Over the past couple of weeks, we have certainly felt the devotion of our community, who has been 'Haulin' Hearts' across Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator. Whilst this event has quickly come to an end, we can still strongly feel the love in the air!
We'd like to thank everyone who took part and helped deliver an incredible 600,000 loads of Valentine Presents cargo across our trucking territories. It was great to receive so many screenshots and videos from all of you enjoying this event across our Social Media Pages. We hope that during this time, you were able to share your love of trucking with a friend or perhaps someone closer.
So without further ado, let's take a look at some of the statistics from the event. You managed to complete the Community Goal on the 14th of February (which we think you planned..), and in total completed 922,487 jobs by the event's end! Check out our official infographics below.
Seeing so many of you take part in this event brought a lot of joy to our World of Trucks team, who worked hard to bring this event to life so quickly after the end of the previous ones. We'd like to thank all the teams involved for their dedication, beautiful artwork and rewards, which we hope you enjoyed!
If you did manage to complete your personal goal in-time, be sure to collect your rewards via the World of Trucks website, under the 'Events' tab on your page. However, the love doesn't have to stop there! You can continue to haul with hearts any time you like with our Valentines Paint Job Packs for both ETS2 and ATS.
Once again, we are grateful for all your effort and the love you showed us during this event. We really hope you enjoyed it and we look forward to showcasing our next event to you in the future. Until then, remember love isn't just for Valentine's, but for anytime of the year. Happy Truckin'!
California Rework - Yosemite National Park
The U.S State of California has a long history when it comes to the conservation efforts of preserving its natural heritage, so much so that it boasts having nine National Parks, more than any other state! In today's blog, we will be focusing on one such National Park you'll have the chance to re-visit as part of our California Rework project for American Truck Simulator.
Nestled within the rugged Sierra Nevada Mountains of California,the Yosemite National Park features awe-inspiring granite peaks, majestic waterfalls, and pristine wilderness. Whilst this is not normally an area where trucks are allowed to travel through, we couldn't go without reworking this area from the ground up to bring it up to our current quality standards.
One stand-out feature you'll be sure to notice is the new models of granite rock which are mainly found here. These new models and assets combined give the Yosemite National Park quite the transformation, don't you think?
You'll be able to drive through CA-120 from Modesto to Lee Vining, which offers drivers some pretty breathtaking views of the natural beauty found across Yosemite National Park. We highly recommend taking a stop at some of the lookout points you'll find in the area including Olmsted point, Lake Vista Point or the Rainbow Pool Day Use Area.
Looking to visit the Yosemite National Park? Previously, this area was not on your GPS map. With a fresh rework, comes a requested change; we are pleased to share that with Phase 3 of the California Rework, you will now be able to find this National Park (like others) on your UI map!
If you're travelling from Modesto, drivers can enter the Yosemite National Park at the Big Oak Flat entrance which features an information station. If you're looking to visit from the direction of Lee Vining, you can enter at the Tioga Pass Entrance, a high-altitude entrance point to Yosemite!
While you may be familiar this area already, we look forward to you re-discovering the Yosemite National Park, along with other parts of California in Phase 3 of our rework in the future. We look forward to sharing more new with you on it's progress here on our blog. Until then, keep on truckin'.
Whilst truck drivers play a pivotal role in the movement of goods across America, they are often a part of a bigger process, usually involving multiple modes of transport. One such network that is prevalent across the States is the railroad network, spanning thousands of miles across the country. In our upcoming Nebraska DLC for American Truck Simulator, you'll find more than just train tracks!
Nebraska is home to a lot of history, including The Oregon Trail, a historic route that played a pivotal role in the westward expansion of the United States during the 19th century. While Nebraska wasn't the longest stretch of the trail, it held significant importance as a passage through the Great Plains.
Our team has re-created some of the landmarks and historical signage, offering information and education about those who travelled across the trail, which can be found on roadsides near the original trail's route. Be sure to look out for them whilst you travel across Nebraska!
Let's get back on track by introducing you to some of the train yards and railroads you'll find across the state. Nebraska is a crucial part of the USA's rail network, so much so that you'll find yourself driving alongside trains a lot of the time!
With all these trains on the tracks, where do they go when they need a rest or maintenance? The Train Yard of course, in which Nebraska is home to the world's largest! Better known as 'Baily Yard' located in North Platte, this impressive area handles 10,000 railroad cars every 24 hours. You may even be able to spot the famous 'Golden Spike Tower' which hosts a visitor centre and offers unique views to tourists. Our team continues to work hard on this unique industry. As you can imagine, there are a lot of details to try squeeze in and replicate!
You will also find many other smaller Train Yards across Nebraska, some of which you'll be able to deliver cargo to in cities such as Alliance, Omaha and North Platte. We hope that you will appreciate the work and scale of representing this Intermodal Industry in this upcoming DLC.
All aboard for Nebraska! Excited to make your travels to Nebraska in American Truck Simulator? Stay on track with the latest news on our Social Media Channels (X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram) and be sure to Add the Nebraska DLC to your Steam Wishlist. Until next time, keep on truckin'.
In December 2023, the Kenworth T680 100 Years Anniversary Edition was launched for American Truck Simulator. Seizing this moment, we engaged in a conversation with the developers responsible for the truck's design. In our latest 'Under The Hood' blog, we had the chance to chat with Daniel and Renju, key contributors to bringing this exceptional truck to life.
The special edition Kenworth T680 100 Years Anniversary Edition showcases a range of premium features including an onyx-finished grill, a luxurious interior with red accents, advanced safety features, and enhanced aerodynamics. It represents Kenworth's century-long commitment to excellence and innovation in truck design.
Daniel - 3D Graphic Designer
"The project officially began in November 2022 with a visit to the Paccar facility center in Mount Vernon, WA, where we gathered photographic evidence for textures and photoreconstruction. My main role in this project was producing the truck's exterior model and project coordination, because there were many more vehicle artists involved in the final stages of the project. Renju started working on the truck's interior in March 2023, while the exterior development began in August 2023, just four months before the planned release. Effective coordination was crucial to ensure timely completion of all components," says Daniel.
Renju - Senior Game Artist
Designing this truck was not an easy mission. It had to be in-game by the end of 2023. "Meeting the project deadline was tough, even though work on the interior started ahead, the work on the exterior were delayed due to commitments on another project. We had to split tasks and coordinate carefully to ensure a smooth finish. Despite the challenges, I'm pleased with the outcome, and hope it brought joy to our players," Daniel told us.
"Kenworth celebrated its 100th anniversary and that's why it was planned to release the T680 100 Years Anniversary Edition by the end of 2023. As I began working on the project in February 2023, I had enough time to prepare everything in advance. We were meticulous in our approach to ensure the truck looked its absolute best," says Renju.
Adding anything new into our games is a long process that requires a lot of preparation, as Daniel explains here: "Project work always begins with thorough background research. Initially, we photographed a real vehicle to gather essential texture and photogrammetric data. Thanks to the excellent cooperation with Kenworth, we also obtained CAD files, ensuring maximum accuracy in transferring the truck to our game's 3D model. CAD data are basically 3D blueprints for vehicle manufacturing, so despite it being a full 3D model, it cannot be used in the game due to its complexity, so we needed to recreate the whole model from scratch using CADs only as a reference, keeping in mind the best possible optimization of model. When CAD data weren't available for specific parts, we used data taken from photogrammetry instead."
"The bulk of the work involves 3D modeling based on this data, which is the most time-consuming phase. Following modeling, we apply materials and textures and then perform UV mapping to ensure proper texture display. Finalization entails assembling all models and structuring them into a cohesive scene for export into the game. This phase includes creating files defining truck part parameters and their in-game economic values. Lastly, the finished model undergoes testing in collaboration with the testing department."
Of course, this whole project couldn't exist without the great collaboration with Kenworth, which the designers working on this truck praised. "The data provided by Kenworth was excellent. We received all the necessary references from them, and the entire process went smoothly," says Renju.
As was already said above, Renju focused on the interior of the truck and Daniel led the work on the exterior. What did they enjoy the most? "Working on both the dashboard and seats was a delightful experience. The final product exceeded my expectations, and I am incredibly proud of it," Renju told us.
"This truck was a very interesting diversion, as I don't get to model such large projects from start to finish as much in recent years due to my other responsibilities. And due to the impressive and modern design of the T680, I was able to enjoy the work and especially the modeling part again after many years," says Daniel.
And what do the guys behind this truck think of it? Daniel told us: "I think the new T680 is really good. It is a beautiful example of modern aerodynamic yet sharply cut curves. The truck was a joy to model."
Renju agreed: "What a beautiful truck! I absolutely love its modern, aerodynamic design, and the interior looks amazing, especially the new digital dashboard."
Daniel also shared about the future of this truck and its upcoming configurations. "The special edition release marks the start, not the end of our efforts. It was a celebration of Kenworth's 100th anniversary. We've finished interior designs for the other selected cabs, and exterior work is progressing well. The truck will offer standard cab and chassis options, along with familiar accessories for our players. Plus, it'll be fully compatible with all our Paintjob Packs."
mr.cenda - Multimedia Specialist
A big chunk of work was also done by mr.cenda who made a beautiful trailer for this truck to present it to our #BestCommunityEver. This also required a lot of background research and effort. "It was an honor and a pleasure to participate in this great project. I was fortunate enough to meet the folks from Kenworth at the Truck World event in 2023. To understand their concept, to touch the truck itself, it was a huge benefit for the final video."
"I needed to put as much information as possible into the footage, which is like a minute long, to generate the right excitement. Every detail alone tells you the love that was put into the production. I trust that players enjoy driving this Kenworth in our virtual world."
We hope you've enjoyed a look under the hood of designing the Anniversary Edition of the Kenworth T680. Don't forget to follow us on our X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok so you won't miss out on news about our projects.
Arkansas - Weigh Stations, Rest Areas & Welcome Centre
If you're travelling from afar, the first thing that may come to your mind after a long journey may be to take a well deserved rest, or perhaps a quick stop at a Welcome Center to find out what's on offer in the area. Like many other states, our upcoming Arkansas DLC for American Truck Simulator will feature both of these, welcoming in travellers from across the USA!
Welcome Center
On your journey into Arkansas, you'll be able to discover two Welcome Centers, both designed for visitors and truckers alike. The first being on the border close to Louisiana, where you'll find a variety of parking spots, a resting area for truckers, dedicated covered picnic tables and of course, the main welcome center itself which features the state's name and official nickname, built from locally sourced native stone!
You'll find the second Welcome Center on the border with Texas on US-71, and while it features a similar design, it features a larger layout, parking and rest area. The design of the main building itself received a significant upgrade in 2017, increasing its size due to its popularity and proximity to the state line.
Rest Areas
Taking regular rest breaks is vital for drivers to combat fatigue and maintain their alertness while driving long distances. While it is required for drivers to stop for at least a 30 minute break, feel free to pull in for a rest at one of Arkansas' Rest Areas whenever you like!
One such rest area you will find is the White River Rest Area, situated nearby the picturesque White River. This rest area beckons weary travellers with its tranquil ambiance and scenic vistas.
Weigh Stations
Whilst Welcome Centers and Rest Areas are not necessary stops on one's journey, you may be legally required to pull into a Weigh Station. Their purpose is to ensure heavy vehicles comply with state weight regulations, whilst promoting road safety and preventing damage to infrastructure.
Make sure to pull in if you hear your weigh station alarm activate, failing to comply may result in a hefty fine!
With all these options to stop, we aren't slowing down our work on the Arkansas DLC. If you are excited about this upcoming state coming to American Truck Simulator, make sure to add it your Steam Wishlist! Until next time, keep on truckin'.
In the last few months, our incredible #BestCommunityEver has been on a roll, diving headfirst into two fantastic World of Trucks events! First up was the #CruisingKansas event, showcasing our latest map expansion in American Truck Simulator. Following that, the festive spirit took over with the #ChristmasWinterland event, spreading joy in both ETS2 and ATS. You managed to complete both events on time before their conclusion on 5th February!
We want to thank our incredible #BestCommunityEver for their fantastic participation in both the #CruisingKansas and the monumental #ChristmasWinterland events. Your dedication truly made these experiences extraordinary!
In the Cruising Kansas World of Trucks event, you managed to complete more than 489,000 deliveries and drove over 135 million miles! In the unique Christmas Winterland event, you completed more than 2,600,000 deliveries!
Speaking of the Christmas Winterland, let's take a moment to acknowledge the immense effort that went into creating our biggest event to date. The scope of this project was enormous, and overcoming the challenges was no small feat. Yet, witnessing the overwhelming support and enthusiasm from our community since the event's kick-off reassured us that it was the right investment of our efforts.
We believe this isn't the last you've seen the magical Christmas Winterland or the technology that brought it to life – including those mesmerizing portals and more. Stay tuned for more! We're planning an exclusive Under the Hood blog, featuring interviews with the developers behind the scenes of this event. We also hope you'll enjoy the rewards from both these events and decorate your cabin with beautiful Kansas and Christmas accessories!
Your passion and excitement have not only turned these events into huge successes but have also fueled our commitment to delivering more in the future. We really appreciate your ongoing support and look forward to more exciting adventures together!
Don't forget to follow us on our social media (X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok) so you won't miss out on any news about them. Until then, we wish you safe and happy driving!
Haulin' Hearts Online Event
Join us as we celebrate Valentines day by taking part in our latest World of Trucks event – Haulin’ Hearts!
Since the 14th Century Valentine’s Day has been recognised as a time to embrace the chance to give something special to those we hold dear in our hearts, whether it be a letter of love, a heartfelt poem or gift, and today is no different. With all the love on offer, there is plenty miles to cover and loads of Valentines Presents to deliver this year, and every bit helps.
Today I’m Haulin’ Hearts afar, With nothing else in mind. And to this task I pledge my word For everyone in kind.
And while I’m on the road out there With fourteen loads ahead, I’ll stop at nothing ‘til I’m done, Then rest my weary head.
But not before I’m in your arms Oh darling love of mine. For one and all and all for one, And you my Valentine.
So we invite you, our #BestCommunityEver, whether you have a special sweetheart of your own or simply want to help others connect during this romantic time, to complete the community goal of 600,000 deliveries of Valentines Presents to loved ones around the world! Our special Valentines themed event trailers are all loaded up and ready to roll for you!
This is, once again, a great chance for you to create a romantic matching paint job with your truck if you happen to own the Valentine's Paint Jobs Pack DLC for ATS!
Your personal goal requires 14 deliveries of Valentines Presents cargo, and as our thank you we are offering great rewards including a special World of Trucks Achievement. So, come along and join the fun!
Rules
Using External Contracts, with a World of Trucks-connected profile in Euro Truck Simulator 2, American Truck Simulator or both, the community goal is to achieve 600,000 deliveries of Valentine Presents cargo, from any city in any trucking territory.
When a player completes 14 deliveries of Valentine Presents cargo across any trucking territories in either game, it will complete their personal goal.
Rewards
Personal: Players that complete 14 or more deliveries of Valentine Presents cargo will gain a unique World of Trucks Achievement as well as a Winged Heart cabin item as a Steam inventory item for Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator.
Community: When the community goal of achieving 600,000 deliveries of Valentine Presents cargo from any city is met and if the player has also achieved their personal goal, then they will receive a Trucker's Rose hanging item as a Steam inventory item for their cabin.
Note: In order to qualify for any community reward, you must complete at least your personal goal in Euro Truck Simulator 2, American Truck Simulator or both. Each reward will be a Steam inventory item for both Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator. Once completed, claim your reward in the Events page on your World of Trucks profile.
The event will be concluded on Sunday the 18th of February at 23:59 UTC.
In celebration of this event, we are introducing the Haulin' Hearts Bundle on Steam! If you are an owner of only American Truck Simulator or Euro Truck Simulator 2, this bundle will offer you a chance to fall in love with the title you are missing out on along with exploring the roads in special Valentine-themed paint jobs. Or perhaps, in case you are already having a good time in both of the games and you’re starting to feel a bit lonely, you can always gift the bundle to the special someone and set out on a journey together in the multiplayer Convoy mode.
We hope this message finds you well and filled with excitement for all the incredible things happening in the world of SCS Software! Recently, we've noticed a significant increase in discussions across various platforms – social media, forums, YouTube, and more – speculating on our current and future projects as well as updates in development.
First and foremost, we are grateful for the enthusiasm and genuine interest our community displays in everything we do. Your passion is what makes our community the #BestCommunityEver, and we're truly grateful for your unwavering support!
However, we'd like to take a moment to address a small concern. With the growing amount of content circulating online, it's becoming increasingly important to distinguish between official information and speculation. We understand that excitement often leads to curiosity, and we love that! But to ensure you get the most accurate and reliable news, we encourage you to follow our official communication channels (Our blog, SCS Software Facebook, ETS2 Facebook, ATS Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Threads, and TikTok).
In this era of advanced technology, AI and voice-over applications, where creating believable fake news is becoming easier, we want to be proactive in ensuring that our community is well-informed. We may not always be able to react to every piece of misinformation or wild speculation. Following our verified communication channels is your guarantee to receive genuine information.
Your trust means the world to us, and we want to make sure you have the facts. So, join us on this journey – follow our official channels, be a part of the conversation, and let's continue making our community the #BestCommunityEver! Thank you for being amazing, and here's to the exciting adventures ahead!
California Rework - The Golden State #3
Today we are happy to be celebrating American Truck Simulator's 8th Anniversary! Since its release in 2016, we've come a long way in providing so much new content and so many free updates. One such project we've been continually working on is our California Rework, which sees the one of the first U.S. states to be released with our base game, being rebuilt from the ground up by our talented team and brought upto todays map quality standard. Once complete, it will be released as a free update for all current and future owners of American Truck Simulator.
This blog serves as a part 3 on 'The Golden State', so we recommend taking a read of our previous Part 1 and Part 2 blogs, if you haven't already!
CA-1
Our team has been continuing their work on the legendary CA-1/US-1 Coastline Scenic Route, which is being reworked completely from the ground up. This time, the team is focusing their efforts recreating the highway between Santa Cruz and San Luis Obispo. Along this part of the CA-1, you will pass through famous coastline areas such as Big Sur, San Carpoforo Creek and Willow Creek.
As you may know, this highway is incredibly scenic and will feature many bridges and creeks which lead onto the beautiful California coastline. It is a must-drive for any American road-tripper.. or trucker!
I-5
We've also been working on part of the I-5, running between the south of Huron to Bakersfield. Along this route you'll find a mix of scenic landscapes, landmarks, and points of interest, making it a notable route for travellers. This segment of I-5 also traverses the San Joaquin Valley, which is also known for its agricultural richness and diverse scenery.
You'll be sure to find scenic landscapes and a typical Californian climate environment when travelling on this part of the Interstate!
US-99
The historic US-99, also known as the Golden State Highway, is also another route our team has been focusing on during this phase of the rework. Meandering through a diverse California landscape, the US-99 showcases the state's natural beauty. The highway will also take you past charming towns and cities, each with its unique character and landmarks.
The route also offers glimpses of California's cultural and agricultural heritage, making it a delightful journey for those seeking the state's nostalgic charm.
Can you guess where these were taken?
The team has been kind enough to provide us with quite a few images from their progress of reworking California. So we decided it would be fun for you to guess the location of these screenshots!
Think you know? Share the answers with us in the blog comments below! We look forward to sharing more of the work taking place in this phase of our the California Rework for American Truck Simulator. Until then, keep on truckin'
Nebraska - Scenic Towns
Embarking on a virtual journey in the upcoming Nebraska DLC promises not just highways and byways but a scenic exploration of charming towns. Uncover hidden gems as you navigate the picturesque landscapes of the Cornhusker State. Let's take a look at some of the towns you will drive through on your way!
Alma, a picturesque town, sits nestled along the Republican River. It's a small town that greets players upon arrival from Kansas. It's home to the great Harlan County Lake and also some nice historic sites.
Ansley, another delightful destination, welcomes truckers with its small-town charm. Surrounded by the stunning Nebraska landscape, it offers a refreshing break from the open road. Ansley, like Basset, is on Route US-183 and that opens up an opportunity for us in the future to consider some other important roads in Nebraska.
Auburn, with its vibrant atmosphere, showcases the heartland spirit. As players roll through its streets, they'll encounter a blend of modern amenities and classic Midwestern warmth. You can find several colorful Honeybee sculptures there which is an unmissable landmark.
Explore the charm of Bartlett, a quaint town that invites truckers to wander its peaceful streets. With its small-town atmosphere, Bartlett offers a scenic break from the open road.
As you cruise through Bassett, revel in the beauty of its wide-open spaces and take a moment to appreciate the simplicity of rural life. This town, surrounded by the picturesque Nebraska landscape, promises a peaceful driving experience that encapsulates the heartland spirit.
Beatrice, a town with a rich history, invites players to discover its unique blend of the past and present. From historic architecture to modern buildings, Beatrice provides a delightful mix for those looking to immerse themselves in the region's diverse culture. We hope truckers will appreciate plenty of historic landmarks typical for this town, especially some of its beautiful churches.
When you go to Brownville, you can't miss the iconic scenic river views. Thanks to its close proximity to the Missouri River, truckers can travel there to take a look at the dredging boat. This settlement could also serve as one of the entrances to the state of Iowa in the future.
Nestled in the Sandhills along Nebraska's Highway 2, Hyannis boasts serene landscapes and occasional lakes, offering truckers a peaceful respite to enjoy the beauty and unwind from the highway.
As the Irish capital of Nebraska, O'Neill proudly showcases its Irish identity at every turn. Green shamrocks adorn the ground and walls, while signs and landmarks paying homage to Irish culture are abound, creating a distinctive and vibrant atmosphere as you drive through.
Ogallala, situated on the edge of the Sandhills, offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty. The nearby Lake McConaughy adds to the allure, creating a lovely setting that captures the essence of Ogallala's colorful past.
Red Cloud, the birthplace of renowned author Willa Cather, invites players to discover its literary heritage and explore the town that inspired some of Cather's most beloved works. Drive through the streets that echo with history and experience the connection between literature and the Nebraskan landscape.
Situated along the same route as Hyannis, Thedford bears the imprints of its fascinating past. Established as a crucial stop along the cattle-driving trail during the late 19th century, the town's roots are deeply intertwined with the Old West. Today, Thedford presents its Western heritage through well-preserved landmarks and remnants of structures that echo the town's pioneer spirit.
Lusk, Wyoming, joins the American Truck Simulator map as a crucial connecting point to Nebraska. This quaint town, set against Wyoming's picturesque backdrop, serves as a gateway between the two states. Explore Lusk's charm, from its small-town hospitality to the vast landscapes, as it becomes a notable addition to the Wyoming experience with the release of the Nebraska DLC.
Keep in mind that the photos you see here are still a work in progress. We hope you are excited to see the whole map once it's released. Don't forget to follow us on our X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok so you won't miss out on any news about the Nebraska DLC or other projects. And if you haven't already, make sure to add the Nebraska DLC to your Steam Wishlist. We'll see you on the road!
