Train Life - A Railway Simulator News

[h3]Hello engineers! [/h3]

We would like to start off by welcoming back all new and returning players to Train Life. As you all may already know, we have encountered a few bumps in the road when it comes to the full release, so we’re writing this blog to address your current concerns and what our action plan will be with the community moving forward. So let's cut to the chase.

[h3]Coming Soon - Hotfix 1.01[/h3]

A few days after release, we’re planning a hotfix that will be addressing some immediate issues that we will take care of. We made a post about this in the community hub talking about some known issues and fixes moving forward. You can read about them here. The Hotfix will go live 100% this week (most likely tomorrow - 31/08/22) at around 6PM CEST!

[h3]Moving Forward[/h3]

So we are planning on being more transparent with you guys in the coming weeks. Basically our plan is to update you more frequently on upcoming hotfixes before the next major content update is launched, which will include the new HUD as well as the Orient Express. For the time being, we wanted to share with you all the bugs and other fixes that our team is already aware of and are diligently working on implementing.

• Filters do not function properly using employee routes
  
• Level up screen not displayed after reaching a new level
  
• Inconsistency with loading in snow
  
• Players are unable to set GPS route while in pickup/dropoff area
  
• Setting route between Amienc and Munich makes the route invisible
  
• Small freezes during autosave
  
• Input key remapping after 1.0 launch
  
• Scenario save is always displayed as the newest save game and loaded through continue
  
• GPS does not clear last visited station during passenger/postage route
  
• Player company logo is displayed in low resolution
  
• Some text on the new map and GPS interface are not translated into other languages
  
• Names on Minimap and GPS overlap with one another
  
• Title displays build version
  
• Player avatar is visible in FPP
  
• Various graphical glitches with level art
  

This is all of the bugs and fixes that we will be working on in the coming days/weeks. As you can see there is much more work to be done in order to bring the game to an even better state post-launch so expect a lot more forum and discussions posts on Steam and Social Media on a weekly basis.

[h3]Thank you[/h3]

We wanted to thank everyone for the valuable feedback they have given us throughout the entirety of Early Access as well as the beginning of the full launch. We want to encourage you all to continue to post your bug reports and feedback using the official Train Life Discord channel as well as the Steam Forums. Make sure to also follow Train Life on Twitter so stay up-to-date with the latest news and changes made to the game.


Mike
Simteract Community Manager

Hi engineers,

Train Life officially launched yesterday after a challenging and exciting period of Early Access.

We are aware that the game’s launch has brought some new issues, and we want to assure you that we are currently working on resolving them through a series of fixes as soon as possible.

Here's a non-exhaustive list of fixes you can expect:

• Removal of the BETA watermark
  
• Fix of the "V" keyboard shortcut for when a player at a station to upload passengers
  
• Addition of the Production Tree to the codex
  
• Fix Driver Avatar Collision

Developer note: There have also been some of you reporting errors such as "LowLevelFatalError" and in this case we recommend reinstalling the game and verifying the integrity of your games files. The same goes for players trying to change controller inputs in the games menu.

We are aiming at releasing a first post-launch update early next week (week of August 29). We are also invesigating other issues that you have reported us and might implement in either this nex update or upcoming ones.

Thank you for your understanding, and support.

Have fun on the railways!

Engineers! The time is nigh, Train Life 1.0 is here and it's time to talk about what you can expect today patch while playing the game. Before we get into that, I would like to welcome all new and returning players back to the game. As for those veterens who have stuck around for the entirety of Early Access, you guys are the real MVP's! Lets dive right in ladies and gentleman!





[h2]Additions[/h2]

[h3]Features[/h3]

• Added Codex tab to the Tablet - now you can learn about the game as your on the move.
  
• Added possibility of reverse train anywhere - No more reversing at Service Stations!
  
• Added new Map system and minimap - a long awaited feature, that will definitely make your life that much more easier.
  
• Added controller feedback support
  
• Added “Lucky Cargo Values” City Bonus
  

[h3]Scenarios[/h3]

• Added Towing Scenarios
  
• Added Shunting Scenarios
  
• Added possibility to continue game in scenario after derailing
  

[h3]Sounds[/h3]

• Added voice lines in the tutorials - We considered adding Joey's voice, but he's from Wisconsin, so yeah...
  
• New voice lines when contacting stations via the station communications panel
  

[h3]Miscellaneous[/h3]

• Added animation to come cabin cusomization
  

[h2]Changes & Fixes[/h2]

[h3]HUD[/h3]

• Fixed access to radial menu during cutscenes
  
• Fixed a problem with subtitles in tutorial cutscenes
  
• Updated tutorials and scenarios by changing the way that tasks are displayed
  
• Updated radial menu icons
  

[h3]Tablet[/h3]

• Fixed "new career" panel navigation
  
• Updated the position of tutorial widgets
  
• Fixed the displayed price of locomotive parts not being affected by the career customization multiplier
  
• Fixed the render opacity for the confirmation popup in the Escape Menu
  
• Fixed a missing button prompt in company management
  

[h3]Gameplay[/h3]

• Fixed a lack of rain particles in some places
  
• Fixed a problem with refreshing the GPS when changing locomotive cabins
  
• Fixed a problem with the state of lights after game load
  
• Updated camera sensitivity settings
  
• Lowered the default wagon XP value of all cargo goods by ~50%
  
• Increased the default passenger/postage XP by 20%
  
• Lowered the default wagon cash value of all cargo goods by 25-33%
  
• Added a few more variants of NPC locomotives you can encounter during events
  
• Increased the starting number of wagons that start on production points at the start of a new game
  
• Increased the starting number of passengers and postage that start on main stations and warehouses at the start of a new game
  
• Increased the price of derailing and continuing from 10,000 to 50,000
  
• Increased the price of returning to the previous station from 5,000 to 10,000
  

[h3]Level Art & Design[/h3]

• Fixed asset popping on scenario’s start
  

[h3]Stability & Performance[/h3]

• Improvements to path searching in the map
  
• Improvement to the GPS system
  
• Fixed a problem with fps drops while scrolling the list of locomotives in the Service Center
  

[h3]Miscellaneous[/h3]

• Fixed some gameplay settings not being saved
  
• Fixed a problem with skipping tutorials
  
• Fixed various smaller problems in tutorials
  
• Fixed various smaller problems in scenarios
  

Before we end here, I wanted to share a few words (it's actually a lot, but Joey is a little softy when it comes to these things) a word from our Lead Game Designer:

"It’s a tremendously exciting day for game developers to release their game, which is usually the culmination of many years of challenging work. For Simteract, and the incredible team we’ve had working on Train Life, it’s no different. Allow me to take just a moment of your time, and then we can get back to gaming!

First and foremost, I want to thank our community members who have been with us from the start, and the ones who are joining us on day one of our full release. While it’s easy to pinpoint the monetary support as a direct contribution to our artform, it would be remiss of me if I failed to mention your bug reports, criticism, and activity within our online communities. Early Access is a grueling, but crucial, phase of iteration, polish, and community involvement. I sincerely hope that we removed as many barriers as possible to aid the flow of information between you and us, the developers. Going forward as a studio, I can certainly promise the continued treatment of the community as an extension of the game’s development team. We look forward to the long-term fans and appeal that our games generate, as well as proving that, at our heart, Simteract aims for transparent and collaborative development with our community.

To our team, our lovely group of quirky and talented men and women, I have nothing but pride thinking of how much we’ve grown and learned. Our combined mental forces can conquer even the mightiest of hurdles, and I could not ask for a better set of people to work with on a daily basis. Stand up proudly and wear a well-deserved smile when you think of where this game is now and where it began. Game development is certainly not an easy industry, but even on the toughest days I can rely on my team to put a smile on my face and encourage me onwards. Keep being your best selves, being honest, objective, and fun. Keep being the best friends I’ve ever had, and let’s make some great games together!

Lastly, but absolutely not least, our friends and business partners at Nacon deserve a big spotlight as our publisher. We’re all in this industry together, and putting all of the puzzle pieces together can, at times, be stressful and hectic. Like any good marriage, communication is key. Thank you, Nacon, for showing us a ton of care, consideration, and understanding when it came to Train Life. Working with you has been an immense pleasure for us, and we’re looking forward to the future of our relationship with you!

From all of us to you players, thank you for everything!
Joey Bougneit
Creative Lead & Lead Game Designer"

Thank you Joey, and thank you all for playing a huge part in this project.

Mike
Simteract Community Manager

Hello Engineers!

Welcome to another developer blog for Train Life! As many of you know, Train Life is leaving Early Access on August 25th! In this blog, we wanted to talk a little bit about the things we have been working on leading up to the full release of the game and some insights that we may have not necessarily shared in the past. We’re going to be talking about everything from UX/UI design to the Orient Express. Let's dive right in!


[h2]The Player HUD[/h2]

We tested the current HUD with the player-base and we came to the conclusion that there are a few changes that still need to be made. We re-organized practically all of the widgets and during that time, we made them look a little “lighter” Check out this screenshot.



Keep in mind, this isn’t the final version and could still be changed upon the full release of the game.

We added a visual to show the player when there will be the next speed limitation to give the player some more time to react to speed changes among other changes that we will share in the post release patch notes.

Please remember, it’s possible that the new HUD will be available to the player-base on the first major post-launch update.


[h2]Map Overhaul[/h2]



The map overhaul is something that has been highly requested by the community and we agree, it was long overdue. We’re glad we can finally share some concepts that we are working on for the full release. Again, this could change upon the full release of the game so take everything with a grain of salt.



With the map overhaul, comes a variety of different changes. You’ll be able to manage your company's drivers, filter the icons that you see on the map where the player is going to be able to type in the icons and as well as the type of stations and stations with reserved contracts AFAIR, among other general improvements with the maps as a whole. We’re probably going to change the background a little bit and remove some signs.

[h2]MiniMap and GPS Improvements[/h2]


The minimap is also going to get a facelift along with some more improvements. For example, the minimap will adjust its zoom levels based on the player's speed. We think this will be a welcome change that will help players be more aware of where they are without opening the full map. However, this doesn’t mean that the player won't have any control. The player will have manual control over the map zoom via new hotkey implementations. When it comes to the navigation in the minimap, performance and path finding have been significantly improved.

[h2]The Orient Express [/h2]

The Orient Express is something that we’re super excited about players trying out. Just as a reminder, EVERYONE that took part in the Early Access version of Train Life, will get access to the Orient Express. However, not exactly at launch, but possibly about a month or two down the line during the first post-launch update. The Orient Express update will feature unique gameplay mechanics and a different HUD, to give players an experience playing Train Life like never before. We’re super excited, and we hope you are too!





[h2]Choo Choo, leaving EA! [/h2]

We are super proud of our team and the community as a whole for sticking with us through thick and thin throughout the entirety of Train Lifes Early Access. The community has played a key part in helping us improve the game over time, and we’re ecstatic that EA is coming to an end. However, this doesn’t mean it’s the end of the road for Train Life. Post launch, we’re planning on bringing more DLC content, more maps, trains, bits and bobs to help make your experience playing Train Life as EPIC as possible. Early access was the tip of the iceberg, and now we can all rejoice and finally play the game.

Make sure to follow Simteract and Nacon on all social media channels including Twitch! This month, we are going to be at Gamescom in Cologne, Germany and we hope we can meet some of our fans there! If not, make sure to catch the livestream for Train Life where we will be doing some developer interviews on the launch of the game. We will share more information on when the livestream will happen towards the end of the month.

See you in 1.0 Engineers!

Mike
Simteract Community Manager

Hello Engineers,

The Early Access journey has been a long one, yet it’s time to pull into the station. Gather your luggage and embark on a new journey: the official Release!

[h2]Train Life will officially launch on August 25th, at 6pm CEST.[/h2]

Version 1.0 will be coming with our latest major update, full of new content that will be presented in a developer stream and a patch note shortly prior to the date.

[h3]A special note for our beloved Beta Testers:[/h3]

First of all thank you for your support along the way. We are here today thanks to your detailed feedback, numerous bug reports, and your trust, buying our game at this early stage. For that we are eternally grateful, and we hope that you had a great time and that you will continue to enjoy Train Life.

But because words are not enough to express our gratitude, we also have a few gifts!

Every EA tester will receive three customization items which will be added to their game automatically on release day, at the same time as the launch update:

• A mini Golden locomotive
  A Droby Smoke dragon
  A Handcar

And later will also receive:

• The 1920’s Orient-Express train and the 231 C Nord steam locomotive

This legendary train will be available after release, and we can’t announce the exact date yet, but we are aiming for fall 2022.

We want our EA Testers to feel special, also because we have another news to share: The price of Train Life will remain the same.

[h3]The release will come with its fair share of new content:[/h3]

• The GPS system overhaul
• Map feature redesign
• New scenarios
• Event system & new events
• Final achievements
• Vibration support
• Full controler support
• And more!

Stay tuned for more news about Train Life and the release content in the coming days!

[h3]What’s next?[/h3]

Some of you might be happy the game is finally releasing, and some might be concerned, wondering if the game is ready.

We want to reassure all our players; leaving early access is not the end of the development. We want Train Life to have a long life and continue to plan a lot of content for the game, along with continuous support for bug fixes and other miscellaneous improvements.

We also have major content scheduled to come after the release such as the Orient-Express train (free for all our Early Access Players).

More information will come in due time. For now we are concentrating on bringing you the best release update on August 25th!

Follow us on our different social media to be sure not to miss anything about Train Life:
https://twitter.com/TrainLifeGame
Discord: https://discord.gg/9YKRmm5d97
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainLifeGame/

See you onboard!