The Bus News

[p]After nearly 80 developer diaries and countless screenshots, the time has finally come:
The first official video teaser for the Hamburg City Add-on for The Bus by Halycon Media is here – featuring real in-game footage![/p][p][/p][p]This atmospheric video takes you on a short but impressive ride through some of the most iconic sections of lines 6 and 17.
Whether it’s around the central station, past the Feldstraße bunker, through the historic Speicherstadt, or alongside Hamburg’s characteristic churches – this teaser offers a first visual impression of the add-on’s remarkable attention to detail.[/p][p][/p][p]With over two years of development and countless custom-made 3D objects – many of them based on real-world data from Hamburg’s Geoportal – Hamburg City in The Bus looks more authentic than ever before.[/p][p][/p][p]Two minutes full of atmosphere – for fans of The Bus, Hamburg lovers, and those who are about to become one.[/p][p][/p][p]🎥 The video is now available on YouTube![/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][p]Dive in and get your first look at the new Hamburg City Add-on for The Bus.[/p][p][/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p]

[p]In this entry of our developer diary, we’re heading back to Barmbek Station.
We first introduced the 3D model of the station building in Developer Diary #54. This time, we have much more to show you: the station has now been fully integrated into the game world, and the entire surrounding area has been carefully designed.[/p][p]For those interested in the historical background of Barmbek Station, you’ll find a link to our earlier post at the end of this article.[/p][p][/p][h3]Barmbek Station Comes to Life[/h3][p]The station is now completely embedded into the map. The surrounding streets have been laid out, numerous nearby buildings have been constructed, and countless details have been added to bring the area to life.[/p][p]One special feature: from bus line 17, players can clearly see the elevated tracks where local trains pass above. Both the U3 subway line and the S1 suburban railway are featured as AI-controlled trains, recreated in their characteristic Hamburg style especially for the DLC.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]A Major Transportation Hub[/h3][p]Just like in real life, Barmbek Station serves as a major transport hub where the subway, suburban rail, and various bus lines intersect. For the bus lines that terminate here, we’ve added lay-bys in the northern section on Krüsistraße, complete with static buses to bring authenticity to the scene.[/p][p]To faithfully recreate the station area, many 3D assets had to be custom modeled. This includes not only the station itself—its entrances, platforms, and buildings—but also the distinctive brick structures along Krüsistraße, the well-known outdoor retailer on the south side near the round bunker, all bridge constructions to the east and west, and numerous other buildings typical of the neighborhood.[/p][p]As in the real-world counterpart, the station is built on an embankment, with tracks running high above street level.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Crafted with Attention to Detail[/h3][p]You can see many of these elements in the screenshots provided: furnished waiting areas, roundabouts, market squares, signage, road markings, and more—all designed with great care and attention to detail.[/p][p]Please note that the images are from a work-in-progress version. We’re still refining many small elements to breathe even more life into the entire area.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Stay Up to Date[/h3][p]You can now find more information and additional screenshots of the DLC on the newly launched Steam product page.
While you're there, don’t forget to add The Bus – DLC Hamburg to your wishlist, so you won’t miss the release![/p][p]As always, the link to the Steam page is included at the end of this post.[/p][p][/p][h3]We Want to Hear From You![/h3][p]Do you have any questions or suggestions regarding the Hamburg add-on for The Bus?
Is there a specific topic you'd like us to cover in an upcoming developer diary?[/p][p]Feel free to write to us at [email protected]—we might feature your request in a future update![/p][p][/p][p]Best regards,
Your Halycon Media Development Team[/p][p][/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p]

[p]Ready for a new adventure in The Bus?[/p][p][/p][p]The eighth MEGA route is here! We're driving Line 147, recreated with incredible detail and unbeatable 1:1 realism.[/p][p] And yes – there's a brand-new trailer waiting for you![/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]Hop on and experience just how close a game can get to reality –[/p][p]AND ALL OF THAT WITHOUT SPENDING A SINGLE EURO!!! [/p]

[p][/p][p]A few weeks ago, we published the first part of our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the upcoming Hamburg City DLC for The Bus and invited you to send us more questions. You certainly did – thank you for your continued interest![/p][p]Before we dive into the new answers, we want to emphasize once again: the Hamburg expansion is being developed independently by us, Halycon Media, as a third-party developer. The development of the main game The Bus remains with TML-Studios.
That means we unfortunately cannot provide information on topics such as future AI lines or multiplayer changes in the base game. For those, please reach out to TML directly.[/p][p]What we can say: as soon as new features become available in the main game, we will of course assess whether and how they can be integrated into our Hamburg DLC through an update.[/p][p]Do you have more questions, suggestions, or ideas? Feel free to email us at [email protected] with the subject line “FAQ”. We’ll continue updating the list regularly until release.[/p][p]And now – enjoy part two of the Frequently Asked Questions for The Bus DLC – Hamburg City![/p][p][/p][p]Your Halycon Media Team[/p][p][/p][p]FAQs – Part 2 / As of: June 12, 2025 [/p]

• [p]When will the Hamburg City DLC for The Bus be released? 
  There is still no fixed release date, but one thing’s for sure: it won’t be much longer! [/p]

• [p]How much will the add-on cost? 
  Hamburg City is a paid expansion. Since March 2023, a team of up to 15 people has been working on it. The final price will be announced at a later date. [/p]

• [p]Can you get off the bus and enter buildings? 
  A charming idea – and one we’ve also considered, for example as hidden “Easter eggs” inside certain buildings. However, the technical and creative effort involved is very high. That’s why, for now, we’re focusing on route design and surroundings. But who knows what the future holds? [/p]

• [p]Will the map be developed further after release? 
  Yes. We’ll continue working on the Hamburg City map even after release. 
  In addition to potential bug fixes, new features from the main game (such as AI bus lines or engine updates) may require changes to the map. We will evaluate these and, if needed, implement them through updates. [/p]

• [p]Will there be additional Hamburg-specific AI vehicles? 
  Yes! In addition to typical waste collection trucks, which look noticeably different in Hamburg compared to those in Berlin, several regional vehicles will be added. Details will follow in a future news post. [/p]

• [p]Is there a bus depot in the game? 
  The real Alsterdorf depot is located up to 10 km away from the route’s starting point, which would require building an entirely new section. Therefore, we’ve chosen alternative pause and parking areas for release: such as the bays on Feldstraße near the bunker, parking lots on Willy-Brandt-Allee, and the bus terminal behind the central station (ZOB). All of these exist in real life. [/p]

• [p]Will there be additional buses specifically for the Hamburg map? 
  Whether we’ll release buses tailored to the Hamburg City map remains to be seen. Currently, there’s no vehicle editor available for us to create them ourselves. [/p]

• [p]Is Halycon planning more maps for The Bus? 
  Since announcing the Hamburg DLC, we’ve received many exciting suggestions. However, selecting future projects depends on numerous factors. 
  Our current focus is entirely on Hamburg – but we’ve already begun internally evaluating potential next cities. As soon as we have news, you’ll hear it here first. [/p]

• [p]Why does the eCitaro include a BVG (Berlin) ticket validator? Will it be replaced? 
  TML plans to address this in future versions. Once the base game allows it, we’ll update the Hamburg Hochbahn bus mod accordingly. For now, the eCitaro is already customized with Hochbahn-style paintwork, red seat upholstery, and appropriate matrix and interior displays. [/p]

• [p]What time period does the Hamburg DLC represent? 
  The implementation is based on the conditions of spring 2023 – including street layouts, buildings, route alignments, and bus stops. In a major city like Hamburg, constant changes are the norm, which is why we’ve locked the DLC to a fixed reference point. This is especially noticeable around stops like Saarlandstraße. [/p]

• [p]Will there be additional repaints besides the eCitaro and Galaxis? 
  Yes, we plan to provide Hochbahn-style liveries for all currently available bus models in The Bus – even if those particular buses were never used in Hamburg. This is intended to make things easier for players when choosing vehicles. [/p]

[p]With the upcoming The Bus DLC – Hamburg City, we're not only bringing you a new map but also delivering the true Hamburg Hochbahn feeling—right in the bus itself, thanks to a bus modification![/p][p][/p][p]Since maps and vehicles in The Bus are offered separately and there's currently no editor available for custom bus models, we're creating an authentic atmosphere in a different way.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]We're equipping several of the buses already included in the main game with authentic repaints in the style of the Hamburg Hochbahn—including the characteristic red-and-white look, orange destination displays, matching seat upholstery, and interior displays.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]The special thing is: not only the buses that actually operate in Hamburg are getting a makeover, but almost all the vehicles currently included in The Bus. This way, you can cruise through the Hanseatic city with maximum recognition and flexibility.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Auf den ersten Screenshots seht ihr bereits Solo- und Gelenkbusse in voller Hamburg-Optik.  Von außen in klassischem Hochbahn-Design, von innen mit Details wie der rot gemusterten Polsterung oder der markanten Fahrgastanzeige mit Linieninfos und Werbung.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Please note that all images shown are still from the development phase, so changes may occur before the release.[/p][p][/p][p]And for everyone who wants to be there live:
On June 14, 2025, we will showcase the first playable version of the Hamburg DLC at the Mobility Festival in Hamburg—directly inside the Hochbahn experience bus at Jungfernstieg! Come by, try it out yourself, and get an exclusive first look at the new map and bus modifications.[/p][p][/p][p]As always: if you have any questions, feedback, or suggestions, feel free to contact us at [email protected][/p][p][/p][p]Until next time—and have fun exploring Hamburg virtually![/p][p][/p][p]We’re looking forward to seeing you!
Your Halycon Media Team[/p][p][/p]