I hope TSW6 will expand in netherlands, andmaybe on eof the core routes will be dutch. Now DTG likes railtour packs, we can maybe have the iconic NS 1700 as a railtour loco, now it is out of service for 4 years now. But still used as freight tough. Here is a hpoto from my favorite train (ns 1700) or look at my Profile picture
Well at least some speculation around TSW6 is that one of the new core/bundle routes could be another Dutch one, rather than Germany or Austria. Part of me hopes it is, though something more complex than Zwolle to Groningen.
I would expect US to get the boot rather than Germany, but in any case yes, something less simple would be great to see. Then again I would love to see the ICNG, as much as I dislike all the ultramodern stock of todays world, something about it in the NS livery looks great. Either way, if we do see a new Dutch route, I hope the quality is maintained & ZWG wasn’t just a one off as a debut.
Agreed... from the viewpoint of someone who is mostly into German (and to lesser extent Austrian) trains, I gotta say I wouldn't be against getting another Dutch core route instead of a German one. Two reasons: First, any new German route will probably just be more of the same... a two track, electrified main route between large-ish cities. Getting another one of those would not be a selling point, at least not for me. Second, more Dutch content would be very welcome and add more variety to the game. It's gotten very UK/DE focused lately. I can see why, but some more variety in countries might liven things up, and perhaps attract new customers. Zwolle-Groningen is a fine route, but lacks complexity and gets boring rather fast. I'm far from being an expert on the Dutch train network, but there have to be a couple of more exciting routes in a country as beautiful as the Netherlands And getting more Dutch rolling stock into the game would help Zwolle-Groningen too, retroactively.
I'd be very happy with another Dutch route, if it's in place of a German route so be it. All personal opinions of course, I mean no ill towards Germany, I'm having a second trip to Berlin in 6 weeks' time and I'm really looking forward to it.
I suspect that by introducing a Dutch route in TSW6, DTG may attract new users, possibly from TSC. DTG also depends on that group and it brings financial benefits for them as well. It's truly a battle for every new user in the gaming world, and I believe they could indeed attract a larger group of users by creating a major Dutch route, particularly one with a more interesting environment. Especially a route from North and South Holland, the western region where most people live and can recognize themselves in the route.
As mentioned, Germany has got a bit tired in TSW so unless the formula is something quite different from what we already have such as the Harzbahn with a bit of steam up to Brocken Mountain (very unlikely), something from Berlin (also unlikely) or a UBahn route it will be a damp squib.
Indeed, the Harzbahn is too small a market from which you currently can't attract large groups to consider trying the game TSW6—let alone staying with it. Steam trains in general don’t provide the magic sales boost for DTG
Hence DTG’s dilemma, I mean yet another modern day route with a sea of DB Red, the inevitable Dosto cab car driving and the over used 42x EMU’s will be one too many for me.
Same feelings here. TSW is oversaturated with this kind of route at this point. The thing is, Germany's train network really does have a lot of diversity to offer! I could list a bunch of routes which would bring some much-needed change, but that might get us even more off-topic
I've just collected a few stats from Steam and SteamDB... I'd say these stats indicate the first Dutch DLC is a commercial succes. Seems to do beter than other recent route add-ons. Considering co-operation with NS was also a succes, I have good hope we'll see more Dutch content in the future.
Thanks Purno for this interesting insight! Although using Steam reviews as reference should always be taken with a grain of salt, the low rating for Pfälzische Ludwigsbahn just proves my point, if true. It's not a bad route, not at all. In fact, I rather enjoy it. But it is just another stereotypical generic electrified main route, of which we've got plenty so far. I can see why so many potential customers start skipping those. On the other hand, the high ratings for Zwolle-Groningen and Mittenwaldbahn show that it pays off to be somewhat daring and experimental
Unfortunately SteamDB doesn't seem to offer estimates for number of owners anymore (not for DLC anyways). The number of reviews and the position in the top sellers list is the best we have to make an estimate for how well something sells. If anyone knows of some other charts or info we can consult, perhaps for the other platforms, I'd love to know
Switzerland (SBB) does not give permission to create train simulator games or routes anymore or only without any futures that come close to real train driving.
Not completely true. Last official DTG statement I've seen is that SBB (and only SBB) won't allow anything more detailed than the very basic of train operation (so, I guess a combined throttle lever). Considering the TSW player base do want more advanced simulation, there's no point in making SBB content. However, any other operator, such as RhB, could still be possible.
Sorry my point was the SBB! They are the official railway company. I understand my written text was what confusing
Ok. What a pity about SBB restriction!. What about a route on Czech republic? They also have routes to Germany. But in this case, most of the route might be on Czech one!
Agreed both on the SBB thing and Czechia. I would love to see some central/eastern European content, being from that region myself, I think the Czech or Polish railways would be the best candidate from there. I'd love to drive a Skoda 109E someday in TSW. Also, CD have Vectrons I believe, so it shouldn't be too too difficult to exend the current offering.
