City Transport Simulator News

CTS: Tram - Pic of the Week #8

Welcome to this week's "Pic of the Week" for City Transport Simulator: Tram! This time, we're taking a lighter approach, offering you some impressions of Tramau and our trams. Consider it a breather before we dive into something bigger.

Speaking of which, Dovetail's Festival of Rails has kicked off today! In addition to daily livestreams there will be a special Dovetail Direct event on Sunday, February 11th, 2024, at 20:00 UTC+1, and City Transport Simulator: Tram will be part of the action, bringing you exciting updates and new announcements (...maybe even a new tram?).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARYsxeg9x3U

CTS: Tram is set to release in 2024, and we're eager to share these exciting developments with our community. Stay tuned for more in-depth insights into the development process, exclusive features, and thrilling updates. Join the conversation on our Steam Forum, Discord server, and explore our social media channels (YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook).

Sign up for the CTS: Tram newsletter, where we'll share exclusive insights, behind-the-scenes content, and much more – click here and join our mailing list!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2604480/City_Transport_Simulator_Tram/

CTS: Tram - Pic of the Week #7

Welcome to the seventh "Pic of the Week" for CTS: Tram. This week we shine the spotlight on the newest addition to the virtual streets – our tram drivers! We've not only enhanced their features but also executed a game optimization that will cause a significant increase in performance.

Week 7 - Tram Drivers

We've finally added tram drivers! Our tram drivers are a dynamic part of the cityscape, brought to life using the same cutting-edge Metahuman technology that breathes realism into our passengers. This time, we've introduced not only male but also female tram drivers, adding a new layer of diversity and authenticity to the virtual city.

[h2]All About Optimization[/h2]

In a significant breakthrough, our development team has been hard at work optimizing the models and materials of both our tram drivers and passengers, achieving a remarkable 7x reduction in drawcalls. For those unfamiliar, a drawcall is a set of commands that instruct the graphics processing unit (GPU) on how to render a specific object in a scene, encompassing both geometry and materials.

This substantial enhancement goes beyond visual appeal, because it significantly improves performance. The details and features of the tram drivers have been refined, and even the two remaining materials underwent heavy optimization, marking a comprehensive overhaul that elevates the overall quality of our simulation.

[h2]Customization on the Horizon?[/h2]

As we continue to evolve CTS: Tram, the question of customizable characters as tram drivers has entered the conversation. While it remains a topic on our big idea list, the development of such a system poses a challenge that requires careful consideration.

We understand the desire for player agency and personalization, but balancing it with a seamless and immersive experience is our top priority. No promises have been made yet, but it's an exciting possibility that we're exploring with dedication.

CTS: Tram - Pic of the Week #6

Welcome to our sixth "Pic of the Week" for CTS: Tram. This week, let's put the spotlight on our trams again – specifically the Matrix Display!

Week 6 - Matrix Display

A matrix display, in the context of a tram, refers to a display board comprised of an array of individual LEDs or flipdots, arranged in a grid. They are used to convey real-time information about the line number and destination to passengers. As we empower players with customizable options, such as line numbers and more, our challenge was to dynamically generate displays while upholding accuracy, mirroring real-world tram experiences.

[h2]Developing the Matrix Logic[/h2]

The way this was done was with various different fonts that we created specifically for the matrix displays. In total there were 8 fonts created for the R2.2b tram and a whopping 15 fonts created for the ULF tram. These are needed to display various lengths of words, which needs different sized fonts, that can also fit two rows, like "Willkommen in Tramau".

So, whereas previously our developers had to meticilously put every single destination permamently into the game, we programmed the CTS: Tram matrix logic in a way, that, after getting the chosen destination from the game, automatically chooses the right font according to length of the destination. This not only streamlines the process but also establishes a foundation for a more efficient and adaptable system for our matrix displays.

[h2]Types of Matrix Displays[/h2]

The ULF tram features an LED matrix display, offering a modern aesthetic, while the R2.2b sports a flipdot display, providing a distinct visual charm. While funtioncality wise they work the same, they are visually completely different systems. Our intricate design of flipdots ensures not only visual fidelity up close but also optimal performance, staying true to the authenticity of the real R2.2b tram.

CTS: Tram is set to release in 2024, and we look forward to sharing all the details with you. Stay tuned for a lot more exciting information. Head over to our brand-new Steam Forum, Discord server, and our social media channels (YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook). Let us know what you think and become part of the CTS: Tram community.

Sign up for the CTS: Tram newsletter, where we'll share exclusive insights and more – click here and join our mailing list!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2604480/City_Transport_Simulator_Tram/

CTS: Tram - Pic of the Week #5

In our latest "Pic of the Week" for CTS: Tram, we're not just bringing the city to life but also populating it with an incredibly diverse and dynamic range of passengers.

Week 5 - Pedastriants filling the streets

As seen in the sneak peek from last week, our city is now very active, thanks to the addition of AI-driven cars and passengers. Cars smoothly navigate the streets, respecting traffic lights, while pedestrians stroll through the city, patiently waiting at tram stops before seamlessly boarding and taking their seats or standing inside the tram.

Utilizing the cutting-edge Metahuman technology, we've curated a high-quality cast of passengers with varying sizes, spanning both male and female, each adorned in distinct clothing styles.

From different body shapes to a myriad of clothing options, our passengers mirror the authentic tapestry of urban life. Whether it's a sharply dressed businessman, a casual jogger, or a student engrossed in their phone, the city now boasts an array of individuals with unique characteristics and styles.

The animations bring an extra layer of realism to the passengers' movements. Each character seamlessly navigates the cityscape, patiently waiting at tram stops, interacting with their environment, and boarding trams with a natural fluidity. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also contributes to the immersive experience of being part of a living, breathing metropolis.

[h2]Bonus: Upgraded Light System[/h2]

An exciting little development also comes with an upgraded lighting system, bringing mesmerizing volumetric clouds and a dynamic sun to the forefront. The cityscape is continuously evolving, with new buildings and carefully placed decorations contributing to the growing allure of Tramau.

CTS: Tram - Pic of the Week #4

Welcome to the vibrant heart of Tramau! This week's Pic of the Week takes you on a visual journey through the inner city, offering a sneak peek into the ongoing development of this exciting European city. Tramau is beginning to take shape, with its diverse mix of buildings, green spaces, and the emergence of a modern mall.

Week 3 - The inner city of Tramau

The cityscape reflects our commitment to striking a balance between preserving historical charm and embracing progressive architectural elements. The history of the Mall serves as a prime example of the successful symbiosis of old and new.

Approved in 1985, the project transformed existing late 19th-century residential blocks into a modern shopping passage strategically placed in the city center. The renovation and repurposing of this historic building into a contemporary mall presented challenges, but it ultimately became a vibrant meeting point for locals and tourists alike, contributing to the revitalization of the local economy. The project symbolizes urban development and respectful preservation of Tramau's history.

[h2]Ensuring a seamless experience[/h2]

Behind the scenes, our development team is hard at work meticulously crafting each building and green area, ensuring that every detail contributes to the city's authenticity.

Meanwhile, we are also in the middle of adding cars and pedestrians to make the city feel even more alive. Simulating dozens of cars and pedestrians while keeping the environment beautiful and the tram controls accurate is a tough task. Our solution involves smart asset loading – a trick that seamlessly loads and unloads assets to maintain performance without compromising the player experience.

CTS: Tram is set to release in 2024, and we look forward to sharing all the details with you. Stay tuned for a lot more exciting information. Head over to our brand-new Steam Forum, Discord server, and our social media channels (YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook). Let us know what you think and become part of the CTS: Tram community.

Sign up for the CTS: Tram newsletter, where we'll share exclusive insights and more – click here and join our mailing list!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2604480/City_Transport_Simulator_Tram/