Dovetail Games Announcing Train Simulator Classic 2024

I thought we went to classic to avoid the constant yearly title updates, now you just slapped it back onto the tail end of the title?

Also subscriptions? Really? Pretty sure that wasnt a popular option when it was discussed with TSW...

 

LOL, at least the first reply was positive

I wonder what changes, besides the optional subscription feature, there will be.

It does come with a nice number of routes !
- Explore the picturesque North Wales Coast Line in the UK.
- Travel through the Saxony countryside in Germany with Bahnsrecke Riesa - Dresden.
- Head to the USA capital and ride the bustling Northeast Corridor with NEC Washington DC.
- Race through breathtaking scenery in France with LGV Marseille - Avignon.
- Discover the stunning Alpine landscape of Austria with Mittenwaldbahn.

 

A subscription.... A subscription...... Yep Train Sim Classic is officially dead

 

@DTG Jamie
Would you perhaps like to develop the Munich Buchloe Memmingen Lindau route.

Here is some information about it.
https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ausbaustrecke_München–Lindau

 

It's an option. Nothing more.
I don't have an issue with it as long as it stays that way with people still able to buy and own DLC for good if they choose.
It might be tempting to those people who look at the several £1000's of DLC and think that for some reason they need to own it all. I think to those of us already invested it will make no difference.

My gut says that they are using this as a test to see if it will work for TSW.

 

I love that we get free core updates. I would be more than willing to pay for those.

What i will never ever do is pay for exclusive subscription content. I want to own stuff. And i will not be pressganged into paying a monthly rental fee. However i am fine with purchase and rental options side by side as an option.

 

Im worried about the bundles for it, are they like a mix mash of different countries?
Different eras?
Different operators and or areas?

 

Optional subscription: Who cares? I´m sure it´s also coming for TSW. I guess TSW also dies...

 

As long as it's "optional" I don't care what DTG does. If a subscription ever becomes mandatory, I'm out!

 

+1

 

l agree we don’t want constant yearly updates. Train Sim Classic was fine and should remain.

What I don’t understand are the collection of routes already in the game. I have them all, so what is there to entice me to part with £24.99. Have these routes been revamped in any way, if so surely they should be a free upgrade.

l own a lot of content in TSC and it takes me five minutes to load up the game, before l can play it.

DTG what, if anything, have you done to improve this. I have all the content in TSW and it takes less than a minute to access it on the same device.

As for a subscription, l really cannot see the point for a game been in existence for 20 years. A new game maybe, but not TSC.

 

The FAQ has more information

https://live.dovetailgames.com/live/train-simulator/articles/article/train-simuator-classic-2024-faq

What is included in the Rail Subscription?
The Train Simulator Classic 2024: Rail Subscription includes access to the Train Simulator Classic base game as well as a selection of route and locomotive DLC. A full list of the routes and locomotives will be revealed soon.

Do I need to own or buy Train Simulator Classic to use this?
No. The Rail Subscription includes access to the base game and no separate purchase is required. This also includes the Train Simulator Academy, Train Simulator Editor and Steam Workshop support.

 

What would that even mean? Long term players have a huge collection and DTG is not doing new content for TS Classic anyway... would they stop us from booting the game unless we pay a subscription?

PS: Jamie already clarified.

 

READ the FAQ
Nothing changes for anyone who currently has TSC apart from getting the Core Update.
All your DLC stays as it is now unless there is an update to it.

 

Some people in the TSW forum are panicking about the fact that TSC is not dead and it might take away developer resources from TSW

 

Is this a joke? Yes? Yes?!

 

Well we’ve been there the opposite way as well.

 

I have no problem with a subscription. It is often better to rent than buy.

 

This is confusing.

The annual core update will be free, which is great and what we expect. (This should have been the TSW model from the beginning.)

The software is now called “TSC 2024” and comes bundled with five routes which are not new but rather are selected DLC from the DTG archives. I’d venture to say that the vast majority of long time players already have these (or the ones they are interested in, anyway) so they can and should do nothing except install the core update when it pushes out.

Layered on this is an optional subscription feature where for 12 bucks a month or whatever you get access to a *curated set* of DLC but not the whole catalog. And the DLC in this collection will change at particular intervals (monthly? Annually?)

The subscription price seems way out of proportion to actual value especially since older DLC are deeply discounted in Steam sales and on key reseller sites. Not to mention that you’ll have to purchase routes again in order to keep them after they roll off of the subscription.

What does this tell us about the business model of TSC going forward?

 

It tells you they are focusing on a younger generation.

And not only on people who buy TS and keep playing it for the rest of their lives.

 

This is legacy software, not particularly user-friendly, and not available on consoles. It is absolutely not targeted at a younger generation. I thought that was the whole point of TSW.

 

Don't expect to much in the future..... This game will never get on a level like TSW! This has noting to do with the team and DTG in general but more with the complication of the engine from TSC. Change the game structure to a modern way is not so difficult but more the risk of broken stuff and a lot of DLCs are so old that developers are stopt to support this addons and thats the risk what you take if you change a game to work with modern machines. I think you can only do that with a lot of broken stuff what results in unhappy customers and it cost more than it will bring. So for me TSC will never go to a decent game with good graphics and decent use of modern pcs.

 

I only bought TSC a few months ago, having played TSW for a number of years. On TSW I own nearly all the routes, from all countries, but there are so many routes in TSC, especially once you add in all the third party content, I decided to limit my purchases in TSC to UK routes and have already picked up the vast majority of them in the frequent sales.

I've always enjoyed the German / USA content in TSW but it was just too much to do the same in TSC, but looking at this, for £8.99 I will be able to sample a number of routes from around the world, which for me sounds like quite the bargain.

 

I don't know whats included in this paid model.... I guess only DTG stuff but that far from sure. And it will only a succes if there is enough to offer and not 3 routes and 5 trains that would be bizar...... The whole announcement is a hiding so much that i don't understand why they release this information in this state.

 

If you have TSC nothing changes. You just get the core update like every other year.
Like every other version you could buy TSC 2024 if you need any of the included routes which would be cheaper than buying them separately

For those people who don't own TSC this is a way for them to try the game without spending lots of money.

 

If you keep yourself subscribed, are the 'curated' routes keepers, or will they rotate against others so as not to make the footprint of the game too large, to give the new player some other territory and change of trains and to persuade the player to buy the route/trains he liked?

 

Some excitement turned to disappointment there.
New UK traction? No.
New UK routes? Nope.
Any indication that DTG will start to fill some gaps in the UK rail map? Nope
Any sign that DTG will do anything more than "consider" some new content to keep the game fresh? No, again.

Though any improvements to the core are welcome, let's hope it doesn't break all our add-ons. And anything that makes starting a TSC collection less expensive for new players should be applauded I guess.

 

Would be nice to know when it will be released.
Because then I will firstly put Steam into Offline to prevent any bad things to the TS as happend in past. Then wait and watch what people will tell

 

Be a man ! Live life to the fullest ! Better to burn out than fade away !

KEEP STEAM ONLINE !

 

So like "Do not gentle into that good night. Old age should burn and rave at close of day. Rage, rage against the dying of the light." ?
No, thanks, not in this case

 

DTG Jamie So let me see if i understand you correctly. There will be no future dlc (or TSC features) exclusive to the subscription model?

 

What caught my eye is "drive the GG1 in Washington". Likely means QD but reminds me of TSC 2016.
The routes aren't anything new for old customers but mini scenario packs might work.

Q&A doesn't load, so...
Sub could be interesting to someone who just wants to play for a short while, without committing.
Problem is, of course, once content rotates away, what do you do with workshop, or dependent DLC you added.
Subject of pricing, but this might be a better option than splurging 200 DLC even at 80% off.
That said, rotating packages (really just to avoid having 300 of them) would make more sense.
Also wondering how profit sharing will look like, or will DTG curate itself exclusively, or will creators end up bidding for being included.

 

GOOD. Thanks for answering Then i am all peace of mind with the two models co existing.

 

Why don´t you go back to your designated area and stop telling us your game is better than our game? bloody cheek!

 

Or go find a Bakery and tell the people in there that Bread Sucks.

 

Is the editor included in the subscription edition?
copying a route folder gives it a new UUID while you are subscribed to the other?

 

I will never convinced anybody to change from game and i never says that TSW is overall a better game but the graphics in TSW are more decent if you compare it with other games. And its also a result from the age of both games. But you can not ignore that TSW uses more recent recourses off course.

 

That's what I thought, too.

 

Which is irrelevant in the end. The app 24010 still bears the name "Train Simulator" in your library since 2013.

A changed splash screen and image to show there's been changes is nothing bad.

 

So, the Deluxe Edition includes the GG1, but is it going to be newly made or the original one from 2014?

 

Catch is - the assets.
Once removed, you end up - at best - with something like the outer sections of the old PDL.
I was a very curious explorer and drove them. A minimalist's dream.

 

Quite a bit of thoughts of my own to go through here; first of all, the big one, the subscription service.

I was quite worried seeing this announcement and hearing of the subscription service; but I feel better now knowing it’s optional and certain DLC won’t be locked behind it and is instead a more cost effective way of getting into the TSC hobby. So hearing this, based on the info we have so far, I think this is a good idea and it should STAY this way because the moment specific DLC gets locked behind a subscription service I will be quite upset. Trainz is doing just that; and it’s a very predatory and high price subscription too! Please don’t go down that road; stick to what you’ve told us so far because I reckon from what I’m hearing it’s a good idea and option for players, especially new ones as mentioned, who would benefit from it.

The name change; from “Train Simulator Classic” to “Train Simulator Classic - 2024”. I don’t like this change; it’s minor yes, but as we all know because of the recent versions of the game having the yearly title, people who usually don’t play the game, or have played the game very little, are quick to complain that practically nothing changes each “yearly release” which often can cause confusion for people who haven’t played the game; whether it’s a new release entirely and you have to purchase it brand new each year, or they’re not sure if past versions of the game are mostly the same as the current version. Also, people will think this means that the game is up to 2024 standard mainly in the graphics department when it’s not; it’s a game that was released in 2009 that since the early 2010s has only received minor updates related to UI and recently the core updates which new players won’t have much clue about. They will then continue to complain things like “the PS1 has better graphics!” Or “another yearly update yet the PS2 still has better graphics” which quite frankly I’m fed up with hearing.
It also can cause confusion with backwards compatibility; while honestly yes that’s more of a bigger topic nowadays with the core updates I am still yet to have issues which is good so I don’t think it’s a problem for what I’m about to say; but mainly for new players, if they decide to purchase from a third party site, eg. Just Trains, and see that it is a “Train Simulator 2020 DLC” they’ll be confused whether it will still be compatible for their “Train Simulator Classic 2024” or if they’re even necessarily the same game… Keeping it at Train Simulator Classic is the best way to go in my opinion, it’s simple, recognisable and avoids confusion and complaints.

Final thing I would like to say is I respectfully disagree with this statement, to some extent. Base game wise; yes the graphics will likely stay the same. There’s a reason why it’s marketed now as “Train Simulator Classic”, to sort of imply it’s an old game if you didn’t already know. But modern routes tend to make good use of the poor graphics by balancing it out with very detailed assets; far more in depth and complex than what I have seen from the short and simple routes of TSW. And if you’re like me; you can sink money into graphics related enhancements for TSC making it look just as good however not everyone is willing to do that and that’s fine, and the way you view graphics in games is very subjective so to each their own.
Final thing I want to say is that I do believe TSC definitely can be future proofed for modern PC usage; it’ll just be a slow and rocky road but we are getting there so far. DTG wouldn’t even be having a go at it the way they are right now if they didn’t think it was at least possible due to the resources required to make it better for modern PC usage. The 2020s have been an interesting time for this game and it’ll continue to be interesting to see where things go from here.

 

It's okay I don't blame you for having an another opinion... I wish it will be come true.... But the question is is it possible to get there... I don't expect to much but if it is it will bring so much fun!

 

Can anyone copy-paste the FAQ here please?
It doesn't load. Also FYI Jamie. It just repeats that circle (radio signal) animation endlessly.

 

Typically it does load when you go to the Live Article and click on the FAQ url over there

 

Only up-to-date at moment of posting
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TRAIN SIMULATOR CLASSIC 2024 - FAQ

Train Simulator Classic 2024 is arriving soon, and with it a new way to play with the Rail Subscription. You can read the announcement here. Below you can find an FAQ covering both of these.

What is Train Simulator Classic 2024?
This Train Simulator Classic release includes two parts; a free core update and a paid refreshed routes package.

What is included in the core update?
The update to Train Simulator Classic base game includes the performance improvements, bug fixes, new developer tools and more. Look out for the full patch notes on launch when this is made available for free to all players.

What are the routes featured in this Train Simulator Classic release?
There are five routes included with this Train Simulator Classic 2024 release. North Wales Coast Line, Bahnsrecke Riesa – Dresden, Northeast Corridor: Washington DC – Baltimore, Mittenwaldbahn: Garmisch-Partenkirchen – Innsbruck, and LGV: Marseille – Avignon.

Are the Train Simulator Classic routes in this release free?
No. Whilst the main core update is free to all existing owners, the routes included as part of this release are not free. To get these routes you need to purchase either Train Simulator Classic 2024 or the individual route DLC.

What happens if I already own any of these routes?
Any routes you already own will stay in your DLC library and you will be able to play them as normal.

Will the Train Classic routes in this release still be available separately?
Yes. All of the routes will still be available separately, and if you already own them they will remain in your DLC Library and you can still play them as normal.

Will I still be able to play or buy routes from last year’s release?
Yes. If you’re previously purchased these routes (Pegnitztalbahn, Hudderfield Line, Long Island Rail Road), either as part of Train Simulator Classic in 2023 or separately they will remain in your DLC library on Steam. The routes will also remain available separately on the Steam Store following this update.

What will the price be?
The price for Train Simulator Classic 2024 is £24.99 / €29,99 / $29.99. The Deluxe Edition is £34.99 / $39.99 / €39.99. For other currencies please see the Steam Store in your region.

Will there be a discount for existing owners of Train Simulator Classic or included routes?
No, there is no discount for this. The core update is free for all existing owners and for those purchasing to get the routes this is a good way to get five routes for a low price.

Can I buy this if I already own Train Simulator Classic or another older Train Simulator release?
Yes. By purchasing this on the Steam Store existing owners will get the included routes added to their Train Simulator Classic DLC library on Steam. This is a good way to get five routes for a low price.

Can I buy this if I’m new to Train Simulator Classic?
Yes. Purchasing Train Simulator Classic 2024 or the Rail Subscription is the best way to get started with the ultimate railway hobby.

What is the Rail Subscription?
The Rail Subscription is an optional way to play Train Simulator Classic 2024. With the subscription you get access to the base game along with a selection of curated routes and locomotives for a low monthly price. Available across all supported regions, this is the best way to get started with the ultimate railway hobby.

How much does the Rail Subscription cost?
The Train Simulator Classic 2024: Rail Subscription costs £8.99 a month.

What is included in the Rail Subscription?
The Train Simulator Classic 2024: Rail Subscription includes access to the Train Simulator Classic base game as well as a selection of route and locomotive DLC. A full list of the routes and locomotives will be revealed soon

Do I need to own or buy Train Simulator Classic to use this?
No. The Rail Subscription includes access to the base game and no separate purchase is required. This also includes the Train Simulator Academy, Train Simulator Editor and Steam Workshop support.

What happens if I already own Train Simulator Classic?
If you already own Train Simulator Classic 2024, or previous versions of Train Simulator, you can still subscribe to the Rail Subscription. The subscription will not change anything you currently own in your Library, but can add to it. This means you can use the Rail Subscription to access routes or locos you do not own.

What happens to my existing DLC?
Any DLC you already own for Train Simulator will remain in your Steam Library with no changes. For example, if you already own a route or loco that is included in the subscription – you can access this as normal, and it will remain in your Steam Library even if your subscription ends.

Where can I manage my Rail Subscription?
To change or cancel your Rail Subscription head to your 'Account Details’ on the Steam Store and then ‘Manage Subscriptions’. From here you can click the ‘Edit’ button next to the Rail Subscription. Should you choose to cancel your subscription, it will remain active through the end of the current billing cycle.

What happens if my subscription ends?
If you decide to end your Rail Subscription you will no longer be able to access any Train Simulator content you did not already own previously.

Will this mean any change to the existing Train Simulator Classic on the Steam Store?
No, the subscription is optional only and does not replace the current store offer. You will always be able to purchase Train Simulator Classic base game, route, and locomotive add-ons separately. This includes those featured in the subscription. All content you own in your Steam Library will remain unchanged.

Will content in the Rail Subscription be refreshed?
We are considering updates to content included in the Rail Subscription to ensure you always have something new to play. Any changes to content included in the subscription will be announced in advance. The Train Simulator Classic 2024 base game will always remain a part of the subscription.

Look out for more information on Train Simulator Classic 2024 in the coming weeks.