Would people prefer to see expansion packs instead of loco DLCs for routes going forward? Expansion packs would provide more content, possibly at a higher price, compared to loco DLCs. Content could include multiple locos (new or reused with differences/variations), additional services and scenarios, bonus liveries and new rewards/trophies. They would focus on a particular theme/route, or could incorporate content across multiple routes (such as a rail tour pack). Examples in-game already would include the BR heavy freight pack and Arosa Anniversary pack. Lastly, should older existing loco DLCs be incorporated into expansion packs? An example could be the BR Class 20 and Class 31 becoming a Tees Valley freight pack. (These would remain separate in the game files but would be purchased like a bundle, unlocking both with one purchase for a lower price). I think this would be a better and simpler way of providing additional content for players, and may make them more desirable purchases too. The recent addition of providing an expansion pack for the base routes is a good idea in my opinion and should be taken further with expansion packs for routes. Thoughts?
It really doesn't matter to me, as long as the content is good. I wouldn't want them to overthink the expansion pack idea and totally forget about single train add-ons either. Simply do what best fits at the moment. If a route only needs a new trains (like the LIRR M3 for LIRR), then just make it a train add-on. But if you can bring something more out of it, then sure, make it a proper expansion pack, like the GWE Diesel Legends pack or the Arosa Anniversary Pack. For example, a Chessie System pack for Sand Patch Grade would be amazing. Or an '80s pack for Boston Sprinter with F7s and single-stripe painted F40PHs (and whatever the period correct equivalent of an Amtrak consist would be)?
No. I don't want to be paying for a whole bundle of content when I'm just interested in one little piece. I think the best example of an Expansion Pack would be the Diesel Legends DLC. Arosa Anniversary pack doesn't really include a whole lot. Just 5 liveries of the same locomotive and a new open wagon. It's fine. The same could be achieved by offering a bundle with the Class 20 and 31 for a discounted price, which DTG has done for Train Simulator combining route+loco DLC in a bundle, as well as the different regional versions of both Train Simulator and TSW. But I do like these to be available seperatedly as well. I don't mind them offering a bundle discount for a Class 20 and 31, as long as I'm able to purchase any of these locos without the need to also purchase the other. https://store.steampowered.com/bundle/960/North_London_Line_Collection/ This is the way to go, if you want bundles, IMO.
The same could be applied to content in current loco DLCs. In my case I buy it mostly for the service layers/substitution, not so much for the scenarios/rewards etc. Including more content arguably increases the number of people who will be interested if they like a particular item in the pack.
Single train add-ons could always be part of an expansion pack, but instead focusing more on extra liveries and scenarios.
Expansion Packs feel better as a one-off every now and again. Loco DLCs with Scenarios and the Timetable are good, however I feel like Expansions would be inconvenient to those who would rather just buy part of it. Bundles are probably a better way to go - although I'm not sure how the latter works for Consoles. I suppose it's a case by case type, NTP's one was really well done, GWB was a bit less so.
Expansion Packs because You Can Have new Rolling Stock and timetables including scenario and access to unaccessible areas. For example HRR Expansion Pack DB BR1440 Intercity 1 Cab car DB BR101 50 years Intercity. LIRR Expansion DM30AC DE30AC access to East Williston & Long Island City. Metro-North Harlem Line expansion BL20GH Work Trains M9As Siemens charger dual modes.
I also have special deliveries in mind as an expansion pack like DB BR101-4 Europa 101-13 IC paint these can also come with cabcar or Nightjet coaches if Nürnberg Augsburg Railway were to be added with future ÖBB route. DB BR182 VVO Riesa-Dresden ads can do all German routes in the case of VVO DB BR182 it will use the new model shell Hamburg-Lübeck or ÖBB 1016/1116 base
You're going to have to change the schedule electric service to Huntington since October 19th 1970 diesel East of Huntington.
I don’t like the packs, because they force me to buy stuff I don’t want. I would be very interested in the 423 on SKA, but the other two repaints of this pack are not my taste, I’d rather have these sold separately. In addition, these packs are mainly reskins, and since that is what we get with routes most of the times now, loco dlc are the only way to keep somewhat fresh stuff coming.
I really don’t mind either way. Looking at the expansion packs so far. Diesel Legends got a lot of hate on these forums, but I found that I quite enjoyed it and it added quite a few hours more play to a route that J previously found quite boring. The RHB expansion was just a few liveries and some extra services + some fancy Christmas decorations. I only got it because I had a voucher from Rivet. However, I was surprised how much fun it was. As for the new expansion. So long as it’s not too expensive, then I think I’ll enjoy it. I‘d rather be able to just buy the bits I want, but as I like 2 of the 3 parts. I’m sure it will be decent value anyway. As for loco DLC. These are always welcome. It’s always fun to drive new stuff.
No objection to expansion packs as they could be fun and add more to the game, however, I strongly object to paying for something that was promised on the initial release and I use additional services on the Bakerloo line as an example. We were originally told this service would have 600 services and now expected to pay for a few extra.
Whilst additional liveries for existing stock, and some associated scenarios would be OK, if the price is right. I would prefer an expansion pack to add some new rolling stock, e.g. additional freight wagons to existing routes such as the Eanos for DB; flat car or gondola for US (when is the coil car going to re-appear?); smaller tank cars for the UK. That way we get expanded stock, not just re-runs.
Personally I'd rather scenic expansions for older routes. Think of those areas in GWE & SEHS, for instance where the scenery is just grass with random collection of trees.
That's a fair point. I guess the general consensus so far is that people don't mind either way, the quality of the DLC overall is more important than the quantity of the included content.
I suppose if expansion packs take longer to produce than loco DLCs the frequency of release will perhaps decrease, which I can understand makes it feel like there's a lack of fresh content, even if expansion packs provide more content in one go.
Ideally we need some clarification on what this actually involves, whether the extra services relate to a new timetable using the new livery or adding in extra services to the existing timetable.
Not so sure about this idea. I do agree some routes do lack scenery detail compared to others but I don't think that should be a paid-for update. Preservation crew job perhaps.
That can work and I'm planning one for Riesa-Dresden And Tharandter Rampe Dresden Chemnitz the East German Deutsche reichsbahn ddr legends pack. Phase II Steam locomotives of East Germany
Well yeah, the diesels/hybrids could also be another train add-on for LIRR. My point was LIRR didn't need an "expansion" pack, like for example Arosa having this pack with a new timetable to feature freight and the new observation car. But if they were to make an expansion pack to LIRR with the diesels AND a new branch to accomodate them, then that could work as a great expansion DLC, being more than a single train.
I would love to see expansion to the route, that's for sure, but if they made both DE and DM, DE having new services from Long Island City, DM from NY Penn. So basically two locos (albeit very similar), coaches and a huge layer - is it a loco add on or expansion pack?
If it doesn't affect the route, just a new timetable layer, then I suppose it could be simply called a train DLC, like most of them are, even if it technically includes two locomotives. But what we call it really doesn't matter, if you ask me.
I voted Expansion Packs, but I don't agree that they should cost more. The example we've been told about is just repaints and timetables for stuff we have. That's not worth the $20 you pay for a Loco DLC. But I would definitely pay a dollar (or five) for professionally made licensed liveries. An example would be the First Responders livery for the upcoming Norfolk Southern route or the Veterans livery for the ACS-64.
TSW needs both. Loco dlcs for new rolling stock, and gameplay dlcs for additional services. In my opinion the pricing is way too fix. There are loco addons which are worth way more than the regular 20 euro, and its depending on its features (maybe advance version?). Same with gameplay addons, A Lot of routes had service and stock changes, so an idea would be selling entire timetables of routes with maybe new liveries (like the ic livery of the br612). There are so many ideas dtg can improve their dlc strategy to use the routes potential (also in future), so just pushing every dlc in a fix price segment would probably just make content either underpriced or the oder way around.
I'd love to see some expansion packs - how about including the branch to Greenford on GWE? Or the full branch to Iserlohn of Rhur Sieg Nord? Perhaps you'd rather run a football special on Boston Sprinter to Foxboro Stadium?
Am I correct in regarding the TSW BR Heavy Freight Pack as an expansion pack? Why consider Loco DLCs and Expansion Packs as an and/or proposition and why even open this discussion when DTG already provides examples of both?
i would kinda of go for the packs, but the packs really need to be worth it, and something relating to the route we have such as a Metro North Railcar Pack, Amtrak Railcar Pack, Long Island Railcar pack, and etc.
