PlayStation Dtg Getting Its Act Together.

I’ve just come across some news that might be a sign DTG isn’t giving up on what it does best when aiming to develop and deliver high quality train simulator content/products for fans and customers.

In recent months we’ve all seen a drop in quality from DTG or any 3rd party developers.
(This ain’t a blaming game though)
Now it’s easy to assume that DTG committed to expanding its game franchise that’s led to a downfall in quality. Therefore customers taken to the forums to displayed their disappointment in what’s being sold.
A shift in public opinion about TSW with many ghost coming back to haunt DTG.
This will naturally lead to a downfall of sales. Adding to this the business model DTG relied heavily upon has collapsed because people held off for sales as it was becoming more of a risk buying at full price.

A general trend was that of a product which came with issues, the more DTG released to claw back sales the more it’s backfired with rushed releases adding to a already back log of work, no doubt adding to staff already working flat out to save what they can. Possibly even preventing DTG live streams from being fun and naturally entertaining without the fear of being asked questions current product issues. It’s reputation was becoming more harder to maintain.

Time is what DTG needs to reclaim its reputation. And with the recent news or announcements about a certain new development being placed on hold. (The individual can assume or obviously understand what that actually means).
Now this is only me surmising that the news could be an indicator that DTG takes what’s happening with products seriously by focusing on what it has always done. In some sense it is the main revenue earner for DTG to turn a profit while expanding in new markets or areas of development.
All this cannot be supported with a steady stream of cash. TSW was that cash cow that no longer exists due to the current market conditions and it once loyal customers getting tired. Any potential new buyers or younger buyers don’t have the time dealing with bugs etc. TSW will like most small developers will struggling in market with such franchise like GTA or any other leading on game platform developed by the main market players. Why personal I think the news is rather good as the game idea wasn’t really that exciting or had any real draw for younger players that tend to spend cash on vanity items etc. Plus kids get money from parents, parents that feel the pinch in today’s economic climate.

So my question is this. Is it wrong to assume that DTG is really struggling, and if it is then are we the community or any individual like myself wanting to wave a white flag and say enough is enough?.

Because from my own personal perspective I don’t think it’s right to continue adding insult to injury.
Even if it’s caused many hours of frustration and wasted money. Never let money rule one’s life.
At the end of the day people work at DTG, we all now they have a big boss who calls the shots.

Can we openly work with DTG to resolve this, and why do this. Well because if we can’t stick together as community then nothing can be achieved outside of this forum.
I say this because in the past I’m sure this game as given many hours of fun and with that provided enjoyment, including a once kind experience away from the situation many face on a day to day basis.
The misery of what’s going on in the world right now.

I personally don’t want to add to suffering even it means sticking my neck out with such threads as this one.
If someone higher up made the mistake is it fair that others might lose a job.

So again if this recent news is true and DTG are going to focus more attention on TSW does this mean DTG has made a massive error in judgment, or just higher unforeseen cost that impact every person and every business such as rising fuel costs. What ever it may be how can a company publicly admit this.

And even if they do is it too late to make up for the years of poor products that have increasingly become worse in time. Ie TSW4 on PS5 is so much better than TSW6. Has the community lost interest in what DTG do from now on in or not. Is this a sign things will improve and if so does it install any faith back into DTG as a company before flashing the cash without a care before everything went down hill.

Be the game or DTG, the community or society dealing with hopelessness.
Can we turn this around and support not put down when it’s clear to see the game is up. Peoples Jobs are at stake and dare say small businesses at large.

The more we as a community moan or complain it’s becomes the same environment as outside.
When a game is a game. The days when we buy, load and play to escape the world. That’s it.
The more openly or publicly available it is to discuss the issues it’s provides a basis for a new exciting topic for any media user to openly mock. It takes away what games are for.

Entertainment. Fun. Enjoyable. DTG has lost all that, but if we can support the staff at DTG then it might help put that much needed boost back into a tired team.

✌.

 

I'll believe it when I see it. They have the choice to focus and begin seriously tackling the immense backlog of bugs, until then it's business as usual.

 

Is there a tl:dr for that wall of text please?

I can’t honestly see DTG changing course now. They are a business and their philosophy and practices are well established. Pile it high even if not ready, sell it expensive and offer mediocre support for a couple of months at which point the content is regarded as obsolete. Core fixes, forget it once the eyes are on the prize of the next annual rerelease in the late summer. Their top level management are driven by directives from their Focus/Pullup overlords.

A title founders or doesn’t look like it will be viable in the case of Metro Rivals, bin it and the poor buggers who worked on it down the road with probably bare minimum by law redundancy pay.

So it is up to the end user/customer to draw a line and no longer buy every single piece of content on Day One and be far more discerning about the whole thing.

 

Something really does need to change within this company, as unlikely as it'll happen

Releases getting buggier, a big backlog of fixes stuck in a queue, and questionable quality that gets past testing (and especially console releases being awful)

I'm sure the CMs and developers are doing their best, and especially with the recent news relating to Metro Rivals too, must be tough right now in DTG, but there can't be any denial that TSW as a whole is in bits with its inconsistency and problems that seem to go unnoticed or ignored

I don't buy much DLC anyway unless I'm that interested in it (completely ignoring the existence of the GBR 802 DLC, no way I'm getting that especially if its just copy pasted from the Riviera 802 with the same bugs and issues) so I think I set my foot straight on that at least, ultimately it's the person's own decision on where they stand with getting DLC, but a push towards voting with your wallet should at least be in their heads!

 

The other part of the problem is TSW itself. Several years of standalone, somewhat identical style routes (particularly Germany), the game is over saturated with content - probably more than any of us could play in a life time. I know that’s a strange sentiment coming from someone back in the pre MSTS day who campaigned ceaselessly for a better train sim experience than the text based stuff we relied on like Simudrive. However I have gone from buying everything Day One on autopilot to taking a cold hard look and deciding whether I actually want a piece of DLC, particularly if it’s likely to be buggy and remain unfixed. I’m by no means certain I’ll even buy the next JT WCML instalment on release day.

 

Sympathize with the sentiment there, I've skipped the majority of releases, barring Medway Valley because I think that's been one of the better releases this year (of course not without its own issues) and the HST Farewell pack just to give Liam a chance to pitch it for his first DLC too

 

What's on hold then tsw7?

 

Metro Rivals: https://forums.dovetailgames.com/threads/metro-rivals-development-suspended.97656/

 

Yeah I no longer buy dlc day 1. I even waited a few days with Medway to read the reviews. Once bitten twice shy as they say. If the release is buggy as with B-Ham to Crewe I will not part with my cash until it’s fixed. Another example is the Class 90, I’m not buying that until it gets a decent realistic timetable, especially as it’s limited to WCMLS for some weird reason.
These days I increasingly wait for sales, and yes I’m only buying retro German content now as the routes are all too samey. Time to give modern Germany a rest and move to France.

 

I didn't read all of the OP

But he put more time and effort into writing one post, than DTG puts into a years worth of DLC releases.

 

DTG should move towards how Jagex have with Old school runescape. The games are wildly different but the community are so vital and the Devs are closer to the community than on any game I've seen. They do content polls so the game doesn't lose its touch and players have a say in almost everything. And it has no micro transactions.

They could learn a lot from the Jagex Team on the sides of community

 

Although i agree, Jagex has the advantage of self-publishing that DTG don't, they have to answer to the corporate overlords, and we all know how much they care for there player base LOL, sounds like Jagex run a system similar to Eve Online (although CCP still managed to stick both feet in there mouth at the same time) when it worked it was fantastic, but how it could work for TSW i dont know as fundamentally Focus kinda has the last word i think.

 

Me too, I don’t think you can blame anyone for thinking like that after all this time.

And the backlog, well I guess that all depends how DTG can somehow continue releasing products at a higher standard than recently.
If they do slow down release times it will hit profits while they whittle down the issues, but it will help reduce communication issues we hearing more of, thus improving quality going forward by reducing any future releases with issues that results in more delays and quality issues for its customers or even working partnerships.

However I do believe we the customers/users or those whom have followed this saga for some years have seen a drastic decline in quality, many of which effects plays long after purchase or outside any returns policy, further to that having the evidence to prove the product is faulty out side of that returns window. (The legal sense). Without going on to much it’s simply a case of customers purchasing a product that comes with some kind of issues now or later on, When or if its being fixed is at times a complete nightmare, it just isn’t good enough now.

People are more concerned about money and so when money is spent it’s probably not taken lightly.
So it’s only natural for anyone to get slightly aggravated by that either new to the franchise or not be willing to comment.

I guess it’s complete shame when DTG’s customers/fans to even be thinking and speaking about such conduct.
Depressing in some cases but is this what customers have to do now in order to get anything done.

Yet saying all this, with the recent official DTG announcements it does seem that there will be some kind of news regarding what’s in store for the future of the franchise. It’s in the public spotlight now so DTG has to act.

As does the individual. Like the song, Should I stay or should I go. It’s question on most minds now.

✌.

 

Keep in mind that DTG also needs the railroads to be willing to give a license, which isn't an issue for most games.

 

Ya what Bro?.

Well for how any inside company budget sheets read be those of DTG and Focus I can’t comment.
However there was a drastic change market direction, yet it appeared slowly behind actually customer demand.
I’m sure you where there when TSW2 was around, now from my perspective I felt the game was still in a testing stage or support for DTG bringing a train simulator to console. So I kinda of put up with the odd issues or bug.

Yet over time customers demanded longer routes etc. more time tables and more mixed traffic.
The game did feel dead quite early on with repeat locations and units. Class 66!!.
So I guess DTG went to work on development for such routes, each route helped fans get what they wanted. Especially in the new location front, thus new locos for that area.

Now if DTG committed to other projects then again DTG can’t be blamed for looking into a new market area.
I myself have often said DTG could do better products for younger players that would lead them into TSW franchise.
Is the new partnership with Mattel that area of new market aimed at younger players, I’d say so yes, but my life have they mad a mess of it.

For DTG to focus on anything it needs no distractions. Yet the gaming industry is taking a hit, people aren’t spending.
If DTG did commit to out sourcing work to 3rd parties then some where along the lines it’s come undone.
Be due to tight time constraints placed on 3rd party or as it been pointed out recently by other members in Q&A, testing etc can be time consuming and even then any findings might go ignored by the money men making the end decisions.
DTG can’t be blamed for the economic or social impact however they has to be some kind of financial forecast.

Who made these decisions at the top level be from DTG directors or any other company mentioned is open to criticism.
However if information wasn’t being acted upon when issues were raised and yet still released is by anyone’s standard absolutely diabolical. That’s the point from a customer standpoint. Products reaching market with known faults then waiting for weeks even years for any solution or fix.

Yet we know all this now, the cat is out of the bag so to speak. The trend has shifted.

Walkaway or draw the line is a new trend, something I find interesting as it’s something I’ve done with this franchise publicly.
Crossing the line is also another.

I took some flack for that. Yet here we are now agreeing that walking away means no longer being emotionally invested.
No longer leaving feedback or looping the same faults or stories without actual making a difference. A change to the situation we as a community face and as customers to DTG. You might be aware of how passionate I was about creators club and sharing work or new projects on the forums. Asking for assistance or guidance yet I felt DTG was trolling me and when looking for answers gave nothing. All done publicly too. Took the life out of it all for me.

DTG representatives crossed that line. Standards or self respect. Me as person and customer to DTG they did nothing.
I’m in the boat like you and all the rest that no longer have the time or inclination to invest the time or money we once did.

I bought a few recent products like the class 90 and what’s the point!. I use all safety features for platinum score but in the state it’s in then I can’t achieve that. Fool again and each time just confirms I’m mad.

So yes I do agree it’s down to the individual on what they do. Buy knowing the risks or not.
Buy knowing and keep stumped. Or walk entirely in the emotional sense.

Yet here today being open and honest that’s hard to do because the game can deliver. Half the time it’s frustration born from DTG ignoring the warning signs that could have prevented all this when they was in a better financial position than what it’s appears now, to act without their reputation taking a hit. Never good for sales growth.

But again it’s important to point out for any reader that it’s all assuming based on what is being said publicly in what’s officially happening behind closed doors. Yet is the recent news an indicator that DTG is taking things seriously, if so what can be done about it all.
And can we as community do anything to save something we have all invested a lot of money in.

Walk away and cut our losses, or fight for what we purchased in good faith.
I say fight I mean cut all the BS and find solutions because I’m sure it’s going to take some form of relationship building for it’s community and placing faith back into the consumer to fix all this. Enough is enough and DTG should be waving the white flag.

I mean how do you feel about it personally for you have quite a few followers. (You can DM if you wish).

✌.

 

Thanks Jimbo.

And hey don’t worry I’m working on the wide boy. Over and out.

✌.

 

Well said. I agree fully.

You hit the nail on the head really. I mean yes we could all be here all day pointing out their flaws within in management structure and quality issues that is now a main talking point for most. A trend.

Or a narrative.

Who actually knows what’s happening behind closed doors or the minds of the staff that deal with this mess.
I can’t or don’t want to be speaking for everyone but is adding insult to injury isn’t going to help the situation.

Observation of the wider situation on the forums is it’s a mind blowing amount of information. Mostly getting lost in official feedback threads.
Don’t get me wrong there’s some great conversations amongst the community however the quality issues is one that can no longer be ignored or be un addressed. Or in DTGs terms they only act if it affects a larger user base.

Why I really appreciate your opinion as it relates to many issues that need addressing by DTG.
I believe that if DTG are to do anything is to admit they get it, get a firm hold of the narrative for perspective isn’t always truth.
But what ever they do they need to get a grip of the situation because we the customers purchase in good faith and are now being let down over and over.

And being open with you never thought I’d be this addicted to a train simulator game. However I understand why and why it might be hard for others to breakaway from the franchise, we keep spending with our hearts when all logic says don’t bother, you know what they’re like.
Yet it can be such a relaxing game for rail fans and good for those with mental health issues. It distracts the mind.
Speaking personal when the game doesn’t perform or begins to add to stress levels it can cause some anxiety for those player whom look for a place to vent that pent up frustration. Isn’t healthy.

Money is money but when it interferes with a players down time then I feel that’s wrong for any person to contend with.
It’s unfair for any customers to deal with and is one reason I no longer buy every release as I’ve done with all UK content since TSW2020.
Too much to fast and customers can’t keep up and if they do it’s not worth the money now.

Would you agree that DTG needs to slow down its content release so quality can return so we the customer can save up for when DTG do release a product the price will reflect the quality and expectations a customer has for that individual product item.
Full price sale too because sales in a poor economy can be damaging to any projected profits

✌.

 

Agreed. One massive gripe I have about early purchases is that for me they always came with German routes.
Now of course they will release to tailor for all tastes why I think adding DLCs is better than a full game (Later core games).
Yet adding the price structure up at full time of game release makes more financial sense.

3 or 4 routes for what 40 quid yet individually it’s 29.99. Bargain if you ask me.
However the problem with that is after so long players like yourself and I end up with more routes, timetables etc that any normal working family man can actually achieve. Add all the down time such as being active here, or committing time via other social channels.
Then issues and bugs that waste a users downtime. Ie that WCML south crashing upon loading or crashing just near a 75mile journey.
All that time is time wasted. Hours in many cases so again any real reason to play other routes or consider new content starts to look like a waste of effort.
It is about being cold about these facts. The realisation that in some ways been sucked in because of ones love for trains, yet been mugged off along the way. For some it might be hard to accept and will defend to the hills. Truth is hard to accept or hear for some.
Being cold isn’t about hurting yourself or others, it means no longer being emotional invested. Don’t mean we can’t feel. So I appreciate you looking at from that perspective. It removes any hidden ego doing the talking and thus removes any hostility from the conversation.

To speak as men, honestly and open about truth without fighting like boys.

Anyhow, reading the signs long ago knew it wouldn’t be long before the bottom drops out.
By that I mean what your sentiments show and you’re right about that. I’m sure many can relate to that. I for one.
So yes there is too much for any long standing customer, ie when sales go on there’s nothing to buy. No real excitement or draw to keep loyal customers that interested.

Adding to this I’d like to mention what DTG seems to be aiming at taking away. I could be wrong however it’s not the first time this has been mentioned before.

Taking away Livery Designer. It’s seems that any leading creator that works on what most want which is real world TOCs are finding it increasingly difficult to share. Adding to that many younger creators may not fully grasp the T&Cs thus many wasted hours for them.
When emailing TOCs about permission requests it gets ignored. Only TfW has ever been kind enough to allow me to create fictitious work using their branding. So it’s hard and even when asking for DTGs assistance then it’s nothing but agony.

Also because DTG hasn’t added a large amount of new UK content leaves some creators disinterested about doing more work when creators club is technically full of what players mostly want. Duplicated work.
Basically it feels like DTG want to restrict certain content or creators so any new DLC gives players the liveries they want to see.
Now why would any creators spend time working hard when half the time the system can’t even load it on track in time.
It’s pointless really for any passionate person to continue if that’s the state of affairs.

Combined it means long standing user have more DLCs they can cope with because DTG has pushed that much out players have had no time to fully appreciate the last product. Adding to a massive unplayed catalogue of DLCs. Then the whole situation of creating or being a full time creator seems pointless if work get taken down or can’t load in, often causing systems to slow down or freeze.
That’s around 7000 hours on TSLP work that I don’t use because it creates system lag.

All in all I leaves loyal standing customers with so much stuff but hardly any point on committing quality time or money.

When money comes in to it then it’s game over. Because money takes the fun out of everything and that’s what’s important to remember.
DTG or whatever has taken the fun out of it’s our products, it’s teams, it’s fans and customers.
Even 3rd party devs are pulling their hair out. It’s a publicity nightmare.

The fun has gone because like EA that destroyed many small devs. It was all about the money.
Not customers entertainment or enjoyment.

That should always be at the core of a business, if run by the money men then you might as well quit now.
Men stack the cards high and when they fall, they run and take what they can.

Then the blaming starts. I guess only time will tell.

And for the purpose of the conversation and topic subject then I think DTG need to listen to what’s been said.
We loyal standing customers do have to much back content, new content have issues putting more doubts in existing customers or new customers.

It’s just not working for once loyal customers and I thank you for bringing this to light because I’m with you all the way.
I’m board, especially with creators club, and no silly little monthly sticker is going to get my attention anytime soon.
With one foot in the grave I have no time to mess around.

Time is something we can’t buy from a shop, that includes Amazon. Hahaha.

✌.

 

I don't think DTG will get their act together anytime soon. I still haven't bought any TSW 6 dlc and have no intention to do so. DTG will just continue with the usual release now, maybe fix later or never.

One thing ive definitely noticed is that more players in this have gotten much more frustrated. I'm not surprised to be honest. This game has so many problems and at some point, players are gonna get frustrated especially if you spent so much money on the product.

I don't understand why DTG has allowed this game to be in the poor state that is in. Rushed releases to meet self imposed deadlines only to be riddled with bugs. Look at the DB BR 147. It was delayed to sort out issues only to be released with issues. Absolutely ridiculous. Many issues not being resolved. False promises and I can go on but then this post would be as long as the OP lol

Honestly if players have issues with the product, just keep your wallet closed or at the very least, don't buy day one.

 

The German content i always thought was the best but now I think it's just not great anymore. Heck the core tsw6 route had no new German trains. The modern German routes just feel the same and constantly reuse rolling stock.

 

That's one thing that has bugged me (pardon the pun there), I have little interest in routes from outside the UK, it's nothing personal it's just that I am a BR guy, that's my bread and butter.

When a new TSW comes out, it is bundled with routes that I don't want and will never use which will take up valuable disk space, however most irritatingly is that there is content which could have been bundled and isn't, it's extra to squeeze more money out of gamers. For example, we had it with TSW 5 - the WCML South route but the Pendolino came separate despite being pretty much an essential requirement for that route. We've just had it with TSW 6, the Rivera line but the Voyager? No that comes as an extra DLC...

I expect for TSW 7 we will get the Merseyrail Electric network but the 507/508/777 EMUs will all be extra DLC...

I'd ask, "why not do localised variants? A British pack, a German pack, a US pack etc... Then of course for the hardcore fan, the ultimate pack which includes the whole lot" but of course we know why not, it's to squeeze more money out of us.

 

This is interesting and probably a good idea when it goes well. I mean was TSW like this at one point in communication with its community more. I think the words used by DTG was more transparency to describe how they wanted to work more openly with the community.

I keep saying what’s being discussed is merely hear say when it comes to what’s happening behind closed doors.
Cleary it’s a financial issue due to weak sales however I feel due to the decline in product quality its getting harder and harder for DTG to be over transparent with any facts right out of the box.

If anything I do feel DTG needs to glue that relationship back they once had with hard core rail enthusiasts of the game.
Without fans then media coverage will fade away including any hope of the game staying alive, The game needs its fans, it’s loyal customers base.

Maybe it would help matters at DTG if any PC TSW title is for the more hardcore gamers looking for a more immersive experience and working with DTG on side projects as they have in the past. Mature players, devs/modders.

TSW on console is a more arcade style experience with simple controls and safety features as it has now. Nothing too complicated for a mass console market. Younger audiences or those like myself who just enjoys driving around without too much hassle.
A game thats more relaxed than those title released on PC.

DTG also has its toe in with Mattel, a big brand indeed so surly DTG could open a fun page for its younger fans sharing game time with parents.

Looking back then will show DTG it’s got 3 markets or ways to be involved with fans.
All in all I do believe it’s about relationship building which in turn helps with more media coverage of a positive nature that would hopefully turn DTGs poor situation around.

Because if the lack of feedback/ drop in communication between company and fans mean they will walk away to find a more reliable gaming experience without the feelings of being had off in high prices or micro transactions that comes with the TSW franchise, including those forgotten bugs or small quality issues that constantly plague each release.

Having a solid product and fan base with good media coverage content can help companies in so many ways to reach a larger audience.
Without loyalty in fans then no interest, no sales, no TSW.

Why I’m quite keen to find a way forward because for DTG or Focus to ignore the communities voice or not is a mistake in itself and probably why the game and it’s tired fans, we the customers can’t take anymore.

The taste for money has taken the life out of the game including the heart of its community base.

✌.

 

Don’t worry it’s not an issue

You’re bang in what you’re saying, fully agree.

Now not sure how long you’ve been playing but for me that’s been involved with this madness for around 7 years now.
So let’s see if I get this right. You’re free to correct me.

TSW2 came as bundle. Basic UK, US, EU, (German DB).
Any additional DLC content would be a full route or additional loco packs such as NTP heavy fright pack.
Then the odd loco such as the class 33/ 52 WSL.

So the core game essentially has basic UK, US and European content.

TSW3 was technically the same just with added weather features, nothing groundbreaking.

But with TSW4 there was a massive change in content released. The free core game.
Basically the training Center and free patch to any issues with past content for existing TSW2/3 users.

Newer players had the option buy the core game and any additional DLC. So did existing players.
However be the free game or not each time most past issues hadn’t been resolved.
The pile of mess for DTG that’s either been ignored or powerless to have a real say over the fats cats.
Ignores its lower management because time is money and resources can’t be spent on past mistakes.

For the business model then in some ways it benefits existing customers in they can add what they want.
But it works out cheaper to buy the core game with 3 routes, yet it’s here they get you with additional locos that are key to the routes.
So it can get expensive even when buying the core game, you need other DLCs to fully experience the core route or game.

And it’s the same for TSW5 and 6. So yes I can see their is some commercial sense in doing it for existing players and newer player that add content they now want. A change from TSW2/3/ core game release or the UK, US, Germany content. Including the regional packs of each individual country. There is more variety and variations but why have the additional loco packs that are essential like the class 390 you’ve mentioned.

And why do it like this, well for customers asking and for commercial gains.
Most can’t afford the deluxe edition so like anything works out more expensive buying individually at 29.99 when a core game my be an extra 15 quid.
Yet on the flip side a player can buy what they want when they want removing any issues Oldvern raised and agreed with being longtime customer.

It’s here we arrive at two perspectives depending on if a longstanding customer or new to the franchise.
Ie TSW2020/ TSW2 to present moment of most core products and UK or US DLCs. I don’t buy German or European products unless dead cheap or buying for any further CC work.
All the newer UK stuff seems too much of a risk when I have years worth of content backed up.

Many routes I’ve not even touched since buying, even German routes from TSW2 days.
Then I had the issue of redoing PSN trophies when changing from PS4 to PS5. Basically drive the same routes.
I’ve done sandbatch grade 3 times now as with many others routes.
Then hunting for the decal packs across two more accounts which means 3 different accounts repeating the same routes to gain mastery rewards.

I’m tired now and thats just driving not included hours of livery creations and the constant stress that comes with that.
Why I truly appreciate what is being discussed and raised by Oldvern. We loyal customers have so much stuff that when newer DLCs are released then we know the score by now. It’s probably bugged and full of issues. Ie the class 90 and the AWS, I don’t drive because I’d only have to drive again to gain platinum points after the AWS is fixed. It’s been weeks now so hardly used.

It’s stuff like this that puts longstanding customer off. Why buy when we have years worth of unplayed content.

For the newer players who see the free game and take a pun do just that, Might buy one or two items as an impulse purchase to find they can’t understand it or even blame the game for being bugged when it’s not. It’s just a little complicated for some.
Training school is fine yet don’t really prepare some for the driving a 2hr service without any hud display to get the real experience drivers face. I’ve given up wearing underwear now but TSW can deliver a real quality experience.
It gets lets down when a player is worried the whole time wondering if the game will crash.
I understand from a younger player perspective as I have children myself, they wanted to enjoy TSW but it takes a science degree to sometimes understand the product line up or just wanting to drive a train without the constant stress of a crashes or lag.

The games most kids play are fast smooth online titles so come to expect that. However TSW looks nice but comes with hidden gremlins.
Kids don’t have time for that, it’s guns blazing on line with all their mates.
Co op is missing from TSW and is doing harm by having one save slot in this day and age.
PS1 I had 2 8mb save card slots in the 90s. My sons laugh at me for playing because TSW seems so dated with what it offers in features.

So if looking at this from both perspectives would it explain why sales are declining along with customer satisfaction and interest.
The patterns.

That of loyal customers have had enough, and newer customers don’t stay long enough to replace users leaving in droves.
And for DTG they don’t know if they’re coming or going. Timing just isn’t on their side.

And if I could just add something about storage space if using PS5, not sure for Xbox.
You can keep the core game while installing what DLC you’re playing at that time.
I’ve got TSW4, 5 and 6 all installed with both TSW4 and 6 with all content available to install.
For TSW5 I only have what I need installed thus it allows a users to simply have one DLC installed or have the whole purchased item installed.

Ie I can have all three TSW games yet still and have space available for other larger games that take a large chunk of storage space.
By installing say just one or two DLCs on TSW6 means it loads in a flash and you’ll have more storage capacity to do what you like without overloading the entire system running at maximum capacity.

TSW is good for that, it’s the added bonus of individual items or DLCs.

✌.

 

I have an additional 2TB SSD installed, so storage space is not an issue. I do taylor what I have installed because of loading times and possible layering problems.

The layering systems does make it an intricate puzzle sometimes. I like to have all possible layers installed for a route I'm playing as I like the scenery

 

I’ll keep this one short then

You hit the nail on the head. The community has been leaving feedback only to find silence.
When money is scarce then when anyone spends money on something that doesn’t reflect or met basic expectations or standards then yes human nature will always exist.

Emotions.

Anger, frustration, then reflection. The point I’d say the community is at now.
We all see and so all agree. It’s a risk to flash the cash and that’s if a person has any disposable income now.
And why would any logical person want to waste money on something that doesn’t deliver out of the box only to be let down with false hopes as you’ve so rightly pointed out.

Like the saying Bush Snr once got wrong. Fool me once shame on you, Fool me twice, shame on me.

So agreed, players can spend dealing with this nonsense or save for a rainy day. It’s how the rich get richer, they don’t spend money on rubbish that doesn’t serve them.

But that’s money, not the disrespect that’s been shown towards customers. That’s a completely different cuppa of tea.
For which I’ll bring some biscuits if we are to speak again by a quite fire side.

✌.
PS, to add tone to the comments is it’s all good in the hood. Peace and love.