Would You Like To Get A New Tsw Next Year, Which Will Then Be Called Tsw7?

Today, I thought I'd write a thread about the annual new TSW releases.

Most users in the forum would have preferred to receive an update for TSW5, along with an update campaign featuring three routes and locomotives.
Therefore, I ask all users who do not want a new TSW7 next year to vote ‘No’ in the survey.

And please also write your answers on how you think TSW could achieve annual sales without releasing a new version of TSW.

For my part, I think releasing these new (old) TSW versions every year is a bit daft.
DTG could now focus on getting TSW6 as bug-free as possible and also fixing some of the bugs that still exist in TSW5 routes.

And DTG could make TSW6 a good basis for this, as well as the new routes.

And if DTG wants to add new features next year, they should build them into TSW6. And then they could also release an annual update package for TSW6, as well as an annual package with three new routes and/or locomotives. These would have to be purchased, but DTG could release them as an update pack so that the routes would cost the same as a new annual TSW version.

DTG could even add an update to TSW6 every year and then sell it again with three routes as standard, deluxe or special versions.

And so DTG could still earn money every year with such a method!

In any case, my ideal scenario would be free annual updates without having to re-download previous content, and then purchasing the new routes that support the new features based on my interests.


What do you think about this?

Do we want a new TSW version every year, as before? Or would the other approach be easier for DTG and for users?
I ask every user to participate in the survey, because this is the only way DTG will see what the community really wants.

 

I’d rather just go back to the Rush Hour model. The only benefit we as players are getting, is the value surrounding bundle pricing, but that can still be done with the Rush Hour model.

Meanwhile every year one platform is pulling a short stick & getting shafted by a ridiculous issue that only comes about, because the only way DTG seem to know how to market, is to slap a new number on the same base game.

It’s also annoying that they try to put abit of lipstick on the game each year, by changing a few colours on the UI. The HUD progress bar is a shining example of what not to do in the UX space, then they add the colour of the year onto some menus, which has now left us with around 5 different formats for using the interface; colour highlight, colour fill, text highlight, greyed out, alternating greyscale etc.

 

I think most of us would rather stay on the current TSW and just get an annual update. With that said, they have publicly said that that model didn’t work for them (TSW2). It seems the current release each year is getting more new players which is needed for the game to be able to grow. The exposure it gets during each year is just something I don’t think can be replaced .I don’t have an answer on how to replace that . I’m no expert here either so I’m sure others will have better suggestions.

 

I don't think anybody does.
Like I image even members of dtg staff hate it with the amount of threads that get made in this forum of people having difficulty accessing old content that they then have to respond to and provide assistance.
Unfortunately, money talks...

 

Good idea as removes headache and hassle of transferring more each year

 

As a long time user of TSC, and the annual free release of the core engine plus optional premium routes was the business plan for years, I am use to this approach. The only real problem I have with the practice with TSW is having to redownload all the past DLC. The core updates and foundational support for new features are available for free. With the exception of losing the Caltrain license in this years rendition, all the past content is available. You can buy the new routes that take advantage of the new features or not. The only real downside I see is as mentioned is the redownloading of the past DLC for those on slow or metered Internet connections. On PC via Steam, even that can be minimized by selecting which DLC to download when.

What’s the alternative… you can always go the way Microsoft did with MSFS2024. Make it a whole new simulation that you have to pay for where the new version breaks some of the older content requiring waiting for third parties to update their products which they may or may not do for gratis. Other train simulations like Run8 follow this model - paid for new versions with new features, though past DLC does not need to be download.

Anyway, my desired state would be the free annually updates without having to redownload past content, then buying the new routes that support the new features based on my interest.

 

I fear we may end up with a game with a bunch of features that don't work. If they keep adding new features without fixing the existing ones, it'll reach the point where it isn't sustainable. Some features barely even work such as formation designer and guard mode.

 

Bit of a leading poll really. I think the majority would rather not have to download all their DLC every year. However DTG thinks it makes sense financially and they are a business, not a charity. They've stated before that this model brings in more players and like it or not, they have a lot more knowledge than us armchair directors that think we know how to run the company better than they do.

It's all about money. Not to make us happy and because we're not willing to stop buying the game (at least I'm not, I enjoy it too much), it'll keep working for them. Sadly they answer to shareholders / owners, not us.

PersonalIy I don't actually mind the annual release each year so long as the core is free. It's the downloads that bother me.

 

I totally agree, the annual releases should stop...
a "rush hour" style of annual releases would be better
a bundle of 3 new routes in the standard edition package
a bundle of 3 new routes + 3 new locos for these 3 new routes in the deluxe edition package
and finally...
a bundle of 3 new routes + 3 new locos for these 3 new routes + a selection of existing dlcs in the special edition package

it would be much better for all of us and certainly, the promotion of the game, adoption of new players and consequently the profit of dtg will remain the same

 

I have been convinced for a long time that the yearly releases actually does more harm than good for the game. It definitely does bring in some more players but at what cost for the existing community. It's especially annoying when I played TSC for many years before this and that game does not work in such a way.

For me personally the redownloading isn't the end of the world, although I obviously would prefer it not to be this way, and I know that many others are not so lucky as to have fast internet available to them. For me its that stuff in the game seems to break in new versions of the game that wasn't broken before. And most importantly that mods break, not all of them, but some and that's already some too many, especially when for all I know they might never be updated again.
And obviously, that stuff seems to get rushed a whole lot more to reach that deadline they set for a yearly game release, forced unfinished game features just to try and sell a new game ect..

 

That's exactly right.
But assuming you stick with TSW6 from now on, you could improve these bugs and errors in the game, or the formation editor, or the guard mode.

And if a new version didn't come out every year, we wouldn't get new errors every year, or maybe not as many.

Because then DTG could concentrate exclusively on TSW6 and fix bugs for more than just a year, and after the release of the new version of TSW7, these bugs would be forgotten.

But if you stayed with TSW6, many more bugs in TSW6 would be fixed.

 

Has anyone got any links to where they explain why they do this strange thing?

I am not as fussed about it as some seem to be, it's a minor inconvenience - but I do find it rather silly. And it must suck if you are permanently on a crappy internet connection.

 

Not that I'm playing the game, but World of Warships make new bundels for the same game, so you always see them between the new games.

Every year a new game isn't needed, but it's handy to use a older version as they don't break it with updates

 

I can see the sense in a new version every three years (say) when some significant changes have been wrought, and I don’t just mean fluff around the edges like announcements or TSR’s that don’t work properly.

So I voted “No”. The annual farce of having to redownload your content, particularly on PS5 where no matter how careful you are it still ends up downloading earlier versions as well, transferring your profile, inputting your settings, gets tedious. Just do a late summer content pack or Season Pass to keep the revenue flowing.

There are so few material differences between 5 and 6, from the menus, to the splash screens, to how the game looks and runs when you play it, there was insufficient changes IMHO to justify the increment.

 

No, but it's probably going to happen anyway. Hopefully with an enhancement of that dispatcher feature shown in the Riviera scenario.

 

I don't see that.
DTG could add new features to TSW6 every year, but they could also release them as updates for TSW6.

There's certainly no need for so-called new versions, which are just old versions with new features anyway.

 

I was thinking in terms of the model N3V follow with Trainz, though in truth after the release of TANE then TRS19 and TRS22 there weren't huge differences to the fairly big changes between TS12 and TANE. And since the original Trainz in 2001, the driving experience hasn't changed much just better looking (slightly). And noticeable since TRS22, N3V have turned away from any sort of full re-release focusing instead on the subscription version.

But TSW6 was definitely emperor's new clothes on TSW5.

 

just like TSW5 was just a reskin of TSW4 and TSW4 was just a reskin of TSW3

 

I need the "I don't know yet" option. Maybe the TSW7 will be incredibly cool, and I'll want it. Or maybe I'll just grumble, as usual, "I'm sick of the same old thing every year."

 

I've got to wonder who are the 8 people who actually voted yes on that poll...

 

The EP and Community Managers…

 

As someone who owns every version of TSW from 2020 to TSW5 on PS4/5, I'm quite surprised that I haven't been bombarded with all the extra publicity that they claim to get from rehashing the same old game out every year as an entirely new number - the main reason for putting us through unnecessary faff, deleting all our old content, waiting for our same library to download again into essentially the same game, so it can be played in the same way it always was. I've been lurking around the PSN store, checking out the sales, looking at all the new and upcoming releases, and I literally haven't seen ANYTHING for this "brand new" TSW6 popping up and begging to be bought. Almost as though even the PSN folks are as pissed off with it as we are. So it's all been worth it why exactly?!

If they haven't managed to come up with anything groundbreaking (which couldn't have just been a free update) in six years of trying, I'm pretty certain seven times won't be the charm.

 

I'm all for it as long as they do what they've done with 5 and 6.

 

no i want TSW Ultimate Edition no more big version numbers please

 

YES GOD, PLEASE!

 

I think it should be called TSW 2027. The current numbering scheme is a bit nebulous.

If the current annual re-release is bringing additional new players to the franchise every year, then in the long term we all benefit. Bigger budgets, more releases, maybe bigger releases too.

 

Here my opinion: new title at few years from each other (2 or 3)

 

Over the last two weeks, x users have been complaining about why on earth a new version of TSW is being released again. And that's in various threads.

My thread was viewed by 461 people, but only 62 people voted.

So I ask myself, do you really want to keep getting a new TSW version every year, or should DTG start fixing the bugs in the existing TSW and think about it when they read this?

If DTG sees that only 62 users voted, nothing will ever change.

 

seems reasonable to me, but I would still choose to have just one "train sim world" with annual core updates and a bundle of new routes and locos like with tsc

 

That is also good

 

They can fix the bugs, but only if the patches are paid for, those fixes are not free after all
PS I like free stuff like anybody else, but I am also realiostic

 

I am one of eight - go read my post.

 

No....this series desperately needs to drop the numbers and establish a stable "Train Sim World". Having to download 300GB+ every year for minimal changes is ridiculous and needs to stop. Adopt annual Rush Hour-esque packs and just update the base game + DLCs when they are changed.

 

If it means I can play TSW without this awful Yellow UI I’d take TSW7 tomorrow

 

You don't have to provide updates for free.
We all purchased routes and locomotives for TSW5 and TSW6, so as buyers, we can expect the bugs to be fixed.

DTG received our money for the DLCs, so in my opinion, these are not free updates!

 

No I don't. This year dtg have lost a sale due to the ridiculous DL size we are now at.
£60 for a few electric a to b bus routes doesn't seem like value for money to me anymore, add A 2 day download to that and I have totally lost interest.
Although I will redeem the free starter pack and instal it once the new JT route releases. With the necessary dlc for layers. But for the foreseeable I'm sticking with tsw5.

 

Kinda feels like it's gone round in circles enough and likely nobody votes because DTG do whatever they want regardless. Nobody actively wants a new version which is exactly the same as the old version, but with a few new bugs and a faff to reinstall everything, when it could quite easily be a core upgrade with a new selection of add-ons. It's not like they're rolling out the new features to all the old DLC, each is like a standalone game anyway and only the new ones get the latest features. I'm entirely unconvinced about the publicity and new players headlines too.

 

I voted yes. I don't see any particular problem with releasing a new game every year.

 

I wish DTG just stuck to one game with a triple route release every September.
A new game isn’t needed, this is just a gimmick to create hype for the brand. All new features could be added to a previous TSW title.

I can foresee the inevitable shift towards UE5 eventually too, maybe up until TSW10 being DTG’s last UE4 game.

 

Your poll won’t change anything and players who don’t vote in it know that. Getting rid of the new game every year certainly wouldn’t result in the bugs in the current one being fixed any more than they fix the bugs once they are carried over to the new one as it is essentially the same game and there would still be updates with new features and a constant stream of DLC if it was just an upgrade to the existing title. Bug fixing can only take up so much of the dev budget and if a new game every year increases the overall budget then it would be even worse without the yearly new game. If you think you can change the whole business model with a forum poll then you are mistaken. That’s not how it works. DTG have their own data collecting methods (including accountancy) and those will dictate how things progress in the future.

 

I dont think DTG will move to UE5. I think it's a topic that has been spoken on the forums quite a bit, and from what I remember people have mentioned the routes would have to be rebuilt to an extent. Would cost them quite a lot of money for no real financial benefit. If they decide against that and want to start on a clean slate then I'm sure many would feel upset they cannot utilise their existing content in the newer games.

TSC in it's lifetime has never received a substantial engine upgrade - the only thing I can think of is when they optimised the code a few years ago to make the game a bit smoother and less buggy. It's still a solid game which many enjoy to this day and has an active third party scene. TSW looks solid so I don't see a need to upgrade to UE5.

 

Me either, but this is a company owned by a money grabbing corporation (Focus interactive).
If money is all that drives them and less content preservation, then they may just shift to a newer game engine. There is nothing stopping them from re-selling us legacy routes in UE5. They’ve already tested the waters with a few routes already.
UE6 is likely to arrive by 2030 so realistically DTG will want to upgrade in the near future.

TSC has only ever catered towards PC, where as TSW has a bigger target audience across more platforms. They will inevitably want to push the game to its limits even further… which will give us more bugs and problems. Yay! lol

In a perfect world we will stick to UE4 till i leave this world and join the angels, but I can’t see it happening tbh.

That’s my 2 cents looking into the mystic Meg ball.

 

At the moment I am only interested in DTG or third party heavy-load routes to the US.

 

As for the new Unreal Engine, DTG won't rush into upgrading unless absolutely necessary. However, there are always exceptions. Unless there's a new train simulator coming out.

 

I haven't seen any signs the annual release is bringing new players in.

 

Based on, what?

 

there be new tsw7 game but at this point it time for name change. since last 2 tsw where passengers trains and next tsw7 game will be no different it should be called passenger train simulator. pts for short.

 

c'mon... are you going to say that at this point there is any chance that there won't be a tsw7 announced in august and released in september next year?

 

Well perhaps they could innovative with the new names of the sequels such as rush-hour but as long as we get free-starter packs and we don't need to double down on previous content we own I'm all good for, the day we have to double down on any DLC i'd be finally out of the loop with TSW lol

 

If the yearly release is something they want to do thats fine but they should really just add the year number to the game. TSW 2025, TSW 2026, etc. Just throwing a sequential number at the end is starting to look ridiculous and confusing to new players.