Now that many routes are allowing a lot of layers, I have noticed I am (downloading and installed) a lot of GB's just for layers, take Koln for example, I have nearly 20 GB of DLC downloaded just for layers, I generally only have (a) route or two installed that I am actively playing, and having to download an entire route just to add layers seems inefficient. I was thinking about a trimmed down version, just the rolling stock needed for layers, heck you could even sell the trimmed down version at a reduction for people who want layers on others routes, but aren't that interested in paying for the whole route. Just a thought.
I think they’re looking into a solution for this sort of thing, on account of PS5 mounting restrictions. Unfortunately though it doesn’t seem like separating assets in terms of user facing application will be one of those solutions. Personally I think there are 2 logical ways to do this. Option 1 would be to just include any new rolling stock into the game core, but it remains locked unless purchased. This is a pretty common way of handling content these days. The downside really is the base install of the game gets bigger, but we’re talking a couple hundred MB per train. Another potential benefit here though would be we finally get a centralised depot of rolling stock, devs can just go back & keep one model updated rather than filling the game with duplicate assets that have inconsistent feature sets. Option 2 would be to give users individual files for routes, 1 for the route & extras for the rolling stock.
Yeah I have a few old routes installed just for the layers or (AI) trains but I do not intent to play them unless they get a Remaster. The older routes usually had a much worse quality in general and if you consider that many new features are not available. But since I want to have some layers on the routes I do play I am forced to waste space because I am forced to install the whole routes instead of just the rolling stock
What they'd be better off doing is for all routes released before TSW3 what they did with all routes released before and after it: detach loco DLCs from their home routes.
Whole file structure needs a revamp really, with a common library where the same assets are used across several routes. Otherwise it’s as bad as MSTS was where every route had it’s own install including copying over default Kuju items used into every one.
Everyone wants more and more of everything, it seems. DTG and its 3P's can't churn it out fast enough. Yet we all know that bloat is our worst enemy, especially if you play on console or have an older PC. Personally I think the memory problem and its various manifestations such as blur, pop-in and other texture issues, not to mention add on loading limits on PS5 will only get worse, especially as we see DTG desperately trying to get ahead of the problem; and so far, it seems, largely failing. I have a middling PC, but one that ran the game well until fairly recently. But now, newer routes and the remasters with all the accompanying layers, are revealing weaknesses in my system (or poor game optimization ) and I fear that, without a serious ( and expensive ) upgrade, I won't be able to enjoy TSW like I have always been able to.
I find the layering option very confusing as there is multiple choices for stock to choose from. When there’s like 5-6 trains on the Riviera that you’ll see, but there’s 50+ choices for layers, you have to ask yourself what’s most important and what isn’t? As a console player I’m always looking to free up some memory for extra FPS.
The whole layering system is f*cked-up for many reasons: New routes do need very old routes only to get some needed trains (Rapid Transit for Leipzig - Dresden for example) You need to buy complete routes, just for one train to layer, even if you're not interested in the route Substitutions only work if you have the original layered train (missing the 363 from RSN, newer 363's don't layer) Trains from newer routes don't layer on older ones, unless they made a new timetable Solutions to avoid this mess: Included more trains with a route, like the BR 1442 with Leipzig - Dresden Make trains from routes also available as separate train DLC, so people can also choose to buy only a train instead of needing a complete route Split routes and trains in separate files, on this way you can also sell a bundle of route and trains or just the trains Make older train DLC compatible with newer routes, without needing the original route When one of the substitutions is available but not the original train, enable this substitution in the timetable In the past I bought some DLC routes (in a sale), just for the layers on other routes, but it also happened I didn't buy a route because I didn't own multiple layers for it. In the last case, the route would become very empty without the layers, so choose to not buy it, so just a lost sale for DTG. Old routes are still full price and to expensive for just using it as a layer, so a permanent lowered price would be better. But for me, the best solution would be if they just include more trains with the route, the BR 185 and Class 166 are also included a 1000 times, so why can't this with other older trains?
The DTG TSW model is broken. Layers bloat hard drives. I want to be able to play this game without constant uninstalling or re-installing. The amount of routes I have to keep installed - routes I don't want to play - just because it has a layer which is useful somewhere else.
Yes pure rolling stock discounted dlc that worked just for layers could be a thing. Worth them doing it I should think especially for console players.
I fully agree with this whole thread. That said, everyone who makes their living from TSW is probably quite happy with the fact that you need to buy multiple routes to get all the layers. From a business perspective, it’s a very effective model—it’s a feature, not a bug. I honestly don’t see anyone at Focus Entertainment or Dovetail Games being particularly eager to change that anytime soon.
I agree. The GWE remaster was 'free' but wonder how much old DLC like Island Line etc they managed to flog to people who wanted the new layers?
Well, with the blurry texture thing, this whole business model is collapsing, at least on console. To run a route without blurry textures, DTG advises to disable layers, so why would you buy older routes for layers when you can't use them or buy those incomplete newer routes because you can't use layers? Because of this, I only bought the TSW5 base game for EUR 8,99 plus one TSW5 DLC and I don't own any of the TSW6 routes. Both GWE and SKA remasters gives blurry textures, so also those can't be used at full potential.
That only removes the need to buy a route to allow a loco DLC to work elsewhere but does nothing to the requirements for the majority of layers which use trains from other routes, not loco DLC. It wouldn’t solve the problem.
There are still loco DLCs attached to specific routes. Routes such as TVL I don't peruse anymore (and haven't in a while) but I need it if I want to use the Class 31.
The layering system is a good idea but designed very poorly. And it’s too late to fix now it seems like. As you pointed out, you could be playing one route as a focus but because of the layer system you need 100-200gb install just to get all the layers. Not to mention this is apparently what’s causing lots of memory issues in the game. What really would have been a no brainer is to just install all rolling stock in the base game, and make the DLC installs scenery only. They could have “locked” trains you don’t own but at least include them in the game so they can populate other routes without having the “home” route installed. That also wouldn’t have solved the unnecessary duplication of trains a coaches that are identical but with different bugs and issues that multiply the amount to work to fix (cough Class 66). But yeah, too late to solve now. This game is like a Jenga where the longer it grows the more precarious it gets to the point where it barely works on some platforms now. I have my toe in the TSW world just to keep an eye on what’s going on and if it will be fixed but I’ve barely touched it in months. The core issues and memory problems have ruined it on 9th gen console. PC if you’ve got a massive ram pool maybe a different story. I’d almost consider finally going to PC but the idea of buying all the DLC again to get layers on a new platform is not happening.
