December Season Of Reveals Speculation And Discussion Thread

Reused trains, not the biggest fan but whatever. What’s more concerning is that according to someone above the 425 isn’t even 100% accurate, if you’re gonna reuse a bunch of trains the least you could do is make them accurate to the region they’re meant to serve…

 

Trends only exist when there is evidence of their existence!

 

You're not alone. While I'm from further down south, I'd love to see more routes in the Brandenburg or Saxony area, or in/around Berlin too. Dresden-Riesa is being praised to this day. And Dresden-Chemnitz is an underrated gem if you ask me.

That's what I've been wondering too. I actually feel a little scammed now... luckily the gameplay pack wasn't that expensive, but this is quite underhanded regardless.

 

So we've been done up the Kaiserslautern again

 

Dtg have already explained many times that having only 1 copy of a train is not technically possible. If one thing goes wrong, dtg have to test it on every single route the train runs on because it can have lots of knockon events. Changing the physics might cause it to have trouble in one timetable but be fine in another but if they try to fix it, it might cause trouble on another one indirectly. That makes testing extremely difficult and time consuming. By each acting as their own, it takes testing and fixing much easier

 

I am not so certain that this is good game dev practice...

 

If Steam, US freight and older content (before 2000's) sold well don't you think DTG would have released one of the above route types. They haven't since spring 2023 so we are almost 2 years since one of the above came out from DTG and not a 3rd party developer.

Everyone thinks DTG is all about the money so I'm pretty sure they focus on what sells.

Some 3rd parties do this as a passion product so they can develop what they are personally interested in.

DTG feels they do modern best so they count on 3rd parties to fill in the rest.

Same thing they did with TSC once they had a bunch of years under their belt.

 

I doubt JustTrains are doing it as a passion project!

 

So what will be the new DE loco? Is there any chance to get some classic ones like 145, 152, 189 or else? It's anyhow boring with a 0815 traxx2 among all DE routes.

 

As it hasn't be revealed it must be because it's going on one of the soon to be released German routes so it might be something classic.

 

As I said SOME 3rd parties.

They literally said the reason they picked the BR Blue Era during the Blackpool preview stream because it was the era they were most passionate about.

But yeah pretty sure it isn't a passion project. Even though they said it was.

There is difference between a company like JT and DTG. One has 10 employees the other has 200. I'm pretty sure the one with 10 its not a full time paying job either. So that would make this a passion project.

 

Don't now if it has been mentioned, but have the reveals to date actually revealed anything that we didn't already know?

 

They're passionate about the era, there was a gap in the market. Makes sense they'd take that route - it's a win-win. They can make a route (or routes) in an era they're passionate about, and make money from it.

 

Which is good. But the point of the original post i did was that if BR Blue sold so well why hasn't DTG made one since....

You would think they would produce more if it sold so well. They are about the money after all people say all ove these forums.

I never said it was a bad thing.

But sales wise JT is free to make what era they are passionate about, DTG might not be able to afford that luxury. They have way more employees that are full time for them so they have make what sells not always what they are passionate about.

 

The new US Metrolink loco I think is it.

Lets see tomorrow.

 

Could Simtrack's DE loco be related to Pfälzische Ludwigsbahn? We can't know it! It could be a general purpose/freight loco (140s-150s), or the legendary 120 (add an Intercity restaurant coach, please!). I think it will probably be the Flirt 3 (429) Süwex... I wanted to remind that "Loco" doesn't necessarily mean a locomotive. We've seen this many times before!
Let's see what's in store for us today! Just keep your expectations low...

 

The term reveal has done a fair bit of heavy lifting it has to be said!

 

Apart from the JT stuff, not really. Even then, only the Mark 2 aircons and Mk1 buffet car were a real surprise. The Class 86 had been heavily assumed already.

 

So, three hours away from the “grand reveal” now, and I’m intrigued to see what it is. I long to be pleasantly surprised but I’m not holding my breath, we’ve been around these ends too long to do that!

 

Please no BR 145. They are so generic and boring.... BR 189 is another story, would love to see that one. Very popular amongst real drivers.

PS: I think the reveal might be something to do with merges....allthough they have said timetables would be a nightmare to make for big routes.

 

Even though apparently dumbed down, quite enjoyed driving it in TSC. Imagine in TSW with an extended timetable to choose from rather than a few scenarios.

 

I would suspect that JT are in a far more precarious financial situation than DTG!

 

The thing is, both US Freight and BR Diesel have decent enough physics in simugraph that third parties can come in and start making new content. We've fallen on our feet really as JT have really outdone any other developer with their two releases and to have them focus specifically on BR is nothing short of brilliant.

As for steam, the core simulation needs serious work. Why would any third party want to come and make steam era content for TSW when the foundation is broken? DTG need to get on top of that to make TSW attractive to the third parties that focus on steam locomotives. As it stands right now, why would they want to move on from TS Classic?

Spirit of Steam was TSW's fastest selling route at time of it's release, I remember Matt saying it did well. The hype for steam is there, it does sell. Peak Forest having no simulation improvements really did them no favours. Shame as apart from the odd start/end points and quiet timetable, it was a really nice route.

This is why I hope today's big reveal is steam related. A notable upgrade to physics, manual firing and a new steam era route to coincide with it would definitely make all this build up worth it. I really can't think of anything else it might be, unless it's not as big as they're letting on.

 

I’ve said it many times on here that I really enjoy what we have already steam wise. The Jubilee and 8f look so good. I know the driving experience is just as important as the eye candy but I’d be delighted if he had a few more locos to choose from in the DLC and even better if they can manage to improve upon the physics.

 

I have a feeling that the BR Blue content did sell well, but modern just sells much better and factoring in development time and costs it makes much more sense.

Looking at all the BR Blue/Intercity trains, they seem to have a vast array of characteristics like the 101 having a gearbox, the 87 having the tap-changer and the 47, 45, and so on having very different performances (and not to mention air and vacuum brakes) or even the 142 having 2 or 3 different engines which would take a lot more time to simulate.

In contrast something like the 700/0 would have (what I assume is) a more linear set of characteristics which would be sorted out with less development time (compared to the 87 let's say).

From a business perspective why wouldn't you want to reduce development costs while getting those sky-high profits.

This is purely my speculation though.

Also DTG please consider doing the AdTranz lights for the Electrostar I really need it.

 

dumbed down? Have you got the Expert Line from vR with the soundupdate from Railsim? One of the best in TSC.

 

Armstrong Powerhouse will finally become an official partner of TSW? Perhaps this would have an explosive hype among the entire player base)

 

HAHAHAHAH.

 

Hope its a joke jsut saw the reveal

 

So what now…

 

sadly not

 

Week 3 screenshots part 5 Big reveal
We’ve made it! A chock-full calendar of festive treats. We’ve shown you updates, Add-ons, work-in-progress teases, and released new content for Train Sim World... but, seeing as it’s the season of giving, we have one final surprise for you...
We are delighted to announce that Mattel’s Thomas & Friends™ is coming to Train Sim World!


In collaboration with our friends at Mattel, Thomas & Friends™ Visit the West Somerset Railway will be an Add-on coming to Train Sim World next year. Naturally, the star of the show is Thomas the Tank Engine, with his friends Annie and Clarabel joining him. Adding an element of mischief is Diesel and the Troublesome Trucks. What will they get up to?
Unlike previous Add-ons, the gameplay here is entirely story-driven, with a fun narrative that follows the adventures of Thomas and his friends during their visit to the West Somerset Railway.
Stay tuned tomorrow as we sit down with a special guest to talk about this new, exciting collaboration. Hopefully, they’ve saved some mince pies for us!
We’ll also talk further about this very exciting release in the new year.


In summary:

• Mattel’s Thomas & Friends is coming to Train Sim World!
• Add-on title = Thomas & Friends Visit the West Somerset Railway
• The Add-on will require both Train Sim World 5 and the West Somerset Railway route Add-on
• Included characters: Thomas the Tank Engine, Annie, Clarabel, Diesel and the Troublesome Trucks
• Gameplay will consist of a multi-part story with a fun narrative
• Tutorials for Thomas & Diesel will exist in Training Center
• An additional timetable will feature the Thomas & Friends characters
• The characters can be driven on any route Add-on using Free Roam
• The Add-on will release in 2025

And, if you haven’t already, you can grab Train Sim World 5 now to prepare for Thomas’ arrival, with our Free Starter Pack and great value bundles.
The West Somerset Railway route Add-on, which was remastered back in February, is also available on all platforms to buy in preparation for this future Add-on.
From everyone at Dovetail Games... Happy Holidays! We hope you all have a healthy, safe, and joy-filled time. We can’t wait for what’s in store in 2025.

 

Now we know why there was a WSR update!

 

Is this a joke?

 

Sadly not

 

Hahaha DTG with the ultimate troll- well played.

After the torches and pitchforks subside people will realize they can't turn down this partnership/money, but wow it really should be a separate title. It'll be a nice thing for kids.

What a letdown personally though, but i guess DTG got my attention all two weeks, which is all they care about right?

 

I they had abandoned steam?!

 

Only positive is steam is partially back otherwise I'm very disapointed.

 

In practical terms they are - they already supply sounds for a lot of stuff, and that's all AP themselves do for TSC (loco etc. development is contracted out).

 

Oh man, i'm not a steam head but i can't imagine this is what they had in mind lmao!!!

Sorry, but i think this might cause some literal anyeurisms around here

 

Don't think this was a "reveal" either as I'm sure it has been mentioned before. Thomas that is.

 

Weirdly the week 3 article hasn't be updated so maybe they are leading us on with the Thomas collab as a holiday season troll.

 

I won't be holding my breath.....

 

What a cop out i was excited to get a new route from a country not used yet and instead they reveal Thomas the flipping tank engine as big reveal what kick in the nuts.

 

I checked twice and today is not April 1st.

 

Wow they had the lot fooled.

I would have been more impressed with a Happy Holidays video.

Lol

 

They've stopped any steam development. They can still release content without changing the actual core code

 

LOL well I guess the steam part was right... blimey though, talk about a cash grab I guess it makes commercial sense, but if it is successful I imagine they'll have their hands full creating followups and we can forget about much in the way of more serious content from DTG in the future, the bean counters will be busy pushing the dev teams to get out "exciting" DLCs like James and the Tar Wagons, Henry's Tunnel and god knows what other guff. Sigh.

I feel a bit sad today.

 

At least it's not Michael Portillo again.

I was worried it might be Angela Merkal or Joe Biden on the box this year.

 

I do think its good that they have got Thomas into the sim as it can't be a bad thing. It will hopefully help them gain new players.

Personally it isn't anything to get excited about, I certainly didn't see this coming. Although I felt the Isle of Sodor would be an interesting subject for a train simulator.

Maybe the silver lining is that they might look at steam again or maybe they'll leave it as it is.