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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!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/270880/American_Truck_Simulator/

Missouri - Nature in General

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 TwitterFacebookInstagram, and YouTube, so you won't miss out on any American Truck Simulator news.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2730870/American_Truck_Simulator__Missouri/

Arkansas - Water Bodies

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.


[h3]Arkansas River[/h3]
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.


[h3]Mississippi River[/h3]
This famous American river forms the entire border between Arkansas and Mississippi. Truckers will be able to spot and admire the second-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.


[h3]White River[/h3]
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.


[h3]Ouachita River[/h3]
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.


[h3]Lake Dardanelle[/h3]
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.


[h3]Norfork Lake[/h3]
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.


[h3]Lake Chicot[/h3]
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!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2585150/American_Truck_Simulator__Arkansas/

American Truck Simulator is heading to Iowa in a future DLC

American Truck Simulator already has in-development DLCs which will see its 18-wheelers head to Arkansas and Missouri, but SCS Software have also commenced building a third: Iowa.


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Introducing Iowa!

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...

[h3]Iowa for American Truck Simulator[/h3]
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'.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/3025440/American_Truck_Simulator__Iowa/