Big Problem With Dtg Releasing Cycle

(little rant)
Their games haven't been good in the past 2 YEARS due to the weird choice of releasing their games in 1 year gap which means their game is rushed. I'll bet that the TSW6 is coming next year and will be the same as tsw5 with minor differences and more bugs. They should break the 1 year cycle and put their effort and some TIME into their game.
Hell the tsw4 and 5 should have been an update for tsw3 and not a goddamn game with bugs. EVEN their routes are rushed i mean take the WCML for example. look how RUSHED it was and the mediocre revoked LNWR licence.

i am worried if this is continuing. this will end badly for TSW franchise and DTG if this is going on and eventually the TSW franchise dies and DTG is going downhill and hits the rock bottom

 

im just saying so DTG can make their games better. you never know their full potential

 

This is so very true, it's a shame what we've seen as well. TSW 2 was such a leap for it's time there's a few issue's especially some trains' not calling at all of the stations on the line near Gatwick.

It feels like we've progressed slowly over time but does it need a new game title? Not particularly
We need Live platform announcements, Enhanced AI to put the AI traffic/AI Trains to alternative platforms. More detailed branding around stations Bakerloo line looked great however, there's no tfl maps' on the WCML even at bakerloo line stations'. Loosing the branding, ultimately it makes it less immersive. The timetable has been quite poorly lately with not quality checking the game prior before release with PIS on opposite sides, on the bakerloo & overground lines' it just shocks me. How these bad practices are just able to get through and through.

To be honest DTG have got a monopoly in the market right now for Train simulators' in general but once a new competitor comes say if Microsoft ever tried creating a Train simulator like before in the past. I'm sure it'll push DTG to come out with new content that'l be very well polished off because of over competitors in the market. They know who their clientel is, with this being said it almost feels like we've been taking advantage of. I was happy with the WCML however it should've been extended for more gameplay for the 390 possibly at Rugby and the 350 can use the Northampton loop, waiting much longer for the release would've been quite fun to play. I don't really play the WCML at the moment because of the sheer lack of timetable services south of watford is quite a mess.

But even when the main release was for TSW5 they didn't stream because of staff illness but usually when they showcase their game especially on the release day they would usually 3-4 people on stream. I think possibly with all the issues' that we had such as DLC issues' glitches & bugs. Sadly I think they bailed on the stream.

Sorry DTG I love you guys but I wish you take pride of what you make because you'll never see your own potential if you're not particularly patient with quality checks. If DTG understood the issues' and addressed them publicly with solutions or alternatives in place. Rather then just saying fixed a bug or some lighting, give us some light on what issues' are they tackling and what's' the solution.

TSW6 when it does come out, after the TSW5 I will wait in the future. As it was a big marketing hype and it was probably well loved in the whole production of it all. Ultimately I've come to the conclusion to wait as all we've been receiving a half-built game since TSW3 which is a shame. ugh rant over my bad lol

 

EXACTLY

 

I just find it annoying how DTG is incredibly slow to bring in more Trains to fill the game. The amount of times they've reused the Dosto is pure insanity, considering they're very capable of actually making new Rolling stock.

Oh and God knows when they'll be getting around to making trains the community actually asks for quite often. It took more than a year to get the IC Steuerwagen... and it wasn't even given to those who initially bought the original BR101 DLC.

Don't forget the curse of the Class 66, I know that the UK doesn't have that many freight locomotives...but come on, it's become meme level atp.
Kinzigtalbahn was pretty good, but I feel it'll be a one hit wonder followed by maybe 5 mediocre routes through this cycle.
It's kinda no longer fun to look forward to routes, because I know more or less I'll be disappointed.

Genuinely, the only thing I'm looking forward to is what people on thr PC Editor are making. Because there at least we will get things that were requested by the community more often.

 

and db br 146.2

 

For my sake, can you please clarify if this post is aimed as a mini-petition to change the yearly release, or if this post is open to debate about the validity of the yearly release?

I struggle with context over text sometimes, and sometimes people are looking for a debate, and sometimes they aren't. Both options are fine with me. Just want to make sure I have perceived it correctly.

 

its a both or smth

 

I agree the yearly release is getting tiring. Downloading the game and all dlc again, going thru all the settings and fine tuning everything, reinstalling all the mods and the numerous bugs that come with release isn't ideal.

Tsc gets renewed yearly, there's been some core changes and you don't have to download everything again with that.

Obviously tsw and tsc use different engines so I can't say it can be the same, but it should be.

I play other titles where new features and updates come as a update.
On the other hand I play msfs and we all know how updates go for that. Maybe dtg don't want to go down the same road.

 

In which case, I'll take the opposition.

Previously, the only issue I had with the yearly release was that bugfixes were locked behind a paywall. Now that the Free Starter Pack has fixed this, I don't really have too much of an issue with it. DTG explained that having a yearly release helps bring in new players in such a way that marketing an old game can't. I am part of the issue. If the Bakerloo Line had come as a route DLC to TSW2020, I probably wouldn't have noticed, since I would have had to buy TSW2020, then buy the Bakerloo Line. However, since it came out as a core route in TSW2, I've ended up here!

It is likely that some of the features announced in a yearly release have been in development for quite a substantial amount of time (conductor mode has probably been in development since TSW3, considering the fact that it is on Birmingham Cross City and a scenario on the Glossop Line).

Would I prefer a yearly core update? Maybe. The only issue I have with the yearly release is the fact that everything has to be redownloaded, which may be an issue for those on metered connections, but if the core update was a sweeping change to the core that required a complete re-download anyway, then there shouldn't be any harm in increasing the number.

Furthermore, would removing the yearly release actually change anything? Rush Hour broke the sounds of the Preserved Collection, so the Vigilance alarm doesn't loop properly on some trains on PC. Perhaps the issue is not in the yearly release. Perhaps the yearly release is what allowed Train Sim World to become as big as it is...

 

I'm afraid I don't. What happens during an update?

 

I've already made the switch to Simrail and am enjoying myself with it immensely. I know Im a sample size of one, but I just bought the Simrail cargo pack dlc. That's cash DTG could have had but didn't because of their shoddy product release and abandon cycle.
It shows DTG don't necessarily have a monopoly and I see on the Simrail forums an increasing number of former TSW players. That should have DTG at least mildly concerned.
I now have no hope left of any future change of direction from DTG. We're on an annual re-release cycle with a proven track record of an exploitative sales strategy. My presence here on the forum which has been vocal at times as I've tried to press for change, is now winding down. There seems little point engaging any more in what is clearly a one sided conversation.
In short, I've had enough. A break won't cut it, because I'll just be coming back to the same sorry mess in a year's time with TSW6, just as I did when I resurfaced 6 months after the launch of TSW4, itself beset with almost the exact same issues impacting this years iteration.
I'm just glad I stuck with TSW3 and didn't spend too much on the franchise. Prudence well exercised in my view.

 

I can only speak from my experience, but Microsoft have consistently released free updates over its life cycle, and when the updates land, I update it and... it updates successfully.

Not sure what the issue is for anyone else.

 

Yeah, I thought as much.

 

Other than redowloading the content, what's actually the problem behind that, especially if tsw 5 was a free core upgrade?
Also the new core features (route map, fast travel, route hopping etc) work quite well. Frankfurt Fulda is one of DTGs best German routes. So I don't really get what the actual problem is with them rereleasing it?

 

The annual release cycle is an officially stated business roadmap. You want to change it, become a shareholder and vote.

You could just do like I do with Windows - skip versions. So you'd play TSW4, skip 5 and upgrade to TSW6 for example.

 

And I think that's the major difference this year: it was free. With some improvements. Not massive ones, but some, and not bad ones. Bugs and issues are the same as usual anyway, which they do need to assign resources to, but... it was free. Unless you actually wanted new routes. And if you didn't, you still got a couple of new things like the map.

So long as they release the inevitable TSW6 free next year, you can simply look at it just as a free update rather than a new game (because it is an update). I only complained when they fixed things like save game then made me pay for it under the guise of a new game. That is no longer the case – not this year.

 

You don't play msfs? Every time there's been a big update, it's caused major issues, downloads getting stuck in a loop for days and the game being unplayable. Having to delete the game and re download it etc...

 

What platform do you have it on? I've never had issues, so it isn't universal and more on the download platform side. Mine is on Steam.

 

No, in fact, I play Real Flight Simulator on my phone (because it was free).

 

MSFS? Nope - X-Plane addict here

 

Pc xbox app. But I believe its part of steam, well part of it is in the steam library anyway.
I dredd it, everytime I start the game and it says mandatory update required.

 

No, they shouldn't be connected. The Xbox app is a Microsoft store, and Steam is owned by Valve. A bit strange you have just part of it in Steam. The different stores aren't usually compatible. Except you can add a non-Steam game to the Steam library, but then it only acts as a launcher...

 

It's strange mate, even when I put it on a dedicated HD with nothing else on it. It creates a steam apps/common folder, I thought it was just an old folder and deleted it but msfs stopped working. Re installed msfs and the steam folder was back again.

It's a good sim, when it's working its great fun, just the last few updates have completely broken it.
I'm not the only one, when I have gone on the msfs forums for help, there's been a lot of players experiencing the same issues.

 

It is strange, isn't it? Some people have issues downloading updates on Microsoft Flight Simulator, others don't. Some people have issues downloading updates on Train Sim World, others don't...

 

Weird. Thankfully I'm one of the people who doesn't have issues with either.

I just jinxed it, didn't I?

 

I've never had a issue with downloading tsw, any version. Downloading the game again every year isn't ideal, but it could be worse.
I guess if I ever had a problem downloading a new version of tsw I can still play the old version. With msfs it's a mandatory thing, with no option to revert to a older version.

 

those with consoles have a very fatal problem. its the Microsoft add-on problem

 

oh ive heard of x-plane but im more of MSFS

 

As the new route map causes insane FPS drop if you leave it zoomed and then close, I wouldn't classify it as 'work quite well'.

Frankfurt Fulda is great, but is still plagued with lots of signalling issues, weird stopping points, BR114 is a mess, the combined consists are not working properly (no brakes), and the Flixtrain was obviously rushed, as even the brake indicators on wagons are not alligned properly...
Oh, and there is also the slight issue that passengers stop spawning after a while, on that route only....

And tbh, it's not really that there are issues, but that there is very little communication about what issues are actually acknowledged, replicated, and will be fixed. Going by DTG history..very little to none of actuall issues will be fixed.

But that's imho very little to do with annual release, and would still be the case even without annual releases... Because this is more about company culture, and how it operates, and not about what label the new DLCs will get. And if you visit the TSW reddit, you will notice that the annual releases really work in attracting new players, as there hasn't been an influx of 'I'm new to TSW' topics since, well, TSW 4... And also the free version is great for trying out the game, and imho should be kept indefinitely.

 

I’m waiting for the rebrand of TSW. I think the game’s going to be called Train Sim German at this point.

 

Last time I counted, there were more uk dlc than German dlc

 

German will soon overtake UK content on that position going by the amount of praise German content receives, and how little UK content does (not including Just Trains routes).

 

They should change name to Passenger Train Sim since freight takes a back seat in all areas ..too much emphasis on passenger content I have become burnt out with passenger content

 

PC modders have saved this game. Unfortunately it's made DTG lazy, so instead of putting the 700 on BML they leave it to modders to do instead, making up some weird excuse instead, same with passenger services on Oakville - leave it to a modder. I dare say it will be the same with the 710 timetable on WCMLS as well. Fine for us pc users, but what about console players who are being short changed? Then they drop steam and US freight like a hot stone with more excuses. The routes get shorter with less content whilst the price goes up. I'm not interested in gimmicks such as working lifts, escalators or even running around a station finding weird stuff, I just want t good solid train simulation game like TSC.

 

If you want everything just like TSC, surely you just play TSC, then you don't need to get the red mist over TSW and your get what you feel is your money's worth.........

 

Now there's a editor available for tsw, it will get better. It's going to take a while though. Just look at tsc, some of the best content available is developed by third parties. I've seen a couple of good projects that dtg have stepped in to make available as official releases. Its definitely heading in the right direction.

 

No red mist fanboy just constructive criticism, or don't you want the best possible TSW for everybody for some reason?

 

Do you just call people fanboys when you disagree with then? He's got a valid point.

If you're looking for something like TSC, then why not just play TSC?

 

im tired of hearing about mods ..consoles cant do modding and on PC im tired of hearing the mods etc stuff we all pay near the same prices for tsw and other train sim games if there can be improvements to a game or content it needs to be available to everyone maybe game co s need to work more with modders to improve content for everyone...its totaly unfair that improvements are avail to modders only ..and not everyone .

 

So I should give up on TSW and go back to TSC rather than try and get TSW improved? That's a very strange take on the situation. You might accept mediocrity but many of us don't.
Obviously you don't like steam, US freight, longer routes for fast trains, proper timetables, bugs from years ago not being fixed, rushed releases etc. If you're ok with all that and then yes you must be a fanboy.

 

Given the target audience of gaming console owners, it is correct to call TSW a game.
DTG takes more pride in collectibles, XP points, scores and ranks, instead of high fidelity simulation of passenger or freight transport on rails.
Notice how the gaming elements get high priority treatment when they are bugged on release, since those thumbstick warriors are first to notice, while the more subtle simulation elements get low priority or aren't updated at all when the next DLC is put into the shop window.

 

Never said that, but TSW is not, and never will be, like TSC. Apart from a few similarities, they are completely different.

And I don't accept mediocrity, it just so happens that I am satisfied with what I get from TSW, maybe you ought to understand that people can be.

I can and have been critical of TSW, but for the most part it fulfils what I want.

 

Well nobody said it didn't fulfill what you want did they? You just jumped on me saying I should go play TSC instead!

As for TSC and TSW being different I think you are splitting hairs there. They are both from the same company, in many cases same third party devs, many of the TSC routes have been ported across to TSW, they are both train simulators largely focusing on UK, US and Germany, you score medals and points etc. - get my drift? Of course they are very similar games.

I like TSW and want it to be the best it possibly can. I enjoy the more modern graphics and moving around the cab and connecting trains, switching points etc. But I think any balanced individual would say that it is nowhere near as good as it could be in it's current condition unless you have very low standards of what is acceptable for the RRP. I think DTG would even admit to that themselves after WCMLS. They welcome constructive criticism unlike some on here who seem to be averse to it for some very strange reason, yet benefit from it entirely when those fixes arrive.

 

I play 3 train sims right now TSC 2024 Trainz 19 22 and TSW I love all 3,, none of them are perfect ..All i expect is that each game puts out effort to be as good as can be with what they have to work with..deliver a wide variety of routes and content ..

 

Again, never said that. I just said you might as well play TSC if you're after something like it. Because there isn't anything like it. TSW is similar, but not the same. That's an opinion I'm allowed to have.

They ARE different. The only similarities are they are train simulators that were made by the same company. That's it, doesn't make them the same. There may be a little crossover between the two, but they are functionally two completely different games. You can even tell they are different by TSW having a timetable mode that TSC doesn't have.

They even have different audiences. Some aren't interested in TSW, some aren't interested in TSC. Then you've got those who are interested in both.

 

TSC is not restricted to the few countries and locos as TSW, as 3rd parties were allowed to distribute on their own right from the start. It came with the full developer toolset, editor and file converters. The tools are relatively easy to learn. There's no "inaccessible areas", so there's actually more "World" to it in every respect. From a modelling point of view, there's no big improvements, just TSW makes use of better reflective shaders provided by UE. TSC has models that are equally detailed as TSW, and better scenery assets in places, better AO baking etc if you take its best routes.

But DTG are repeating the same mistakes, releasing bug infested locos, and the same loss of knowledge can be seen here. Permanently reinventing the wheel it seems. A working 143, but a broken 114.

 

I definitely ain't no fanboy as you seem to like calling people, in fact I couldn't care less if the franchise died tomorrow and was never seen again, it's simply a product from a company I bought because I wanted it, millions of other ways to get my enjoyment out of railway products, be it games, books, videos or travelling to real places on the train.........

 

What a shockingly baseless take.

You honestly believe the sole reason action points, collectibles, etc. are all present in TSW because of console players? Some of us care immensely for highly realistic simulation elements that the “sim” is currently lacking. While there are indeed players that somehow get excited over things like plushies sitting in the cab with you, collectibles that have nothing to do with trains or railways whatsoever, pointless references, and so on, I don’t think it’s fair to say it’s only console players. We just want the game to run and run smoothly.

You also make it seem as if DTG favors console players over PC players when there is literally no basis to support that statement. You blame console players for something that is simply out of our control while simultaneously having the benefit of mods when something in the game is inadequate. We have no choice but to deal with it.

And I’m sorry to say DTG could not be more uninterested in fixing bugs regardless of which platform they get reported from and how much. PC or console. That fact is made exceedingly evident when taking into account the action (or inaction) given to bug “fixes” in the past.

You can’t blame anyone for DTG’s failures but DTG. Seriously, it is now near the end of 2024 and still the PC elitism is stronger than ever…

 

Hey, and here's a revelation that might blow some minds: I play on PC and consoles; I use simulators, play arcade games, solve mind-bending puzzlers, escape into RPGs – you name it.

I bounce around and collect coins in Mario, learn the navigation methods and avionics of Flight Simulator; I've explored strategies in games from Settlers to Civilization and Anno 1800, and blasted through asteroids in Super Stardust.

I read everything from Terry Pratchett to Baudelaire, to Pauli's exclusion principle and Chandrasekhar's equation (okay, I can't say I ever wrapped my head around that last one – back to my simpleton button-mashing arcade games, I guess).

Let's not put people in boxes.