Since the release of Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator, the processing power of personal computers has made some serious advancements. In turn, we've continually brought updates to both our titles to introduce new technology and techniques, which has allowed us to introduce higher levels of visual fidelity to our content.
One such rework that has been happening over the last couple of years is the 'reimaging of legacy assets', which aims at enhancing the quality and optimization of game models that have started to look outdated and inconsistent with newer additions. The project team consists of two people, Pavel C and Robert P, both of whom we've had the pleasure to talk to about this project to share with you today. We will let them introduce themselves!
"My name is Pavel C. I've been working at SCS Software for about three years as a 3D Graphics Designer, and I am involved in reimagining legacy assets for our title American Truck Simulator and its DLCs."
"My name is Robert P, and I've been working as a 3D Artist at SCS Software for over three years. I've contributed to several DLCs, including Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Arkansas."
So, what is the goal behind this project? "Our goal is to create models that not only look realistic but are also well-optimized," Robert explains. "Many of the assets, although well-made, have started to show their ageespecially those in use for nearly a decade. As technology advances, theres an increasing demand for optimized assets with higher levels of visual fidelity."
Beginning a project like this can be quite challenging, especially on such a large scale, Pavel adds. "Initially, we faced many challenges as we realized we couldnt rely on our current tools and technology for this project. We therefore had to take a different approach and develop a new workflow, often involving multiple programs and new techniques. Our focus was on finding the shortest path to the best results."
"The initiative to give our older assets a facelift began about two years ago. Since then, weve organized the project and started creating newer versions of assets commonly used throughout the game world," Robert shares.
So, what is the process behind reworking older assets, and which programs are involved? "We start by analyzing the current models and planning each rework. Each asset needs to be recreated with high visual fidelity while being optimized for performance," Pavel says. "First, we analyze the assets we have and consider what can be reused." Robert adds, "Though most assets need to be remade from scratch."
The next step is gathering references, which we either handle ourselves or, if the task is large, assign to our Research Department. We then design a new logic for the asset, focusing on how it will be used and how convenient it will be for Map Designers to incorporate. Pavel explains further, "We prioritize based on each DLCs needs and the current state of existing assets, actively collaborating with other teams to ensure consistency across projects."
"We have a list of assets in need of replacement, with priority given to those required for each new DLC. Many custom depots themed for various industries are being created, and during discussions on populating them, we often identify assets in need of a remake. We work with the Map Designers since they are the ones who will place the assets into the game world. They have valuable insights on which assets are effective and easy to use versus those starting to show their age.
We work closely with the Research Department, which helps us gain insights into real-world functionality to enhance the player experience and make it even more immersive," Robert explains. "We also collaborate with external partners, like our friends at 60FPS, to manage the workload of creating numerous new assets for each DLC".
So, what challenges do you often encounter on this project? Pavel responds, "A common challenge is achieving high visual quality while keeping hardware requirements low. We aim to strike a balance between quality and optimization, which involves many iterations and testing various techniques. This is simply part of game development." Robert adds, "Primarily, its dealing with outdated technologies. Many workflows that were standard just a few years ago are becoming obsolete, so it's up to us to find an optimal workflow for each asset."
As mentioned earlier, multiple programs are used for this project, and Robert goes on to share more about them. "Our primary software is Autodesk Maya, which we use for most of our modelling, organization, and exporting to the engine. We also use a variety of other tools, such as ZBrush for virtual sculpting, Marmoset Toolbag for mesh baking, and the Adobe Substance suite (Painter and Designer) along with Adobe Photoshop for texturing."
"Modern tools and fewer limitations allow us to make new assets more detailed and varied, avoiding repetition while staying faithful to real-life references. This enhances the overall immersive experience for the player." Pavel adds, "Better quality and optimization mean that players can enjoy a smoother and more visually appealing experience. Details such as refined textures, optimized geometry, and LODs (Levels of Detail) contribute to a more realistic environment."
"It's an interesting learning experience to work with both traditional and up-to-date workflows simultaneously." Robert shares "We compare the strengths and weaknesses of each and leverage the best aspects of both. Its never the same; each asset feels unique and requires individual attention, bringing new challenges with each DLC. These assets are also used in reskins and redesigns of older areas of the map, so even if you dont play the newest DLC, theres a little something for everyone".
So next time you drive by some bales of hay or a stack of pallets, we hope you can appreciate a little more the work behind that asset. We'd like to thank both Robert and Pavel for taking the time to share their work with us, and for providing detailed information for this Under the Hood Blog! If you enjoyed today's blog, be sure to leave a comment in the replies or on our social media channels, we'd love to read about it! Until next time, keep on truckin'.
[ 2024-11-17 16:00:41 CET ] [ Original post ]
🕹️ Partial Controller Support
- American Truck Simulator - Linux [20.12 M]
- American Truck Simulator - Steampunk Paint Jobs Pack
- American Truck Simulator - Wheel Tuning Pack
- American Truck Simulator - Arizona
- American Truck Simulator - Steering Creations Pack
- American Truck Simulator - Halloween Paint Jobs Pack
- American Truck Simulator - Christmas Paint Jobs Pack
- American Truck Simulator - Valentine's Paint Jobs Pack
- American Truck Simulator - Heavy Cargo Pack
- American Truck Simulator - New Mexico
- American Truck Simulator - Oregon
- American Truck Simulator - Classic Stripes Paint Jobs Pack
- American Truck Simulator - Special Transport
- American Truck Simulator - Washington
- American Truck Simulator - Forest Machinery
- American Truck Simulator - Utah
- American Truck Simulator - Space Paint Jobs Pack
- American Truck Simulator - Pink Ribbon Charity Pack
- American Truck Simulator - Idaho
- American Truck Simulator - Colorado
- American Truck Simulator - Mack Anthem®
- American Truck Simulator - Freightliner Cascadia® (3r/4th Generation)
- American Truck Simulator - Western Star® 49X
- American Truck Simulator - Wyoming
- American Truck Simulator - Texas
- American Truck Simulator - Cabin Accessories
- American Truck Simulator - Goodyear Tires Pack
- American Truck Simulator - Volvo Construction Equipment
- American Truck Simulator - International LT®
- American Truck Simulator - Retrowave Paint Jobs Pack
- American Truck Simulator - Montana
- American Truck Simulator - International 9900i
- American Truck Simulator - Lode King & Prestige Trailers Pack
- American Truck Simulator - Western Star® 57X
- American Truck Simulator - Oklahoma
- American Truck Simulator - Wild West Paint Jobs Pack
- American Truck Simulator - Kansas
- American Truck Simulator - Western Star® 5700XE
- American Truck Simulator - Volvo VNL
- American Truck Simulator - W900 Tuning Pack
- American Truck Simulator - Nebraska
- American Truck Simulator - Arkansas
- American Truck Simulator - Farm Machinery
- American Truck Simulator - Michelin Fan Pack
- American Truck Simulator - Kenworth T680 2022
- American Truck Simulator - Sports Paint Jobs Pack
- American Truck Simulator - JCB Equipment Pack
- American Truck Simulator - Mack Pinnacle
- American Truck Simulator - Freightliner Cascadia® (The Fifth Generation)
Game mechanics are based on the highly successful model from Euro Truck Simulator 2 and have been expanded with new features, creating the most captivating game experience from SCS Software.
American Truck Simulator puts you in the seat of a driver for hire entering the local freight market, making you work your way up to become an owner-operator, and go on to create one of the largest transportation companies in the United States.
Features
- Drive highly detailed truck models officially licensed from iconic truck manufacturers.
- Your truck is your new home. Make it yours by changing cabins, chassis, paintjobs, adding tuning accessories or more powerful engines.
- Lots of different cargoes to choose: From food to machinery to hazard cargoes.
- Multiple types of trailers – from reefers to flatbeds, from dumpers to lowboys and goosenecks.
- The longest trailers (up to 53 ft) will challenge your skills and patience while hauling and during parking.
- Deliver your cargoes to a rich variety of companies and locations like refineries, oil storage, gas stations, car factories, or roadworks.
- Various simulation settings for trucking enthusiasts: Air brake simulation; different types of brakes: retarder, Jake brake, trailer brake; multiple types of transmissions straight from real trucks, brake intensity, and more.
- Feel like inside a real cabin: Adjust your seat, mirrors and position your head to get the best view of the road.
- Drive safely, follow the rules and speed limits – police will fine you if you aren't careful!
- Ensure that you are not delivering overweight cargo – you may be checked at the weigh scales.
- Use the route adviser as your personal assistant during the travels.
- Try the life of a truck driver for hire. By delivering the cargoes safely and improving your skills, become the owner of your own, successful company!
- Build your own fleet of trucks, buy garages, hire drivers, manage your company for maximum profits.
- Make your trucking time better by listening to your favorite songs via built-in music player or streaming your favorite radio stations.
- Capture your favorite moments with a photo mode offering rich set of editing options.
- Great support for steering wheels, gamepads and other input devices.
- Long-time support of the game, including new features.
- Obtain challenging Steam achievements and collect all hand-painted Steam trading cards.
World of Trucks
Take advantage of additional features of American Truck Simulator by joining our online community on World of Trucks, our center for virtual truckers all around the world interested in Euro Truck Simulator 2, American Truck Simulator and future SCS Software's truck simulators.
- Use in-game Photo Mode to capture the best moments and share them with thousands of people who love trucks.
- Favorite the images you like the most and return to them anytime in the future.
- Discuss the screenshots with everyone using World of Trucks.
- See the best images hand-picked by the game creators in Editor's Pick updated almost every day. Try to get your own screenshot on this list!
- Upload and use your custom avatar and license plate in the game.
- More features coming soon!
To join World of Trucks, simply sign up with your Steam account on the join page. You will need to own American Truck Simulator or Euro Truck Simulator 2 to join World of Trucks.
World of Trucks is an optional service, registration on World of Trucks isn't required to play the game.
- OS: Ubuntu 14.04 64-bit
- Processor: Quad core CPU 3.3 GHzMemory: 8 GB RAM
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: Intel HD 630 or similar (2GB VRAM)
- Storage: 25 GB available spaceAdditional Notes: Disk Space for American Truck Simulator base game
- OS: Ubuntu 14.04 64-bit
- Processor: Quad core CPU 4.6 GHzMemory: 12 GB RAM
- Memory: 12 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 or similar (2 GB VRAM)
- Storage: 25 GB available spaceAdditional Notes: Disk Space for American Truck Simulator base game
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