I know that different people have different preferences in their use of TSC, but I'm astonished at the ability of certain developers to produce content that I believe will be commercially unattractive, while ignoring what appear to be more attractive subjects. I'm referring to Caledonia Works and PLD's current development of GWR Saints and Stars. It seems to me there is already an oversupply of GWR ten-wheelers for the sim, without creating classes that have not been used within living memory and for which there are very few period appropriate routes to run them on. I'm aware that the re-manufactured Lady of Legend does exist in the preservation scene, but conceptually it's a bit of an odd ball. Meanwhile there is no high quality model of the ubiquitous Class 47, or any currently available model of the BR 8P, which given it's technology and operational history has wide interest. Is it just me, or do other's think some of the best developers have locked themselves into personal passion projects, rather than offering subjects with wide appeal and good sales?
We all have different ideas on what might make a good model and what seems a good model to some might not to others. Personally I have no interest in any new Steam locos and I'm not in a new Class 47 I don't drive Steam locos - too technical - and I don't drive the Class 47 very much Somebody in another thread complained about the lack of modern UK trains
Bossman Games are working on a new 47, which I'm pretty sure will end up being done in collaboration with AP. The Huddersfield 47 is decent, but is only one subclass and has pretty terrible sounds. As for the Stars and Saints, the Victory Works Saints are still decent today but the CW pack has a lot more to it and the loco itself is much better looking. The Skyhook Star Class was pretty awful though, so I am going to buy the new one very soon. Developing new versions of trains Victory Works have made is risky because generally their stuff is quite good. I've bought the packs I've thought were much better, but (as an example) I'm probably not going to get the CW Terriers because I think the VW one really is good enough. I do want more variety obviously - CW have the LNER P2 on their roadmap which I hope comes out.
It's tough. What may appeal to me, may not appeal to you and with everyone else has their own preference. I personally feel that for any simulator, planes, trains and automobiles, you can create something you feel is commercially viable and cool but then in the end, get trashed by a few trolls on STEAM. Bare in mind, this is not limited to trains on TSC, you see it forums with planes on Microsoft Flight Simulator, buses on OMSI 2 and so forth. Each with their fair amount of toxic whiners spouting vitriole. As for Caledonia Works producing another GWR, I'm actually fine with it because while there is a plethora of steam locomotives that are available for TLC since the beginning, I admire the dedication of that team to continue to support steam locomotives. Personally, when it comes to "commercially attractiveness" or even commercial viability (sorry about to go off on a tangent), I would like to see these third party developers who do not want to sell their trains through Steam (or a video game consoles own store) or the store on the game app, possibly giving it a try a few years after they sell on their website. I understand why they do it especially if they don't want to give their money to Valve (or want to keep 100% profits). But this mentality of "I'm not going to give Valve or anyone a cut" and only selling to a small percentage when you could have a better reach through a strong platform that attracts millions of people. But as a person who owns probably over 80% of the TLC DLC that was released on STEAM, I still won't purchase from a third party website. No matter how many of these third party supporters who purchase from these websites like to put on their reviewon STEAM of go this site and purchase these sounds or use this environment pack or this livery. Still not going to. And will wait until it gets to STEAM and if they don't and I miss out, I feel no loss, because I'm quite content to support the other third party companies who are selling their content on STEAM. We are starting to see third party change its stance and starting to sell their products for other simulators that were once website exclusive and now allowing it to be purchased on STEAM or the software's marketplace (more often planes and other content on MSFS). As of March 28th, TLC has a 24 hour peak of 1,190 and TLW6 right now with a 24 hour peak of 1954. That's still very impressive compared to my other favorites such as "Tower! Simulator 3" (111 24 hour peak), "OMSI 2" (1489 24 hour peak), "JR East Train Simulator" (231 24 hour peak), DCS (1,777 24 hour peak). Of course, "Assetto Corsa" with a 24 hour peak of 19,107 and MSFS2024 has a 24-hour peak at 5,484 are strong, the fact that TLC and OMSI 2 still maintains over a thousand players per day (and both have been around for more than 12 years) is impressive. But I do feel that with changes of focus for TLC, it's the third party creators that will continue to make this game staying relevant from here on in (like with OMSI 2, which is amazing considering, for that game, the two creators stopped supporting it a long time ago and it has continued to thrive on third party creation. At least TLC had a 64-bit upgrade, OMSI 2 is 32-bit and you have to keep installing a 4GB patch over and over to make it work right). So for commercial viability, while offering quality is always important and offering better variety of trains never made before is also awesome. Personally, for security purposes and for convenience, having the ability to purchase on STEAM or the games store makes it even more commercially favorable, convenient than purchasing on a site's website.
Look at another way. Maybe you like building engines. Maybe you build the locos of types you like for yourself. Maybe you can make a few bob out of selling them. Are you running a full-time business to make a living from? Noooo. Never. So it really doesn't matter if they overlap with each other. J
As someone who spent most of my real world train travels originating in Northamptonshire (Wellingborough / Kettering / Northampton) I feel very well served with the new DLC in the pipeline. I just wish the AP Bedford - Corby and the DTG version of ATS Northampton Loop version would hurry up and release! Any update on release dates? PS - I agree on a decent class 47 would be nice!
Steam v other deployment platforms is a funny one. Yes, Steam is undoubtedly convenient to the consumer. It is however not without its limitations/downsides. In the TSC sphere for instance you had the trade-off for JT's Midland Mainline DLC where the Steam offerings were all completely separate but buying them from JT direct allowed them to merge (so one could drive from Leicester to Manchester in one sitting if one wished to via JT installers, but not via the same DLC from Steam). In other spheres, DCS sells through Steam and directly but there is definite lag on updates being made available via Steam. And from a publishers point of view then whilst Steam gives you visibility, it is at the cost of someone else taking a not-insignificant cut. Plus I imagine Steam comes with its own set of packaging, support and compliance requirements/headaches. Considering an awful lot of people in the TSC DLC sphere are not doing this as a full time job, nor do they expect to sell collosal numbers if a DLC is niche (within TSC which is also niche). So perhaps they decide its not really worth the hassle to them. Often given the choice i'll buy stuff from the vendors own site over Steam because I know its likely the route where they get the most of whatever money i'm handing over.
I don't think that has much to do with the cut. As far as I've read, it can be simplified as 1/3rd to everyone (Steam, DTG, creator). If you sell 3x the amount compared to your own website, you're equal / on par. I think it's more about having to go through DTG with every release and update, and of course cross-referencing content being practically prohibited (which is wise and fair, judging by scenario pack reviews).
Another factor to bear in mind is that you are not permitted to directly sell exactly the same product as via Steam - that's why restricted or limited versions of what is ostensibly the same thing tend to be on Steam. J
