It’s Alright Mr Tsw.

I’ve been thinking recently about TSW in-regards to let’s just say overall quality in certain areas.
A topic that quickly escalated and was very surprised at how the forum responded.
It wasn’t about passing insults or lashing out but more of a way for the community to voice its concerns once and for all. I must add there was some personal element to why I set a theme of such nature up.

So today after being aware of how some forum members feel or the overall consensus about DTG and TSW if looking in the context of issues or a disgruntled customer or forum member.

Then after taking these shots,,,
,,i couldn’t help notice how well the sky and environmental conditions looked. It’s not the first time tho I’ve had a similar thoughts while playing either. There’s been a few time I’ve sat back and thought to myself “Man DTG do work hard including 3rd parties for DTG”.

A question for the individual then is what has DTG done right?, and so worthy of a shout out.
I ask this because I do feel more often than not with bad news it’s more popular to cover or critise than great work.
Tik Tok would a good example of this when I hear that a video of a school fight gets more views or likes than that of work done by an artist that’s taken years to create. Some might even focus more time discussing the bad than the good if reviewing a new title or DLC. Again not much time spent on what’s been done correctly and I think that’s wrong if things are to be how I’ve explained on a wider community scale or social opinion perspectives.

I’m sure most have heard more negative news or comments here and there over those of good words.
If there’s any to be said that is, if so then take it away.

Share your thoughts and positive experiences with TSW.
Even thoughts about the future and what would be a wider accepted idea the community would like DTG to implement or improve upon for the franchise to grow focusing on user engagement or experience that could also be improved to allow both DTG and its customers more success on achieving a level where everyone is happy.

It’s here that a personal aspect comes into play because I am more than aware for those without vital information or knowledge on how DTG creates and produces what it does could mean one’s perspective is all wrong, it’s not as simple or easy as some might first think or believe, me included.
So I’d be very interested to hear from those who understand what it takes to develop a game from a simple idea to a product fit for market.

Therefore if any members including myself come up with some bright ideas or suggestions could those in the know explain if something is possible or finically feasible before any ideas are considered in order to become a reality.

So please share your positive experiences and suggestions, a few ideas might be helpful to DTG where as some may be able to point out why what’s been suggested in the past or on this new thread topic can’t or hasn’t been brought to market for reason unbeknownst by those making the ideas or suggestions.

BUT MOST OF ALL WHAT HAS DTG DONE RIGHT, YET IS SELDOMLY SPOKEN ABOUT OR DISCUSSED.

For me personally I’ve had my say while still having many thoughts still about DTG and TSW, however on the odd occasion I do leave the LD to pop out on track like I have been recently driving the SD70ACe while upgrading old 2022/23 work I once again started to enjoy TSW. I began to notice I was becoming part of the rat race again so started to see and enjoy more of what the game offers. I’ve been paying more and more attention to the routes in general.
The detail of what’s there and what’s missing in my opinion. (Visual aspect more than overall train performance or functionality). Ie the way ballast looks, how the track layers in.
Even down to birds or animals being brought into the environments where the weather conditions not only change but add a layer of surprise by flooding a line head or a bird strike both bring the environmental conditions not only to a player experience but how they react with the environment around them.

Could even have the passenger (Environment) approach a player explaining they are lost. If you help them by lead over to the highlighted area or platform a player receives extra XP.
Keep doing a few and DTG could have a different player feature for those on conductor services.
Maybe a different reward system where players receive badges for customers service not mastery rewards by driving.

Just a few idea/ suggestions. Not too concerned with all that tho.
It’s more about what DTG have managed to create yet does that work get much praise because bad news always comes first leaving what is done right to be overlooked by the temptations of a drama that’s just another Apple cart I have no urgency to jump on if ever.

I’d rather listen than speak. Without that it’s just noise.
And no one can hear what’s being said in a noisy room.
Therefore all I ask is respect for each others opinions by behaving like a community so all can freely speech with a common view of improving a franchise or game title we all enjoy and play by sharing what the game has provided over the years with each other.

Thanks.

✌.

 

They have done a lot right, a lot.

It's fundamentally a really good game (if you like driving trains anyway!).

That is what make the bugs and glitches even more annoying, because there is no way that most of them could not be fixed quite easily and yet they just don't for whatever reason.

 

There's more good than bad.

The only problem is (not unique to TSW), the bad stuff tends to always get more attention. Word of mouth is very powerful.

 

As above they have done a lot right, they have done a lot to please me over the years.

Recently though!

 

This is the main issue.

It at least appears that things are not going in the right direction on a number of fronts, for all that there is still a lot of good stuff happening.

 

Yeah I can't deny there's some good stuff. But only for a certain audience these days, not everyone wants to drive short modern routes. I look at my library on tsc and there's some Fantastic stuff, old/modern short/long.
Tsw started off heading in the same direction, now it seems it's just a quick buck.
I still get a lot of enjoyment out of both titles though.

 

Rigsby is right though it does look nice.

 

Firstly, I've got to say that this is one post that I totally agree on. The screenshots look great. I'm more of a Sim enthusiast than just a train fan, I'm more your Plane, Train and Automobile kind of old bloke. I stumbled across TSW earlier this year and have been pleasantly surprised by its detail . The faults that are commonly posted haven't spoilt the overall experience of how a " sim" should be. I'm no train expert and couldn't tell you whether a sound is right or wrong, or a locos braking is too harsh....it just appears and reacts how I believe it should. I don't mind the odd glitch....passengers missing, thunderstorms on a sunny day or even falling through the floor while roaming on foot. It's more the easy way to spend a couple of hours "driving" something that I'll never do in real life. I'll never get to fly a commercial jet either, but bring on msfs 2024 next month for all the same reasons. Carry on DTG, it's not all bad !

 

Agreed.

Every time I’ve broken away from LD to take some work out for a drive I’d be taking a few minutes to appreciate the work around me.
The newer routes have more and more detail and depth giving the routes and a player some beautiful moments when those perfect environments created by DTG do more than deliver decent graphics.
I’ve had some real moving experiences when heading over Shap. Any route for that matter.
For me they are moments of romance the silence and the only sound is that of the beautiful machines that again DTG and others have faithfully tried to recreate. I even have a quick (Edit) cigarettes before heading off on my route. (No smoking in the cab). I love that feeling of being out and about on a dark rainy night when all are tucked snugly inside a comfy blanket. I love being alone, the world and all its worries fade when I close that cab door.
When or where else can I as a console player get that fix.

TSW means a lot to me and why it truly hurts when all the hard work goes down the pan.
Here I agree that each silly bug or issues all amount up to a frustrating experience when it should never ever be case for that with how the game can be. A right gem to train enthusiasts or sim players in general.

I can’t speak for everyone when I say this but why I don’t think having the occasional outburst by members, even well established members when faced with in game issues does nothing wrong. We know how good the game is but time to time all the little niggles amount up to pure frustration which leads to outbursts or damn right hatred. Personally I’m not sure if the latter is warranted but I’ve been there and each to their own.
I doubt no one can blame anyone for how they perceive something on what they’re seeing or experiencing.
No one’s wrong, no one’s right.

A comprise is the only option for DTL members and DTG.

To work together moving forward focused on washing away what I do feel is dirt unnecessarily thrown towards what can be a very good gaming experience and let’s say it a decent DTG product.
We know it can be what all aspire the franchise to be, but the same repeated mistakes or specks of dirt, the past that needs to be washed away so more dirt doesn’t build up.

Leaving Customers and Developers with a solid back catalogue and reputation looking shiny and remaining shiny the more issues they clear away.

I would even go as far to say with most old DLC content DTG is near there now. Leading to me think the only reason everything be warranted as poor or not will instantly be considered as so when the picture painted ain’t all that bad.
To confirm this I did a few hours driving’s a class 40. Did a numbers of runs with no issues or bugs. I even had my visual treats from a DLC made for TSW2. So what was the problem. Non.

But in the reason of fairness later routes deliver more details and much much more but with that it’s seems as tho DTG are pushing what’s possible and how end users system deal with that data.
By pushing to deliver better content is harming gamer experience.

I think this is the one negative aspect I will leave here of any significance.

New players getting into the newer titles will gain first impressions based on the newer which could put them of buying any back catalogue or remaining with the franchise.
Old fans or players stick with what they already own and stay clear of the newer stuff if players are beginning to experience more issues.
It’s just my personal observation though, and based on that I feel for DTG who do have a good product that can be so much more by giving what they have now a wash so that dirt doesn’t ruin any further TSW products or any new franchises for that matter.

Because as a fan and lover of TSW I can’t idly stand by while all I see around happening to such a beautiful train simulator game be pulled apart externally or internally when on first appearances it’s the smaller issue that are causing a wider problem.
Thus spoiling the game even more when past reputation proceeds.

When if we could just take one step back away from all that and actually look at what we do have and who gave us what we have for one moment to focus on the details that like in any situation or fine drawing for that matter, the smaller details always get overlooked.

Anyway,,

He’s me on a night run with the new SKYHOOK class 20.
(Personal livery).
#TSWADDICTED.

✌.

 

I think the rise of third parties (which can be traced in some cases to the editor being released) and community projects have, ironically, been among Dovetail's best moves.
Not just from a quality standpoint but from from a variety standpoint.
Without 3rd Parties we wouldn't have any Swiss content, BR Diesel (and now Electric) would still be dead, there would be nothing* in Scotland or Wales, no German diesel routes, one historical European route, no Japan, Czechia or Portugal.

It would be what people sometimes accuse it of being: Train Sim UK/EU/US, and it would electrics for everywhere but the US. In a nutshell, TSW2

In terms of their own work the Sky box as mentioned by OP is really quite good now, just need a half-decent Dynamic Weather system to accompany it...

Recent routes of theirs have been quite good imo.
Don't know if it was their call or Rivet's but shifting Rivet into an assisting role in routes (where they can spend more time in certain areas than rushing where they clear couldn't afford to) has been a positive. It worked well with Cathcart (back in 2021) and it appears to be working well now.

 

Was there meant to be a footnote there on 'nothing'?

 

I’d agree to all that.

From my perspective when it comes to player interaction or variation is key to any games long term survival.
There are markets built upon markets so it makes great sense to open more up to players for them to build a base from.
Be modding to YT. Even LD. People like this buy into the franchise because it provides some with an income.

Routes that seem to be EU/UK or US themed and 3rd party routes.
I’ve seen first hand how cheap it is to outsource being in a post role within the coaching industry.
It allowed the company to outsource work demands while having the time to plan future tour allocations and day to day operations without the demand causing problems or productivity.
A years work could be planned then sent of to Swanns travel Manchester for my old mate Reno to allocate vehicle/drivers.
Done and dusted.

We gave tours to companies based close to the normal days to days operations.
So by DTG outsourcing it can have its benefits depending on the situation or conditions to begin with.
Here I feel DTG could expand on this by working with other companies overseas that are in the right locations.

I’d love to see some Australian Routes or India Routes but that’s not commercial viable if UK based.
Yet world wide we do have games companies even members that could provide all that information to DTGs and provide what fans are calling for without leaving the UK to do the research or data gathering. Cost saving in travel or accommodation expenses.

Like you so rightly point out without the method of outsourcing then would the game be here today if content was reaching market and when it did it wasn’t going to suddenly amaze players or wet people’s fancy.
The franchise did have to diversify content and location.
Like a games console market in the 90s. What content or games available dictated what I’d buy.
Same thing here with DTG entering the games industry or console market. Having a few routes isn’t enough to keep people interested long enough for DTG to find a firm footing, DTG had to open up to a number of taste and interests for it to find a place in people’s minds building a strong company providing their customers needs and wants.

Being a simple man I can only assume if DTG continues outsourcing work it could give the time needed to buy back some time allowing old issues to be resolved or work on new TSW content or games. As a company with limited titles or franchises then to have one or two is very risky.
Especially if the writing is on the wall for TSW and DTG are taking action now before it’s too late possibly.
A plan B,C,D.

Definitely a smart move but one think wrong with outsourcing is keeping quality standards high or what DTG ask from it’s 3rd party suppliers.
It’s fine when all is well but when problems arise it’s here cracks can appear even reaching the point of the blaming game.
Who’s responsible and while parties disagree the problem remains unchanged for customers.
Providing quality checks are being done and DTG has a firm grasp on its suppliers then they’re shouldn’t be any problems or major concerns for the average consumer needs or wants.

They made one move right yet hope they keep it two by keeping a firm grip over their suppliers.
One wrong move from outside suppliers will do further damage to DTGs reputation.

✌.

 

In business terms. A happy customer tells 5 people of their experience.
A unhappy customers might tell 20 people.

That’s how fast a rumour or misunderstanding can lead to a poor judgement in opinion or choice of words.
It’s easy to point fingers when looking in, most have to be on the inside to fully comprehend the real goings on.

And not everyone does, but what is also a problem that’s not unique to TSW is people love to gossip about these sort of things.
Even about people through mediums such as Twitter.
No one wants to miss out or jump on the bandwagon (edit) be understanding of the fight or not. People follow.

That will never change.
To talk or try talk sense can make change, it only take a little bit if understanding and respect first.
Only then can one ever reach a conclusion to be a in a position to pass comment fairly and accurately so mis information or poor words never destroys truth or men.

Truth can only come from facts, facts only come from those in the know or hold the KEY.
Everything else is unfounded until then.

Word are words but the ones that know don’t give those words power.
Only a fool listening to a fool will.

The knowing mind understands actions hold more sway than any word could. Therefore no words should ever need to exchanged if acts do speak louder between the knowing.

Until then it’s just words, with no meaning.
It’s up to individual if they want a give a word power for any word to take effect.
And with so many words floating around then for them to effect would mean,,,,

✌.

 

An Act before the words.

Firstly I’d like to say welcome to the party pal (Die Hard, A Christmas Film).
Now to set the tone because I am more than aware of your position and so have my upmost respect.
However forget that so you or any readers can see no one is above no one. (Not in my world anyway,
a King to a peasant I respect the heart of a man not his title). I’ll be open and say I don’t hold on to words to protect pride, thus I see past everything except the problem in the room. Something political systems still need to learn. Hiding behind titles or positions is for a weak man that argue to protect self pride or position in society.
A strong man has no shame putting his heart on display. Shame only comes by hiding from the man inside.
Not very often you will hear or see anyone take responsibility or say I’ve made a mistake. Protecting the image not soul.

So consider this a night by the fire we’re two men whisper. If the matter wasn’t one of a public one.

We can pass comments candidly over matters publicly to be fair and transparent about what players have been experiencing be now or the past.
Personally I feel an open topic about what is essentially company business is rather odd for me yet today so much is done publicly, however this topic has been a long time coming.
I observe and felt that things were on the verge of getting out of hand because more and more people were taking their frustrations about TSW to a different level. One that could make things harder and harder because you are on display so much be streams etc.
I was looking at it from a DTG staff members perspective.
How can I do this evenings stream and be all positive if the public mood is not good.

This could mean less streaming or open communication between DTG and fans leaving a feeling of well they don’t care because they don’t say anything about what needs to be done or happening in the DTL community or bigger picture.
Then I’ve noticed how busy things have been for DTG staff, and that’s only what we get to see.
Other things could be happening behind the scenes that add immense pressure to staff.

Now I know non of what you do or what DTG is any of my business, being customer a fan and DTL community member tho I felt I had to make it my business because if you have been reading then you will see even if stepping outside like you have today, you get to see first hand that you and DTG should be very proud of what’s been accomplished.
People still love TSW and want it to be successful but there are a number of long standing problems that’s tainted the franchise and fans opinions for some time and they has to be a point when all say enough is enough.

Hold our hands up or wave the white flag. Draw a line under the past and it’s here I feel for you if it’s your responsibility and important for DTG to do that but how.
Again forgetting titles and speaking plainly about this so the rooms became more relaxed.
I applied one simple logic to what was happening. Negativity breeds negativity.
Here you might have seen the amount of public projects opened up. A distracting from the storm raging around.
Why you’ll hear me go on about environment, the environment we share. How one simple example of how seeing a silly YT lead to this.
My heart sank at the thought of TSW disappearing.

If TSW disappears that would impact my environment full stop.
I won’t go into detail but since around 2019/20 till today it’s what keeps me going.
But that’s not the point.

I think the point that I and many others have been arguing for years is buying a product with issues and left at that.
The situation would only progressively get worse in time. A combination of past bad rep and with TSW6 some could argue things haven’t changed much.
But with any public opinion who controls or even laid out the narrative. With no evidence or clear voice from DTG to publicly acknowledge even addressing publicly opinion leave room for debates discussion where so much can be said by people with no real clue of what goes on.
Me included, I’m not going to pretend I know anything about the gaming industry I’m seeing it how it is using what knowledge or understanding I have in other places or first hand experience of being a traffic planner.
With no information or occasional acknowledgement from a company then public opinions can wildly get out of hand leading false claims or rumours. All of which will directly or indirectly impact DTGs reputation.
Again DTGs name not so much that of a 3rd party getting its name dragged through the mud.
Be founded by those or not left unchecked or unchallenged can only mean more toxic comments become somewhat publicly acceptable.
All because the situation had been ignored and no person responsible took control over what was developing or would eventually no doubt happen.

I do feel as though I’ve taken lead on this or even speaking for the community when I say this.
Today Alex I think a few people will be shocked and very surprised to hear the news, but I do feel today is a turning point many have been waiting for to hear. You’ve been more than open and transparent about some very important issues.
Even personal mistakes and how you feel.

Again I really don’t feel it’s my position to be responding like this but what can I say apart from if fans do support the franchise like some say they do then I think we can pull together and help each other. We can leave feedback all day long but if no one listening at DTG then why will people continue trying help. DTG has to met us half way for progress to be made.
I do think fans and users will go out of their way if they see DTG taking responsibility and action in areas long overdue addressing.

But please Mr TSW you have to play ball and meet us half way.
What you have done today tho Alex is a huge step in the right direction. Another tick in the what has DTG done right box then

I think DTL members will appreciate you be so forthcoming about what’s been on everyone mind.
If anything it’s educating people who like me has no knowledge or understanding of what it takes because I’m not professional educated or have any real insight.
Educating is needed sometimes. An example of this in my past role drivers thought we did nothing up in the traffic office so a I pushed even demanded higher level management to get the drivers come and see what we do. I explained what we did and shown them so they knew.
After that drivers phoning in dropped and productivity increased.

A little bit of transparency in the right places can make a huge difference in order for all to see the clearer picture.
So in the name of transparency I’m busy or should I say wanting to start another livery and later on a spot of driving.
And as brothers and sisters, protectors of our home we live under, our world, she needs joy and peace.

A dream but we can all start to forgive each other so at least this small space we share is an environment where all men are the same away from the outside that for some people is too painful to see without wanting to act.

It all starts with one step in making a change.
You set the butterfly free. Only time will show the effects of the words said today.

We can now start to putting things right.
Your fans are still with you, together it will be.

Anything can be accomplished if the will to make it happen is truly in a man’s heart.
Be a Lion my community friend, fail and fall but always come back stronger to win the day once and for all.

✌.


✌

 

Just posting some unusual photos so it’s gives any readers some insight into why I feel the way I do about TSW.


Bear in mind I’ve had the Birmingham Cross City DLC for some time now. So this is the first time I’ve actually seen this for myself.
Being a keen admirer of detail and photography the game opens up a new world.
A few people probably pass these place for real and in game but never bother to visit. Why would you.

But it’s one thing DTG have done right by focusing on so much detail. Yes some might say it’s because of this players now face performance issues. I accept that but I also have to accept that I drove for a few hours again with no problem what’s so ever.
The only problem I had was staying awake. Again the game can be a relaxing experience.

I’ve also shared some snaps because I know photography is quite popular in games today, a real bonus for players sharing an interest in photography.

Anything of value to add would be this.
I can understand how creating routes that are longer and vastly detailed can hamper performance.
A route that is stable delivering the basic level of graphics so game play can improve is probably a number one priority.
However since routes are now longer and so detailed I’d hate to see this be cut back to improve core performance all round.

In the ideal world I believe if the issue facing DTG are resolved it’s not at the cost of route length or detail and these area could also improve in time. Looking back to TSW2020 it’s clear to see how far (edit) the franchise has come and improved all round.
Ie later features like boarding announcements and conductor mode.
Each time a push to improve the franchise and player experience.

So who knows what the future holds and what can be added to keep the current features feeling fresh whilst possible looking in additional features to the game. To deliver all this while keep bugs or core route issues to minimum or resolved full stop is easy for me to say.

I’m not Mr TSW.

So Mr TSW again last night was another fantastic experience.
That Birmingham Cross city route is one of my favourites now.

Bob on
✌.

 

On several routes, I'm just enjoying the scenic views when driving a train. For example, driving the BR628 on Linke Rheinstrecke gives me everytime that wow feeling. Until a N-wagen cabcar is heading towards me and I see the headlight issue is still not fixed after years..... And this is the case on many routes, lovely to drive, but there is always something that spoils the fun, like reused buildings. So yeah, there is a lot of good and fun stuff, but I like to see some more perfection instead of things are done half.

 

It’s a super relaxing way to chill and I can’t manage without it.
I’m just super picky on what routes I buy and when now.

 

I could say I drive mostly for the scenery. That's what I liked about tsc, msts was the first simulator I got into and the scenery was bland.
Tsc and tsw on the other hand you often feel you are actually there irl. All the little details make a big difference.
Some days I won't even drive a train, just go exploring.

 

Sure that’s understandable because on a long route it can get a little boring so the scenery adds to a players experience.
I know what you mean about TSC etc even tho I’ve never played them I see how sparse they are of any depth or detail that presents a player with those moments of visual delights.

I’m a player that likes to know something is there even if I don’t get to see it much I know it’s there.
So the snaps are impulsive using what was around in those moments. Nothing fancy, just allowing the random of the snaps to create a feel.
Art or photography doesn’t always need to say something. Leave that for the person looking to abstract or place any meaningful thought on a piece of art or photo.

The routes I’ve been playing recently offer so much in terms of players having a mooch round.
Manchester Airport DLC prides its self on allowing players to explore the map in detail.
All adding to a players immersion.
Development seems to focus on adding more details to routes so they must believe it’s what’s been missing from past titles in order to be implemented during the initial R&D stage.

Players must enjoy talking a walk because they can.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and so when looking through a lense like means a wall could be a world of wonders.

Just like what Bruce Lee once said don’t focus on the finger because you will miss the world around it.
Ie why drive yet ignore the surrounding areas.
I feel most do this in life, focus on one thing yet totally miss everything else sat right under our noses.

So fair play for taking the time to look and admire what’s right under your nose.
You see and so will feel.
A man that is blind can never be free.

Explore the beauty of what TSW and this world can offer if one just stopped for on minute

✌.