SubwaySim 2 News

A Behind-the-Scenes Look: HK In the Making!

Many of you correctly recognized what was hiding under the sheet in last week’s post: it’s the next Berlin U-Bahn train of the HK type, which, like the A3L92, will be available as a playable vehicle in SubwaySim 2. Today, we’d like to give you a little insight into what goes on behind the scenes before a vehicle arrives to the game.

[h2]3D Modelling and Texturing[/h2]

Once all preparations are complete and there are enough references, the real development work begins: using hundreds of images, a 3D model is created step-by-step, with steadily increasing levels of detail. For this, we use the program Blender.

To match the vehicle's characteristic appearance, its surfaces need material properties and colours, also known as textures. For that process, we rely on Adobe Substance 3D Painter. Using PBR (physically based rendering), the vehicle surfaces achieve a look as realistic as possible.

[h2]No Functionality Without Rigging[/h2]

Although the HK model shown above looks largely complete from a visual perspective, some essential steps are still missing. This includes rigging, which involves defining a hierarchy for the vehicle so that individual components and assemblies will be functional in the game. Numerous animations are created in this process as well. At this stage, our model is divided into three main components: the exterior, the interior, and the cab. This helps optimise performance in the game.

[h2]Challenges with the HK[/h2]

The HK is a four-part multiple unit train, made up of coaches A, B, C, and D. At the ends, coaches A and D each contain a driver’s cab, from which the vehicle can be controlled. However, these coaches A and D are not identical but rather mirrored, ensuring that the front doors align correctly when the HK is operated in a double configuration.

In car A, the front door is located on the left, with the driver’s cab to the right of it. In car D, it’s the other way around. Naturally, we have also depicted this detail in SubwaySim 2, even though it meant having to fundamentally modify car D separately from car A. Only this way can we capture the unique recognisability of Berlin's metro.

Next up, we’d be moving on to the in-gaming process - but we’ll get back to that another time.

All aboard - join us to gain deeper insights into the world of SubwaySim 2 over the next few weeks and months!

[h2]About SubwaySim 2[/h2]

SubwaySim 2 has been announced in August 2024 and is currently in development. In the coming weeks and months, we’ll be giving you insights into the game, its development process, and the new features. Feel free to share your feedback in the Steam Discussions, join our Discord server, and follow us on Instagram. Be sure to add SubwaySim 2 to your Steam wishlist so you don’t miss any updates!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2707070/SubwaySim_2/

Note: This is a work-in-progress version of the game. All screenshots and videos shown are for preview purposes only and are not representative of the final product. Please feel free to share your feedback in the Steam Discussions if you like what you see or notice any specific issues!

Happy Halloween!

Halloween is here, and we’ve prepared a little, mysterious teaser for you. Take a look at the image – something seems to be hiding under a ghostly sheet. But what could it be?

Now it’s over to you: share your guesses in the comments and let us know what you think might be lurking beneath. In the mean time: Happy Halloween!

Introducing DAISY: Berlin's Platform Displays

Today, we’d like to focus on a particularly important feature of the Underground that is indispensable both in real life as in the game: we’re talking about the DAISY displays in the stations.

[h2]DAISY - Real-time Information for Passengers[/h2]

Anyone who regularly uses the Berlin's metro network will know them well: the DAISY displays, which provide information about upcoming trains and their arrival times. DAISY stands for "Dynamische Auskunfts- und Informationssystem" which translates to "Dynamic Information and Display System" in English. These displays are an integral part of the Berlin metro system, offering passengers orientation and clarity.

In SubwaySim 2, we have recreated these displays in detail to give you the most authentic metro experience. They show the arrival times of trains in real-time along with their respective directions - just as you’d expect from the real DAISY system. This makes each station come alive and provides you with an overview of the current AI-driven traffic on the line. Information for passengers with mobility impairments, such as which vehicles are accessible with a wheelchar, is also particularly important.

[h2]Different Variants, Passionately Recreated[/h2]

If you look closely, you’ll quickly notice that we didn’t just replicate one type of display, but rather several versions with different display configurations. And, of course, each display variant is fitted with lovingly hand-drawn pixel fonts.

About Route Indicators and Station Signs

In the past few weeks, we’ve given you plenty of exciting insights into SubwaySim 2's new features - from updated routes to detailed vehicle models. This week, we’d like to focus on small but important details that haven’t yet been mentioned in previous updates: namely the station signs and route indicators (so-called "Perlenschnüre") of the Berlin U-Bahn, which ensure maximum recognisability.

[h2]Station Signs: Small Detail, Big Impact[/h2]

The iconic station signs of the Berlin U-Bahn can be found at every stop. They show you the way to the nearest exit, as well as the names of the surrounding streets, and they come in various different designs.

In SubwaySim 2, we’ve taken the time to recreate these signs with the utmost care - whether it’s the classic rectangular form with white letters on a black background, or the more modern versions in newer stations. These details are crucial to capturing the authentic vibe of the Berlin U-Bahn, and they contribute to giving you the feeling of travelling right in the heart of the capital.

[h2]Route Indicators: Orientation Along the Line[/h2]

Many of you have requested this element already - and now, in Berlin we are finally adding it. We’re talking about the route indicators, also known as "Perlenschnüre" in German-speaking countries. These are the graphics in the stations providing an overview of the line's stops, thereby helping travellers quickly see which stations a train will still call at.

For SubwaySim 2, we’ve equipped each platform with its very individual route indicator graphics. Across 26 stations, that’s more than 50 graphics which we’ve lovingly hand-drawn to replicate their distinctive appearance.

News From HAMBURG!

In recent weeks, we’ve shared plenty of information and images about our Berlin route. However, we also haven’t forgotten the fans of SubwaySim Hamburg ("SubwaySim 1"). Thus, we’re turning our attention to the Hamburg route today, which is already known from the predecessor. But first, a few words about the background.

[h2]Many Improvements in SubwaySim 2[/h2]

With SubwaySim 2, we have introduced several fundamental improvements. A perfect example is our road system, which allows for visually much more appealing streets with realistic AI traffic, including functioning brake lights, indicators, and traffic lights. We have also completely redeveloped the railway track system, including all curves and switches, enabling us to implement highly realistic track layouts with accurate transition curves, superelevated tracks, and double crossover switches.

Unfortunately, we can't simply swap out the track system and the road system of a map after its construction, as the entire level is built upon them. Upgrading both systems is actually closer to a complete level rebuild.

[h2]A Bold Decision[/h2]

Anyone who has followed our development of SubwaySim Hamburg knows one thing: We really care about our games, and we don’t simply discard them - even after receiving critical feedback from players. That's why we’ve worked on the MEGA update for months to meet this commitment. From the very beginning, it was clear to us that we would not simply put Hamburg away after the release of SubwaySim 2.

Therefore, we decided to not only build the brand-new Berlin route for SubwaySim 2, but also to completely revise Hamburg's U3. This is why we are naming the new product "SubwaySim 2" rather than just "SubwaySim Berlin".

[h2]What's In It For You?[/h2]

SubwaySim 2 is the official successor to SubwaySim Hamburg ("SubwaySim 1") and will therefore include all vehicles and routes from SubwaySim Hamburg. For all of you who already own SubwaySim 1, there will, of course, be a considerable discount in the form of a special, reduced upgrade package - but more on that later.

[h2]The New Track System[/h2]

For SubwaySim 2, we have transitioned the entire Hamburg route to our new track system, which amounts to a complete rebuild of all railway tracks. The result is that all track curves, superelevated tracks, and transition curves now align precisely with the data provided by HOCHBAHN. Switch radii, changes in gradient, and inclinations will also exactly match our reference information. For you, this yields a more realistic driving experience and better adherence to the original route. Oh, and the long-awaited double crossover switches have finally been recreated in detail.

[h2]A Before/After Comparison[/h2]

Finally, we would like to show you a small comparison between a section in SubwaySim Hamburg and in SubwaySim 2. To do this, let’s return to the image above. Here you can see the state in SubwaySim 1:

We have now fundamentally revised this section so that it features the new road system, the new track system, and improved lighting. The difference is noticeable - and that’s precisely why we’re putting even more effort into the Hamburg route with SubwaySim 2.