Upcoming Release First Tsw6 Dlc, Wcml: Birmingham - Crewe: Coming Soon!

I would give them £60.00 a route if they could give the despatcher an Ai upgrade so it could sort out rerouting late running ect.

 

I will be with OldVern on this one.

It has one (unbranded) train with 4 liveries. Quality of the assets in the route seems good in the pictures, but that is only part of what makes a good dlc. There are many other things to consider, like number of bugs, services on the timetable, if the timetable has the times for the stops manually entered in a way that it feels realistic, etc...

At the end of the day the amount of money a normal person can invest in a hobby is limited, and there are other DLCs that are probably good coming (ie. the JT route) plus I just got a lot of new content in the sale and the new routes from TSW6.

It is going to be difficult for this DLC to get out of the "wait for a sale" list, not because it is bad but because there is a lot to choose from and if a DLC does not tick all or at least most of the boxes it is difficult to justify paying full price. Starting with a reused unbranded train is starting with the wrong foot, but as I always do, wont make a final decission until I watch the preview stream.

 

Exactly the dilemma. For all we know, the JT next route could be only a few weeks away. Unlikely, but they might declare a release date for the long awaited Tadami line. Then there's the other stuff bubbling under like Stuttgart, plus the Czech and Portuguese routes. That's 6 route DLC which at the price levels now will not be far short of £200 to buy all as Day One purchases.

As I said earlier, DTG are in grave danger of oversaturating this game with expensive content. Some might assert we are already at that point. I'm all for rewarding effort and quality particularly where a third party is involved but not ad infinitum.

 

Yeah, agreed, I'm already behind on add-ons. First world problems I know, but I'm not alone. This is another reason why working on rolling stock, gameplay packs and remasters might be beneficial for a while.

(no shade on this route by the way - it looks great and it feels unfair to be making this point on a new developer's first route - but I've been saying for a while that TSW needs to slow down)

 

The roadmap article is always released on the day of the livestream. As for additional articles: why not?

 

I agree TSW has gotten past that phase of people buying new content because it’s new content. There’s enough content now for people to pick & choose things more critically.

I don’t agree with applying ‘too much too fast’ criticism to the third parties, they often release 1 or 2 things a year. Not their fault DTG is drooling over cash & refuses to slow their conveyer belt.

I think the issue 3P & DTG will merge on though is the core. Someone needs to step up & fix it before it implodes (it’s already happening on consoles with the texture issue).

 

The only reason I won't buy this on day one (assuming that 'day one' will come before this month is over...) is that I haven't driven a sufficient amount of miles on the three TSW 6 base routes yet.
But, it looks fantastic!

 

An expensive hobby indeed, and I'm looking at a new pc as well into the mix. Just about getting by with my ancient i77700 and 1080 card (still a decent machine really) but a few grand to get a decent new PC is a bit crazy.
Still really looking forward to this route, hopefully releasing soon!

 

I just give this feedback to both DTG and 3P so they know what is happening and they can make good decissions. Not blaming any of them for anything.

I was just thinking that someone can make an acceptable or even quite a good job and not sell as much as expected just because there are currently many options compared to 2 years ago.

 

Yeah & I think 3P really set themselves apart there.

DTG are clearly mass market oriented (other than accepting responsibility for their products faulty state & then you get the ‘small company’ resource card thrown at you) whereas 3P definitely seem more interest in retaining a good brand image & genuine care for train simulation. It’s just a shame they have to do inside of TSW & the over zealous control DTG wants to maintain of it (I think this is particularly ironic as they’re restricting what people can do with TSW, but also just refuse to make it more stable).

 

Going to skip until I know for dates for some of the other routes like JT’s route + modern class 142.

but will definitely get this at some point, to surprise a few you that only see me as a br blue fan/ older era fan

 

Same here. Despite my views this is a core part of the UK rail network which will need to come into the collection at some point. Just not yet or at full price. Though if anyone from AA or DTG are taking notice of our comments, you could maybe twist our arms with a pre order discount.

 

Yeah, I also can’t do much until my college money comes in

 

Are there playable TFW services between Birmingham and Wolverhampton

 

Thing is what you got to take into the account is the Tax on those earnings, National Insurance, that has risen significantly that has thanks to Labour. Then you got to pay the staff. If your saying they should be charging £25 for such a route like that, thats stupidly cheap. The hours got into that as well. If they can't pay the staff sufficiently then they would get into trouble and taken to court for not paying wages.

 

But we are also in same vote, most of are getting less from our own jobs

 

Well most third party stuff is likely done on a commission/royalty basis and may even be in addition to a full time day job. That was certainly the case when I did the two payware routes for MSTS. TBH getting paid was more of a pain than doing it for free as I needed to fill in self assessment tax returns for three years after rather than PAYE. So without inside knowledge of how AA are costing their operation we can't really say.

There's also the argument that SCS charge far less for their new maps for the truck sims or Saber for Snowrunner DLC into which equal if not more development time goes.

Anyhow the issue of whether the route should be £25, £30 or come with a pre release discount is secondary. The main thrust is, assuming this goes live in a couple of weeks the timing is all wrong. I can easily afford the £30, I just don't need another route so soon after buying TSW6 Deluxe and two back collection routes in the sale. They have saturated their own market.

 

Well, perhaps someone could tell me what's so special about yet another electric bus stop route that looks a lot like routes we've been offered recently.

And what's with the new paradigm of selling shortish routes with zero new trains at full price. Is this the future of TSW?

Actually, the notion of having to buy or own several other routes and their trains in order to populate a new route is nothing new.

Sorry, but I'm kinda done with these kinds of imitative offerings from DTG and its partners. One can of baked beans is pretty much like any other. How about something fresh and innovative. Freight, Steam, long distance loco hauled services perhaps?

 

I was surprised it took this long for the moaners to show up. If it's not for you then just don't engage with the discussion. I personally don't see the point of the JT Preston to Crewe route and have no intention of getting it unless it gets at least a 50% discount, but you don't see me on that route's thread whinging about it. If you want to know "what's so special" about it, you have over a page of positive comments on this thread from people who are excited to play it.

Why are you so hung up on the timing? No one's forcing you to buy it immediately, and it's not a limited time release. It'll always be there ready for you when you're ready for it. I'm personally excited we're getting another great route so soon.

 

So we aren't allowed to express an opinion now? And yes I will be waiting both for a sale and to see if the reality of the route lives up to the expectations some are expressing. Pretty and curated screenshot are one thing, how it plays in the game another thing entirely.

 

It’s more express than bus stop, akin to say Brighton Mainline or WCMLS, there are a fair few stations but alot of services only stop every few miles, not at all, or every 20ish miles. You do of course have the local stoppers though that can be abit bus stoppy on the Birmingham end.

I can’t say I agree that this is a short route, not the longest but many post core routes are shorter than what this offers.

As for rolling stock, I do agree the core package is abit bland, though it’s nice to get the subclasses. Frankly though if TSW UK content stays in this constant modern era, we’re basically out of functionally new stock to get. Most stock that’s left still running in the UK is just a variation on something we’ve already got in TSW - other than outliers such as the FLIRT’s & CAF’s. Someone does really need to get some UK locos into the game.

Personally I’m looking forward to this just to get some decent TFW runs, better gameplay for the 390 & another place to run the XC stock, one which offers higher pace than Riviera.

Weather or not AAS made a good move in going for a route which is more for people with larger collections than a varied core package is to be seen, though it seems to gone well enough for ATS’ variant on that sort of product.

Ultimately though I think people should brace for this kind of thing being the norm for UK content, the structure of the rail operator system here tends to mean many routes will be served by several ToC’s. In terms of TSW I can’t think of a good way to represent that without severely damaging the value of other products.

One idea I did see was implementing the layers but making them unplayable unless you actually own the content, though I could see that being controversial.

 

I'll continue to post my opinions, critical or otherwise, wherever and whenever I choose to. That's what the word " forum " means.

 

I understand both sides, but keep in mind that people who actually enjoy it often feel left out and get the impression that there's always complaining going on. I have to admit, I kind of see it that way too. The line between giving constructive criticism and pointless complaining is very thin. When you offer criticism, try to also consider the other perspective. Talking about addon prices is, in my opinion, one of those topics that has been discussed for years and flares up again with every new addon release and for enthusiasts, that’s a bit of a frustration.

If you ask me personally, I’d really like to see you stop bringing up the same points over and over again. It’s like a broken record that starts playing again every time an addon is announced, and the arguments you make are ones we’ve all heard before. I don’t want to take that moment away from you, but it would be nice if, just once, it came from your side too a moment without such negativity. It’s like a birthday party where grandpa shows up and only complains. Not exactly a cheerful celebration.

 

That’s what the ignore feature is for though. Personally I can fully understand why people are drained & exhausted from the state of the game.

I tend to agree with Vern on a lot of their comments, but at the same time I’m excited for this route. Vern themselves has also contributed plenty of interesting discussion over the years.

However for example on upcoming German routes I’m not inclined to have that same excitement & likely will be making my points as to what gets in the way of that. Likely those points will be very similar to many of the negatives being shared on this topic.

If it gets to the point where you’re becoming tired of the same person on the forum (I’ve been there) just add them to the list & leave it at that. That way you don’t need to making comments that may ironically leave others feeling the way you are, about yourself.

 

I have ask on Google this question and maybe this will show you that its unhealthy and a big problem how this behaviour is.

What was my question?
Game forums and people they are criticized over and over and they have no eyes for people the have another opinion. Fair or a big problem?

And this is the answer....
This is a big problem, not just a fair one. While healthy debate is normal, repetitive criticism, a lack of empathy for other opinions, and toxic behavior in gaming forums can negatively impact the community and create a hostile environment. This is a problem because it silences diverse perspectives, discourages constructive feedback, and can make players feel isolated, ultimately damaging the community.
It is a big problem because:
It stifles diverse perspectives: When people are afraid to share an opinion that differs from the majority, it silences a wide range of valid viewpoints and experiences. This can lead to groupthink and prevent the community from growing or evolving constructively.
It discourages constructive feedback: Rather than providing solutions or positive suggestions, repetitive criticism often devolves into negativity. This discourages players from offering genuine, helpful feedback that could improve the game for everyone.
It creates a toxic environment: Constant criticism and a refusal to consider different opinions can make forums feel hostile and unwelcoming. This toxicity can damage the overall community and drive players away.
It reflects a lack of empathy: People on the other side of the screen are real individuals. Disregarding their opinions and feelings contributes to a culture that can be hurtful and unwelcoming, according to Reddit users.
It can make people feel isolated: Players who are constantly criticized or feel they cannot express their views may end up feeling isolated and may stop participating in the community altogether, leading to a less diverse and engaging forum.

Conclusion.... I love AI!!!

 

Given full ps4 support from Sony will stop in spring next year, I believe you could be right

 

It’s horses for courses though. If this had been set in an earlier era using the AC electrics and throwing in a Class 304 to boot then I would have been Day One, no fuss. If it had been a Highland Scottish route adding a Class 26 or Class 27 try and stop me. But it doesn’t help, while this is a key section of UK railway it passes through largely nondescript terrain and one of those bits in the real world where you tend to look up from your book and wonder, “Are we there yet?”

 

BR toyed with a 140 limit for the Class 91 "Intercity 225" - that's why there are still flashing greens on the ECML - but the plans were scrapped. 125 remains the cap everywhere but HS1.

 

I'm a little annoyed how the Stoke line wasn't added in, but having the devs' create the route towards rugby just wouldn't make any sense, it would almost be it's own entire route going past Lichfield.

With that said, it's probably a hypocrisy for me to say "Oh what about the stoke line" but a lot of people do travel via the corridor sometimes to change for trains at stoke on trent, and the line doesn't go too far away from it "It's almost part of the route" in my own opinion I do believe they should work on this a little bit more to add the stoke-on-trent line, giving it's their first route I totally understand from a business standpoint as it would cost a lot, but ABS should really put this into consideration to get the line added in, I'm not the first one to mention it. When I see a new route with 2 lines or a even a short branch line it just goes against it being super linear. This route will be super fun to play but I do feel like the stoke-on-trent bit was left out maybe to speed up production? I'm not trying to be rude but I'm trying too push for it as it's part of the line almost - Correct if i'm wrong, this is all constructive feedback

 

I'd hardly call this route a 'bus stop' route LOL - ya not travelling at max speeds of 60mph and stopping at stations every couple of minutes

 

Well I suppose New Street to Wolves is, then it just becomes another electric run through featureless North Midlands scenery.

 

Well not to stir an argument, but you either have bus stop crawls through urban areas, or express runs through rural landscapes. Thats just the nature of railways.

Even so, you still get compromise in the express runs between BHAM & Wolvo.

In any case, this is the first route in TSW that will be high speed express gameplay through the Midlands.

 

Well actually this route gives both! Bus stop to Wolverhampton. Traffic desert between Stafford and Crewe (apart from Norton Bridge).

 

What/who is 3P

 

3P = 3rf parties?

 

Third Parties (ATS, JT, AAS etc).

 

Yes, as OldVern and CK95 said, it means third parties.