Zwolle - Groningen Q & A Thread

Hi folks, just on release times today:

• Consoles (Xbox, PlayStation) - Out Now!
• Epic Games - 16:00pm UTC
• Steam - 17:00pm UTC

Hope this helps

 

Hey folks, I know there's a discussion going on on this thread, but I'll be locking it down now as I have the answers to the questions from over the weekend. If you'd like to continue your discussion, please feel free to do so on the other Zwolle threads - it's just that we usually lock Q+A down after answering anyway.


Can we enter the compartment where the doorloopkop used to be on the ICMm?
No. This is the newer version of the Koploper, so you’re unable to enter the compartment.

Is the destination display control near the bottom of the cab stairs usable on the ICMm?
No.

Can we make 4-car versions of the ICMm and SNG in formation designer?
Wouldn’t be able to make an official one as we haven’t made the missing coach.

Is the Van Hallbrug bridge in Groningen in the playable area, and will it open and close?
Yes, and you are able to reach it but it does not open and close and will end the session if you attempt to drive over it.

What is the rationale for charging more than the standard price for this route?
It is an entirely new country with new licensing and locos and a longer route. This, along with pre-order discounts, is something we assess on a route-by-route (or loco) basis.

Will this route feature the railecho/railsinging similar to Mildmay Line?
No, we did speak to the audio team but it doesn’t work properly and would need full reimplementation.

Will the Vectron get the ATB update on release or at a later patch?
Later patch, as soon as we’re able to.

Is there neutral section simulation?
No.

Are the sound sets for both trains authentic? How were they sourced?
They are authentic. NS gave us access to the two locos for two days each so we could get sound recordings. Matt explains further here.

Will there be a manual?
We have information on the ATB Safety System here: Spoorlijn Zwolle – Groningen: ATB Safety System.

What did the devs enjoy about putting together this route, besides it being a new country?
Answered much better than I could type it here during the stream!

It was talked about how NS had quite a big role in the releasing of this route. What exactly did they do to make this route even better than without their help?
Having access to the trains is incredibly important and they were essential to help with this, especially in terms of microphone setup for realistic sounds. Matt explains further here.

How many services does the G6 have?
3.

Will there be Dutch station announcements? If not, what's the reasoning behind this?
None of our routes include train announcements, including this one. It’s something we’d like in future, but it’s more complicated to implement.

Are there English subtitles available?
Yes, over the buttons when hovering.

Can we be assured that this project has been given sufficient testing and QA to ensure a quality product prior to release?
This has been tested by QA and we also received early feedback from ambassadors and testers.

Are we likely to see further Dutch routes, something taking in Rotterdam, Amsterdam or even a retro route out to Hoek Van Holland to feature the International trains that used to operate there?
This is something we’d like to look at in future depending on feedback for this route. Both positive and constructive feedback is encouraged.

Can you sound the horn on both trains, as the trailer video only showed one tone of what should be a two-tone horn for the ICMm?
There is a two-tone horn on the ICMm in game. It is timestamped on the stream, but it was recorded directly from the trains.

Do you expect this route to be popular with non-Dutch players, or are you mainly aiming at Dutch customers?
There has been a lot of interest from Dutch players, but also German and UK players too!

What year is the route surveyed/set in?
2023/2024

Are both staging areas south of Zwolle and Groningen included?
Matt demonstrates the areas here.

Was the little shuttle line from Zwolle to Kampen considered to be modelled but cut from the final version?
It wasn't considered/didn't come up in conversation.

What other DLC will layer into the timetable for this route?
I'm so glad I don't have to read these out on stream again because I think I butchered the pronunciations:
o DB G6 Shunter loco Add-on
o Dresden-Riesa
o Frankfurt-Fulda
o BR 155 loco Add-on
o Ruhr Sieg Nord
o Rhein-Ruhr Osten

How many timetable services can we expect for this DLC?
339 playable services with all relevant layers.

Why is there a sudden rush of new releases?
Not related directly to Zwolle, but over the course of the year projects get given more time to get them into release and March had a lot of overlapping projects as a result of this.