American Truck Simulator News

The U.S State of California has a long history when it comes to the conservation efforts of preserving its natural heritage, so much so that it boasts having nine National Parks, more than any other state! In today's blog, we will be focusing on one such National Park you'll have the chance to re-visit as part of our California Rework project for American Truck Simulator.


Nestled within the rugged Sierra Nevada Mountains of California,the Yosemite National Park features awe-inspiring granite peaks, majestic waterfalls, and pristine wilderness. Whilst this is not normally an area where trucks are allowed to travel through, we couldn't go without reworking this area from the ground up to bring it up to our current quality standards.


One stand-out feature you'll be sure to notice is the new models of granite rock which are mainly found here. These new models and assets combined give the Yosemite National Park quite the transformation, don't you think?


You'll be able to drive through CA-120 from Modesto to Lee Vining, which offers drivers some pretty breathtaking views of the natural beauty found across Yosemite National Park. We highly recommend taking a stop at some of the lookout points you'll find in the area including Olmsted point, Lake Vista Point or the Rainbow Pool Day Use Area.


Looking to visit the Yosemite National Park? Previously, this area was not on your GPS map. With a fresh rework, comes a requested change; we are pleased to share that with Phase 3 of the California Rework, you will now be able to find this National Park (like others) on your UI map!


If you're travelling from Modesto, drivers can enter the Yosemite National Park at the Big Oak Flat entrance which features an information station. If you're looking to visit from the direction of Lee Vining, you can enter at the Tioga Pass Entrance, a high-altitude entrance point to Yosemite!


While you may be familiar this area already, we look forward to you re-discovering the Yosemite National Park, along with other parts of California in Phase 3 of our rework in the future. We look forward to sharing more new with you on it's progress here on our blog. Until then, keep on truckin'.

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

Whilst truck drivers play a pivotal role in the movement of goods across America, they are often a part of a bigger process, usually involving multiple modes of transport. One such network that is prevalent across the States is the railroad network, spanning thousands of miles across the country. In our upcoming Nebraska DLC for American Truck Simulator, you'll find more than just train tracks!


Nebraska is home to a lot of history, including The Oregon Trail, a historic route that played a pivotal role in the westward expansion of the United States during the 19th century. While Nebraska wasn't the longest stretch of the trail, it held significant importance as a passage through the Great Plains.


Our team has re-created some of the landmarks and historical signage, offering information and education about those who travelled across the trail, which can be found on roadsides near the original trail's route. Be sure to look out for them whilst you travel across Nebraska!


Let's get back on track by introducing you to some of the train yards and railroads you'll find across the state. Nebraska is a crucial part of the USA's rail network, so much so that you'll find yourself driving alongside trains a lot of the time!


With all these trains on the tracks, where do they go when they need a rest or maintenance? The Train Yard of course, in which Nebraska is home to the world's largest! Better known as 'Baily Yard' located in North Platte, this impressive area handles 10,000 railroad cars every 24 hours. You may even be able to spot the famous 'Golden Spike Tower' which hosts a visitor centre and offers unique views to tourists. Our team continues to work hard on this unique industry. As you can imagine, there are a lot of details to try squeeze in and replicate!


You will also find many other smaller Train Yards across Nebraska, some of which you'll be able to deliver cargo to in cities such as Alliance, Omaha and North Platte. We hope that you will appreciate the work and scale of representing this Intermodal Industry in this upcoming DLC.


All aboard for Nebraska! Excited to make your travels to Nebraska in American Truck Simulator? Stay on track with the latest news on our Social Media Channels (X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram) and be sure to Add the Nebraska DLC to your Steam Wishlist. Until next time, keep on truckin'.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2543810/American_Truck_Simulator__Nebraska/

In December 2023, the Kenworth T680 100 Years Anniversary Edition was launched for American Truck Simulator. Seizing this moment, we engaged in a conversation with the developers responsible for the truck's design. In our latest 'Under The Hood' blog, we had the chance to chat with Daniel and Renju, key contributors to bringing this exceptional truck to life.


The special edition Kenworth T680 100 Years Anniversary Edition showcases a range of premium features including an onyx-finished grill, a luxurious interior with red accents, advanced safety features, and enhanced aerodynamics. It represents Kenworth's century-long commitment to excellence and innovation in truck design.

Daniel - 3D Graphic Designer

"The project officially began in November 2022 with a visit to the Paccar facility center in Mount Vernon, WA, where we gathered photographic evidence for textures and photoreconstruction. My main role in this project was producing the truck's exterior model and project coordination, because there were many more vehicle artists involved in the final stages of the project. Renju started working on the truck's interior in February 2023, while the exterior development began in August 2023, just four months before the planned release. Effective coordination was crucial to ensure timely completion of all components," says Daniel.

Renju - Senior Game Artist

Designing this truck was not an easy mission. It had to be in-game by the end of 2023. "Meeting the project deadline was tough, even though work on the interior started ahead, the work on the exterior were delayed due to commitments on another project. We had to split tasks and coordinate carefully to ensure a smooth finish. Despite the challenges, I'm pleased with the outcome, and hope it brought joy to our players," Daniel told us.

"Kenworth celebrated its 100th anniversary and that's why it was planned to release the T680 100 Years Anniversary Edition by the end of 2023. As I began working on the project in February 2023, I had enough time to prepare everything in advance. We were meticulous in our approach to ensure the truck looked its absolute best," says Renju.


Adding anything new into our games is a long process that requires a lot of preparation, as Daniel explains here: "Project work always begins with thorough background research. Initially, we photographed a real vehicle to gather essential texture and photogrammetric data. Thanks to the excellent cooperation with Kenworth, we also obtained CAD files, ensuring maximum accuracy in transferring the truck to our game's 3D model. CAD data are basically 3D blueprints for vehicle manufacturing, so despite it being a full 3D model, it cannot be used in the game due to its complexity, so we needed to recreate the whole model from scratch using CADs only as a reference, keeping in mind the best possible optimization of model. When CAD data weren't available for specific parts, we used data taken from photogrammetry instead."

"The bulk of the work involves 3D modeling based on this data, which is the most time-consuming phase. Following modeling, we apply materials and textures and then perform UV mapping to ensure proper texture display. Finalization entails assembling all models and structuring them into a cohesive scene for export into the game. This phase includes creating files defining truck part parameters and their in-game economic values. Lastly, the finished model undergoes testing in collaboration with the testing department."


Of course, this whole project couldn't exist without the great collaboration with Kenworth, which the designers working on this truck praised. "The data provided by Kenworth was excellent. We received all the necessary references from them, and the entire process went smoothly," says Renju.


As was already said above, Renju focused on the interior of the truck and Daniel led the work on the exterior. What did they enjoy the most? "Working on both the dashboard and seats was a delightful experience. The final product exceeded my expectations, and I am incredibly proud of it," Renju told us.

"This truck was a very interesting diversion, as I don't get to model such large projects from start to finish as much in recent years due to my other responsibilities. And due to the impressive and modern design of the T680, I was able to enjoy the work and especially the modeling part again after many years," says Daniel.


And what do the guys behind this truck think of it? Daniel told us: "I think the new T680 is really good. It is a beautiful example of modern aerodynamic yet sharply cut curves. The truck was a joy to model."

Renju agreed: "What a beautiful truck! I absolutely love its modern, aerodynamic design, and the interior looks amazing, especially the new digital dashboard."


Daniel also shared about the future of this truck and its upcoming configurations. "The special edition release marks the start, not the end of our efforts. It was a celebration of Kenworth's 100th anniversary. We've finished interior designs for the other selected cabs, and exterior work is progressing well. The truck will offer standard cab and chassis options, along with familiar accessories for our players. Plus, it'll be fully compatible with all our Paintjob Packs."

mr.cenda - Multimedia Specialist

A big chunk of work was also done by mr.cenda who made a beautiful trailer for this truck to present it to our #BestCommunityEver. This also required a lot of background research and effort. "It was an honor and a pleasure to participate in this great project. I was fortunate enough to meet the folks from Kenworth at the Truck World event in 2023. To understand their concept, to touch the truck itself, it was a huge benefit for the final video."

"I needed to put as much information as possible into the footage, which is like a minute long, to generate the right excitement. Every detail alone tells you the love that was put into the production. I trust that players enjoy driving this Kenworth in our virtual world."

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
We hope you've enjoyed a look under the hood of designing the Anniversary Edition of the Kenworth T680. Don't forget to follow us on our X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok so you won't miss out on news about our projects.

If you're travelling from afar, the first thing that may come to your mind after a long journey may be to take a well deserved rest, or perhaps a quick stop at a Welcome Center to find out what's on offer in the area. Like many other states, our upcoming Arkansas DLC for American Truck Simulator will feature both of these, welcoming in travellers from across the USA!


[h3]Welcome Center[/h3]

On your journey into Arkansas, you'll be able to discover two Welcome Centers, both designed for visitors and truckers alike. The first being on the border close to Louisiana, where you'll find a variety of parking spots, a resting area for truckers, dedicated covered picnic tables and of course, the main welcome center itself which features the state's name and official nickname, built from locally sourced native stone!


You'll find the second Welcome Center on the border with Texas on US-71, and while it features a similar design, it features a larger layout, parking and rest area. The design of the main building itself received a significant upgrade in 2017, increasing its size due to its popularity and proximity to the state line.

[h3]Rest Areas[/h3]

Taking regular rest breaks is vital for drivers to combat fatigue and maintain their alertness while driving long distances. While it is required for drivers to stop for at least a 30 minute break, feel free to pull in for a rest at one of Arkansas' Rest Areas whenever you like!


One such rest area you will find is the White River Rest Area, situated nearby the picturesque White River. This rest area beckons weary travellers with its tranquil ambiance and scenic vistas.

[h3]Weigh Stations[/h3]

Whilst Welcome Centers and Rest Areas are not necessary stops on one's journey, you may be legally required to pull into a Weigh Station. Their purpose is to ensure heavy vehicles comply with state weight regulations, whilst promoting road safety and preventing damage to infrastructure.


Make sure to pull in if you hear your weigh station alarm activate, failing to comply may result in a hefty fine!


With all these options to stop, we aren't slowing down our work on the Arkansas DLC. If you are excited about this upcoming state coming to American Truck Simulator, make sure to add it your Steam Wishlist! Until next time, keep on truckin'.

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

In the last few months, our incredible #BestCommunityEver has been on a roll, diving headfirst into two fantastic World of Trucks events! First up was the #CruisingKansas event, showcasing our latest map expansion in American Truck Simulator. Following that, the festive spirit took over with the #ChristmasWinterland event, spreading joy in both ETS2 and ATS. You managed to complete both events on time before their conclusion on 5th February!


We want to thank our incredible #BestCommunityEver for their fantastic participation in both the #CruisingKansas and the monumental #ChristmasWinterland events. Your dedication truly made these experiences extraordinary!

In the Cruising Kansas World of Trucks event, you managed to complete more than 489,000 deliveries and drove over 135 million miles! In the unique Christmas Winterland event, you completed more than 2,600,000 deliveries!


Speaking of the Christmas Winterland, let's take a moment to acknowledge the immense effort that went into creating our biggest event to date. The scope of this project was enormous, and overcoming the challenges was no small feat. Yet, witnessing the overwhelming support and enthusiasm from our community since the event's kick-off reassured us that it was the right investment of our efforts.


We believe this isn't the last you've seen the magical Christmas Winterland or the technology that brought it to life – including those mesmerizing portals and more. Stay tuned for more! We're planning an exclusive Under the Hood blog, featuring interviews with the developers behind the scenes of this event.
We also hope you'll enjoy the rewards from both these events and decorate your cabin with beautiful Kansas and Christmas accessories!


Your passion and excitement have not only turned these events into huge successes but have also fueled our commitment to delivering more in the future. We really appreciate your ongoing support and look forward to more exciting adventures together!

Don't forget to follow us on our social media (X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok) so you won't miss out on any news about them. Until then, we wish you safe and happy driving!