-minded rail and train enthusiasts and operate one of the largest third party DLC sites and social media groups for TS Classic.

*We have strong relationships and a good history of working with the United Kingdom rail industry and following on from the development of Train Sim World 3, we are excited to be bringing some of this expertise and experience to a range of new products which we are confident will push the boundaries of what's possible. We are also working with yet another partner who will bring a new country to the TSW line up. More on them in the future.*

Details of all partner developments will be announced and discussed in due course.

We are working with Skyhook Games on upgrading the DB BR 187 audio, and it is now on our Roadmap for the Preservation Crew/Special Projects team.

New Journeys Expansion

Thanks for your patience as we’ve been building new Store pages and uncoupling the content from their TSW2 routes. Our plan is for the Add-ons to be available individually (and as a bundle) before the next Roadmap – if you already own the bundle in TSW2, you will of course be entitled to it in TSW3.

TSW2 content

We recently released the Add-ons Manager for Train Sim World 2 console players, and delivering the current list of Preservation Crew/Special Projects improvements to TSW2 players is still something we’re working on.

When content is released, information about its contents will be available on our ‘Announcement’ forums.

These are forthcoming add-ons that are being developed by Dovetail Games. Where details are still being finalised for a release we are including the ID code for it when possible. This will give you a good idea of what to expect. For Train Sim World 3, we’ve amended these product codes. To see what these ID codes mean you can refer to this post
* [TSW3] – New Journeys 1. 2.GCC-L5 02 - Silver 1972 Stock 2. 2.NDD-L5 01 - CSX SD40 3. 2.DBB-L7 03 - Köln S-Bahn BR 423 * [TSW3] – [3.GBB-R7 02] UK route * [TSW3] – [3.DBB-R6 03] DE route * [TSW3] – [3.NBB-L7 01] US loco

These are forthcoming add-ons that are being developed by teams outside Dovetail Games. Where details are still being finalised for a release, we are including the ID code for it when possible. This will give you a good idea of what to expect. To see what these ID codes mean you can refer to this post

[TSW3] [3.GBB-R7 03] UK route (developed by Rivet Games)
[TSW3] [3.DBB-L5 01] DB BR 420 Electric Multiple Unit (Hauptstrecke München-Augsburg) - Developed by TSG

Core features are larger projects. These may be significant new pieces of functionality or changes that will affect players on one or several different platforms. Often requiring more time in development this list may move more slowly than others.

[TSW3] Add-ons Manager (previously PS5 DLC Limit fix)
[TSW3] Save Game improvements
[TSW3] Red Light / Dispatcher improvements across multiple routes (starting with Rush Hour routes and Harlem Line)
[TSW3] Performance optimisation

Projects that players will notice but don’t fall into one of the other categories.

[TSW2/TSW3] Rush Hour passenger system for London Commuter
[TSW2/TSW3] Spirit of Steam manual fireman functionality

Projects that are being tackled by the Preservation Crew. Many of these upgrades will simply be adding the latest game functionality to an older route. The additions or changes in the “upgrade” will include some or all of the following: station departure boards, animated crossings, platform climb-up functionality, improved track rendering, Rush Hour passenger density and appearance, support for RailDriver, contact signaller functionality, minor fixes to scenery, minor fixes to audio, minor fixes to gameplay, minor fixes to menu items, Livery Designer compatibility and Scenario Planner expansion. We have included a ‘scale’ of the size of the work/features put into the update.

Note: Preservation Crew updates will continue after the launch of Train Sim World 3

[TSW2][TSW3] HST Livery Designer functionality
[TSW3][TSW2] DB BR 187 Audio improvements
[TSW2] [Tiny] Scottish Commuter
[TSW2] [Small] Hauptstrecke Hamburg-Lübeck, including timetable update
[TSW2] [Medium] Rhein-Ruhr Osten
[TSW2] [Small] 2022 Bakerloo timetable (600+services)
[TSW2] [Small] Long Island Rail Road
[TSW2] [Huge] Peninsula Corridor – NOTE: there are further improvements to come on both games
[TSW2] [Huge] Oakville Subdivision
[TSW2] [Tiny] LGV Mediterrannée

Items that have been removed from the Roadmap. This is either because they have been completed, their status having changed or the project having been suspended.

[TSW2] – Add-ons Manager - released
[TSW3] – Loco Add-on Bundle – released
[TSW3] [Tiny] Scottish Commuter - released
[TSW3] [Small] Hauptstrecke Hamburg-Lübeck, including timetable update - released
[TSW3] [Medium] Rhein-Ruhr Osten - released
[TSW3] [Small] 2022 Bakerloo timetable (600+services) - released
[TSW3] [Small] Long Island Rail Road - released
[TSW3] [Huge] Peninsula Corridor - released
[TSW3] [Huge] Oakville Subdivision - released
[TSW3] [Tiny] LGV Mediterrannée - released

Please join us tonight on Twitch or YouTube (Thursday, October 6th), where we’ll discuss the above (and more!) with Matt and JD at 19:00 UTC. If you have any questions, please add them to this thread

You can discuss the contents of this month’s Roadmap on our forums below.

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