Under the Hood: International LT & LoneStar Update
With the 1.50 update for American Truck Simulator, we updated the International LT & International LoneStar. Now that a few weeks have passed, we bring you an interview with Andi, our 3D Graphic Designer, who was the main person behind this wonderful redesign!
For the International LT, we added new features and customizable options to selected parts of the truck, but also adjusted and polished some of the older parts and reworked the base geometry of the truck. The biggest upgrade was the addition of the S13 Integrated Powertrain which includes a new engine, the T14 transmission, and new accessories such as new chassis fairing extenders, bumper and grille options, FlowBelow fairings, an APU, blindspot detectors, and a completely new shorter day cab chassis.
Both trucks also underwent a complete interior overhaul with updated textures and interior materials, new customizable interior cabinets, and functioning cabin physics.
"Initially, the task was to facelift the LT with the S13 upgrade - new exterior accessories and engine options. However, during the pre-production process, we found ourselves not happy with the overall quality of the model, especially compared to the current standard of making trucks. The interior was especially lacking, so we decided to spend more time on the LT and LoneStar which meant remodeling parts of the interior and exterior, as well as making brand-new textures," says Andi.
Redesigning these two trucks was mainly a solo project done by Andi although, as he says, he had the support of his colleagues.
"I was responsible for modeling new parts, texturing them, and integrating everything into our game engine. Oscar helped us source reference data in the form of CAD files, Mark helped me double-check the accessory options, and our QA department made sure that everything was ready for release. I had help from my team lead Jarda throughout the project, he oversaw it and provided feedback where necessary. We also had some help from our paint job department which had to re-export the old paint jobs to fit the updated UVs after the facelift, as well as making a new custom paint job for the S13 package," Andi shares with us.
The project started in April 2023 and was finalized in the winter, then released with the 1.50 update in May. "It's game development, so roadblocks and problems are to be expected. During the summer the project was put on hold because we were missing some vital reference data. But overall it went really well and I had a great time working on this facelift. The community response showed us that we did a good job with this project, especially the update on the interior," Andi tells us.
What did Andi enjoy the most while working on this project? "For me, it was definitely modeling the new steel bumper and the new S13 grille, they were quite a challenge but I really love modeling such complex curved shapes. The interior refresh was definitely a lot of fun to work on as well since I got to use Substance Designer to create new tileable textures and it was a really enjoyable experience overall. Watching the interior change over time to what it is now was pure joy," he says.
On the other hand, the most challenging part was integrating everything into the engine. "Especially on a truck such as this, that has been in the game for a few years, I had to be extremely careful what I changed, otherwise we could break a player's savegame. Every change on an existing part required additional work to create a save patch. There was an issue with the cabin deflector logic that I had changed, which proved to be too problematic to resolve, so it had to be reverted. These are unavoidable things when working in game development, and navigating them properly is always a challenge," Andi says.
Andi is a big fan of the refreshed look of the International LT, so this project was really made for him. "I love the slick and sporty look of the LT. My favorite configuration is the Skyrise cabin with the S13 grille, S13 painted bumper, painted side skirts with the new closeouts, new roof extender, and painted all in a bright yellow," he told us.
We want to thank our friends at International Trucks who provided us with all of the reference data. And we hope you have enjoyed driving with these refreshed trucks so far! If you like them, make sure to share some screenshots with us on our social media (X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok), we really want to see those!
Welcome to the Show-Me State! The Missouri DLC is still under construction for American Truck Simulator, but we have another preview for our #BestCommunityEver of what the state will look like. This time, we want to show you the beautiful nature and landscape through which you will be hauling your cargo.
From the rugged hills of the Ozark Mountains to the rolling prairies of the Great Plains, the state offers a variety of stunning scenery. You will come across the "Ozarks" when driving through the southern part of Missouri, although this mountainous terrain, renowned for its deep valleys, clear streams, and picturesque hills, almost reaches the cities of Columbia or St. Louis, both situated closer to the middle of the state. The southern part of the state is also home to the Mark Twain National Forest, named after the renowned author born in Missouri.
The whole eastern border of the Show-Me State is made up of the Mississippi River, the second-longest river in North America. It separates Missouri from three states - mostly Illinois, but on a short part of the southeastern border also from Kentucky and Tennessee. Another important waterway is the Missouri River, which connects the west and east of the state as it runs through both Kansas City and St. Louis.
Northern and western Missouri feature rolling prairies and grasslands, as they are part of the larger Great Plains region. This area is almost the direct opposite of the southern mountainous landscape with lush oak-hickory forests. But that is not all. Missouri boasts plenty of other beautiful natural areas such as the Ha Ha Tonka State Park, Elephant Rocks State Park, and Roaring River State Park. As you traverse the state's highways and byways, you will discover how much it has to offer!
We hope you have enjoyed this preview of Missouri's beautiful and peaceful landscape. We surely cannot wait to explore it once the DLC is released! If you want to show us that you are also looking forward to trucking in this map expansion, don't forget to add it to your Steam Wishlist! Remember to follow us on our Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, so you won't miss out on any American Truck Simulator news.
Who doesn't love stumbling upon a serene lake or a rushing river while hauling cargo? Water bodies are nature's perfect pit stops, offering a refreshing break and stunning views! Today, we invite you to take a deep dive into some of Arkansas' most important rivers and lakes that we are recreating for this upcoming map expansion for American Truck Simulator.
Arkansas River
The Arkansas River, which winds its way from west to east across the entire state, is probably one of the most important bodies of water in the Natural State. It originally springs in Colorado and makes its way through Kansas and Oklahoma, passing through several important cities in Arkansas such as Fort Smith, Little Rock (the capital), and Pine Bluff, before pouring into the Mississippi River.
Mississippi River
This famous American river forms the entire border between Arkansas and Mississippi. Truckers will be able to spot and admire the longest river in North America from the Lakeport Plantation, located near Lake Village. When delivering cargo there, you will also be able to see the Greenville Bridge crossing the river, connecting Arkansas with Mississippi.
White River
The White River springs in the northwest part of Arkansas then takes a slight detour north into the Missouri Ozarks before meandering its way south through the Natural State once more. It crosses more than half of the state from the north to the southeast border, where it flows into the Mississippi River.
Ouachita River
Running through Arkansas and then Louisiana, the Ouachita River will be mostly noticeable by truckers driving through the beautiful spa city of Hot Springs, famous for its natural thermal springs.
Lake Dardanelle
The primary reservoir on the Arkansas River spans nearly 40,000 acres (160 km²). Situated on its northeastern shore is Arkansas Nuclear One, the state's sole nuclear power plant. And don't forget to visit the nearby town of Russellville, one of the scenic towns featured in this map expansion.
Norfork Lake
Norfork Lake is a man-made reservoir on the North Fork River, created by the Norfork Dam. While the river originates in Missouri, the lake itself is located in northern Arkansas. Just downstream from the dam, the North Fork River merges with the White River.
Lake Chicot
Lake Chicot is the biggest oxbow lake in North America as well as the largest natural lake in Arkansas. It is formed by the Mississippi River and is located just east of Lake Village, so truckers will be able to spot it while driving through this charming scenic town.
We hope you have enjoyed this look into Arkansas' most significant water bodies that will also appear in this map expansion for American Truck Simulator. Just keep in mind that everything you see here is still a work in progress and can change before the official release. If you want to show us how excited you are for the Arkansas DLC to arrive, make sure to add it to your Steam Wishlist. Until then, follow us on our Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, so you won't miss out on any ATS news!
Without further ado, it's time we reveal our next U.S. State for American Truck Simulator! From bustling cities to the Mississippi River, today we are excited to announce that our team are hard at work creating...
Iowa for American Truck Simulator
Located in the upper Midwestern region of the United States, Iowa forms a bridge between the forests of the east and the grasslands of the prairie plains to the west. Also known as 'The Hawkeye State', Iowa invites truckers to explore its road networks, cities and local industries.
Des Moines, the state capital, is a vibrant city that you won't want to miss! As the largest city in Iowa, it is a hub of cultural and economic activity. Its skyline features the impressive Iowa State Capitol building, a must-see landmark featuring 5 domes, with the most prominent being covered with 23-karat gold!
However the Capitol building isn't the only thing that shines in Iowa. Drivers can find scenic views abound, especially when exploring small towns and cities along the famous Mississippi River. As the second-longest river in the United States spanning over 2,000 miles, this impressive waterway flows through 10 different States.
While Iowa isn't the biggest State in the USA, it is certainly home to a lot of 'The World's Biggest...' you'll find plenty of interesting landmarks on your journey. Don't forget to stop by some of them for a screenshot or two!
There are plenty of local industries around, but one which stands out above the rest is the Agriculture Industry, especially when it comes to growing corn! Iowa has rightfully earned the nickname King of Corn for more than 2 decades. In 2023, the State produced just over 2.5 billion bushels of corn, many of which ended up on dinner plates across the United States.
Please keep in mind that everything you see here is still under work in progress and may not represent the final product. However, we are excited to highlight more of what is to come with the Iowa DLC in the future.
Until then, be sure to follow us on Social Media (X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook) for all the latest news, and to add the Iowa DLC to your Steam Wishlist if you like what you see! Until next time, keep on truckin'.
Today, we bring to our #BestCommunityEver a special blog! At the end of last year, we released the Farm Machinery DLC for American Truck Simulator along with the Kansas map expansion. And now for the first time in our history, following the positive feedback we received, our colleagues have put together a booklet for you with an in-depth look at how the Farm Machinery DLC was made!
This farming-related cargo pack was released on November 30th for ATS and features two in-game agricultural equipment brands, Owl & Greenler. Truckers received nine new farming machinery cargos from tractors to spreaders as well as five cabin accessories such as a barn-themed lunch kit or an autonomous tractor plush. You can take a look at what this cargo pack has to offer here, or you can get it straight on Steam!
A few weeks after, we took you behind the scenes of how this DLC was made with the Under The Hood blog with our colleague Stanislav, one of our 2D/3D Graphic Designers who helped bring the DLC to life.
Now, he and his colleagues have gone the extra mile after they saw the positive reactions to the booklet teaser at the end of the Under The Hood blog, and put together a beautiful booklet that truckers can read and enjoy for free in digital form here! At this time, we do not plan to release a printed form of the booklet; everyone can enjoy it online for free.
We hope you will appreciate and enjoy another peek behind the scenes of this DLC. If you would like to haul this cargo and decorate your cabin with those awesome accessories, get the Farm Machinery DLC on Steam! And don't forget to stay tuned for more updates by following us on our Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
With the recent release of the JCB Equipment Pack for Euro Truck Simulator 2 & American Truck Simulator we wanted to take the opportunity to talk with one of the driving forces behind the new and unique addition. In today's 'Under The Hood' blog, we spoke with George, Art Leader of Vehicles, who helped bring this DLC to life.
Renowned for their innovation and reliability, The JCB Equipment Pack includes 10 different branded construction and agricultural machinery from JCB's machinery line-up for drivers to haul and deliver across the virtual roads of Europe and America. So what was the inspiration behind creating this DLC?
"At the time, the project was entrusted to me, as I had the most experience in our party. I accepted the offer with enthusiasm and humility, and now in retrospect I have to say that working with everyone involved was a daily joy that continues. We are no longer just a bunch of enthusiasts, but also, above all, one big family that works as a team to care for this baby that we created together".
So what was your role in creating the JCB Equipment Pack? We asked George to find out. "In the middle of 2023, after a three-year break, I returned to SCS as a senior 3D artist. I spent over 7 years at SCS before leaving, so there was no need to familiarize myself with work processes and technology from scratch. The guys at SCS have come a long way in that time and have done a lot of work to improve the output quality, tools and workflows. My first assigned task was the JCB FASTRAC 4220 Icon cargo asset. I immediately fell in love with it because it is a racer among tractors".
So how many people were involved in the creation of this DLC? "At the time, 2 artists were working on JCB and gradually others, including me, joined. In total, our team of 3D graphic artists consisted of asset creators Dino Čičak, Luboš Gregor, and Serhii Trystan, and for cabin accessories, Wolfka. And of course many others were involved too, from production to research, QA and marketing. Over time, the project swelled and thus the need for greater control and optimization of production grew".
So how long did it take to create this DLC, and which cargoes were the most fun and/or most challenging to create? "After almost a year of hard work, nurturing, tuning and optimizing every single machine or toy, we got the green light. The final product was approved at all levels! We are delighted that there is huge interest for JCB content in both our game".
With such an extensive catalogue, how did you decide which JCB equipment and machinery to include? "Reference materials cannot be neglected, the quality of which reflects the result. These were delivered in the form of CAD models directly from JCB, which also set a preferred selection of machines that we mutually agreed upon".
George goes on to explain further "Our game also requires balanced and interesting content in this regard. As for the CAD files, they are mainly intended for the production of real machines, containing millions of polygons and are useless for the game itself. In our case, they only served as a template. These detailed templates had to be supplemented with photogrammetry, in simple terms a technology for processing several hundred walkaround photos, from which a 3D model is subsequently created using specialized software. Compared to a CAD template, such a model offers an additional level of information, such as the real surface and colors of materials. And you can easily check how a real object really looks in a real environment. This package of references was a pleasure to work with".
Did you or any of the team get to see any of the machinery for yourself in person? "Thanks to this, we were able to get to know the beautiful and in some cases giant machines face to face. In this case, huge thanks go out to the Czech companies TERRAMET and PEKASS (construction and agricultural machinery), who made this photogrammetry process possible for us".
Were there any challenges and what did you do to overcome them? "JCB is a globally recognized, leading manufacturer of construction and agricultural machinery. Therefore, much more effort had to be made to meet JCB's strict requirements, as well as a greater focus on detail and quality of workmanship. Fortunately, SCS already has extensive experience with this".
"We love how much detail was put into each of the machinery and cabin accessories too, was that an important aspect for the team?" SCS Software is a game studio with more than 25 years of experience in the field of game development. In that time, it has built up a reputation proven by a strong fan base. Therefore, our priority in this effort is to persevere and still offer interesting content regardless of the complexity of this process. But as always, everything is about people, and I can say with a clear conscience that I have always been able to fully rely on every member of the team, regardless of their previous experience". George goes onto explain more "The team members either already have the experience or just want to achieve them. Both variants are sufficient for success. The rest is just about a positive attitude, communication and team spirit. We each contributed equally and learnt from each other. Which, by the way, is the nice thing about our work, to be able to share ideas and tricks with each other and thus move forward professionally".
"In this case, it was necessary to set the imaginary bar a little higher and focus precisely on the realism of the design, while maintaining our optimization standards. Simply said, the models are at the same level as any other similar cargo assets in the game in terms of geometry complexity and texture size, with the only difference being that we spent more time on individual aspects - to get detail where it's justified, polishing individual curves or unifying texture details and colours as if all of these were the work of one individual. So there was a need to think more about sharing our workflow and know-how across the entire DLC".
"I believe that DLCs of this focus will open the way for us to other similar projects in the future. So there is definitely something to look forward to".
If you haven't already, be sure to check out the JCB Equipment Pack Bundle, which offers drivers looking to haul in both ETS2 & ATS at a discounted price! Click here for the dedicated bundle Steam Store page. If you already own this great addition and you are enjoying it, consider leaving a positive review for us too. We hope you enjoyed this Under the Hood look for this DLC, let us know if you'd like to read about some specific subjects in the future! Until then, keep on truckin'.
We're not slowing down on our journey across the United States, and today we are excited to share with you a very very early work-in-progress image from a yet-to-be-announced map expansion for American Truck Simulator. Can you guess where we're headed next?
Whilst we'd love to share more about this project, its early stages of development mean we are unable to even provide an estimate of when this state may be on the horizon for truckers. When the time is right, we look forward to sharing more news on what you can expect when traveling to this part of the U.S. Until then, keep on truckin'!
Arkansas - Road Network
Arkansas's extensive road network, a web of highways, interstates, and local roads, plays a crucial role for truckers. These routes traverse the state's diverse landscapes, connecting rural areas with larger towns and cities. This connectivity is not only vital for the state's economy but also for the efficiency and reliability of freight movement across the country. Today we are happy to share with you a preview of some of the Road Networks you'll find in our upcoming Arkansas DLC for American Truck Simulator.
Whilst there will be plenty of roads to explore, some of the major Interstates you'll come across include the I-30, I-40, and I-49, which span between several important cities and towns. Along the I-49, players will have the opportunity to travel through the States' first and only interstate tunnel, the Bobby Hopper Tunnel! Whether traveling through Arkansas or beyond, these roads serve as a vital connection for industries and small businesses alike.
Arkansas will also feature important highway routes including Highway 412 and 70, which links Arkansas to Oklahoma, as well as the US-82 which enters the State from Texas. These connections will certainly be popular among truckers who take on long-haul deliveries across the U.S.!
In towns and cities, you'll find unique intersections as well as several interesting level crossings. Drivers will also come across a few roundabouts, which although rare, are starting to become more of a common sight across the USA. One unique example can be found in the city of Magnolia, where a roundabout was built around the Columbia County Circuit Clerk building, which makes for quite the landmark.
There will also be quite a few areas, and scenic roads which we encourage players to find for themselves, as they will not (at first) be shown on the map. We hope you'll enjoy discovering and exploring these areas for yourself.
We hope you enjoyed this preview of some of the roads you'll be traveling on in Arkansas. Looking forward to driving on them yourself? Then be sure to add it to your Steam Wishlist! We are excited to share more previews and news with you in the future, until then, keep on truckin'.
After the recent release of the Nebraska DLC for American Truck Simulator, we've been inundated with feedback, photos, videos and more across our various social media channels. Along with valuable insights from content creators, we really do appreciate both the positive and constructive criticism which has come our way so far!
Today, we're happy to highlight some of the content that has been flooding our notifications daily, including some of the videos that have come across our feed on YouTube. We'd like to thank all those who have taken the time to create and share their Nebraska DLC content with us so far. Keep sharing those screenshots and videos by tagging us on X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Tiktok!
The Steam Store Page for the Nebraska DLC is also abuzz with comments! A sincere thank you to everyone who has taken a moment to share their review or offer constructive feedback about Nebraska, it really does help motivate our teams and helps us to make future improvements
If you've been enjoying trucking through the Cornhusker State and want to share your review, we'd love to read about it! You can write your own review on our Nebraska DLC Steam Store Page, simply scroll to the bottom to find the dedicated area.
We also reached out to a few of the many content creators who have live-streamed and/or created videos on Nebraska over the past couple of weeks, and asked them how they've been enjoying the latest map expansion for American Truck Simulator! Thank you to those who so generously shared their perspectives and enabling us to convey them to our blog readers.
Prime Simulation
"The Nebraska DLC is the latest addition to the American Truck Simulator map, and it does not disappoint! I had the absolute pleasure of experiencing Nebraska during its early access phase, and logging hundreds of miles post release - exploring “The Cornhusker State” from east to west and everything in between. SCS Software has raised the bar on quality once again by recreating the natural beauty, landmarks, and logistic networks of the state to an exceptional level. Although the Nebraska DLC has many great attributes, a highlight feature for me is the brand new Dynamic Loading/Unloading feature! Simply put… It’s game changing! From Omaha to Scottsbluff, the Nebraska DLC offers something for every ATS player." - Prime Simulation
Duude
"The Nebraska DLC is a brilliant addition to American Truck Simulator, Time after time SCS Software releases a DLC which gets better and better. They have once again done a fantastic job with this DLC which I know loads of ATS players are truly enjoying. Hitting the roads and exploring the many highly detailed cities which this great DLC has to offer brings a massive amount of immersion and realism, I am really enjoying exploring Nebraska, Brings a great amount of fun with exploring amazing scenery along the way. I thank SCS Software for their truly fantastic work which they have done with the Nebraska DLC and all of the work they have created in the past. I look forward to seeing what they have planned for the future!" - Duude
My Over-The-Road Trucking Adventure
"As a former over-the-road truck driver, I have spent countless miles driving across Nebraska on Interstate Highway 80 as I traversed the country. I have also spent a great deal of time picking up and delivering loads in Grand Island, so I was amazed to see the accurate recreation of the area, including the main truck stop there; seeing the tank and caboose on display at the entrance really took me back! Thank you to SCS for allowing me to relive my adventures across Nebraska; you've done it again!" - My Over-The-Road Trucking Adventure
Nightmare_Se
"Once again SCS has shown just what its team is capable of with the latest Nebraska release... Going into this DLC my expectations were drive through a state with not a lot of character so to say. I must say that I was completely proven wrong. The sights in Nebraska shift from the more natural landscapes like seen in previous DLC's to more historical landmarks, places of interest and small towns with cultural importance. After a week of exploring Nebraska, I feel like I have not only gotten more terrific content to explore in American Truck Simulator but also a lesson in its history. Not everything is marked on the map as a photo trophy or viewpoint either which I soon found out after entering Nebraska for the first time. So, keep your head on a swivel while exploring this wonderful DLC because you never know just what you will find out there. The challenge is finding the challenge." -Nightmare_Se
We are excited to have you on the roads of Nebraska! Keep sharing your adventures with us by using #CruisingNebraska on social media and follow us for all the latest news. Until then, keep on truckin'!
We've returned to the USA for our newest SCS On The Road Episode, which has just been released! Recently during our visit to the States, we were invited by Peterbilt to check out their Production Plant in Denton, Texas.
During our visit, Mark, our Community Manager & Consultant met up with Jacob White, Director of Product Marketing for Peterbilt, who took Mark on a detailed walk-around of both the legendary Peterbilt 389 and Peterbilt 589. Combining cutting-edge innovation with a timeless and iconic design, the Peterbilt 389 & 589 both deliver performance and durability for the modern trucker.
We'd like to thank our friends over at Peterbilt for inviting us and allow us to film and share this walk-around for our community to enjoy. We hope you've enjoyed watching our latest SCS On The Road episode! Let us know which part you enjoyed the most in the comments below and stay tuned for the next one. Until then, make sure to follow us on X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.
