Great news from SCS Software presenting ,,California Rework - The Golden State #1, #2, #3, #4" from the upcoming update 1.50 for American Truck Simulator game.
Today we're happy to share with you the final blog on Phase 3 of the California Rework project, which we are excited to announce will come to American Truck Simulator players in the upcoming 1.50 update! Previously we shared with you a variety of different topics here on our blog, which if you missed you can take a read here. So without further ado, let's delve into what the team has been up to!
Welcome to San Francisco, arguably one of the most famous cities on the West Coast, and the second-most densely populated major city in the USA. We are excited to present to you a look into the work undertaken in and around San Fran, and what changes you can expect to see around the area from a truck driver's perspective. We spoke with Patrik S, who was one of the main driving forces behind the rework of San Francisco about the process behind it all.
"We decided to take a different approach from the other cities we had worked on. Instead of removing the whole area and starting from scratch, we decided to revamp his original creation and bring it up to the quality standard we hold today" Patrik tells us, "We made layout updates that match our current standards, including updates to the surroundings such as material switches, newer models and more. We also took the time to correct a few things that were not possible in the past due to technical limitations. This includes things like view distance limitations from areas such as the Golden Gate Bridge and other parts of the Bay Area"
"We updated but kept the iconic waterfront of San Francisco, as well as the famous steep streets and even added new trams that extend to new areas of the map. The road network has been reworked to give them a modern and more realistic look, and we updated all the road signage with thanks to our Australian colleague, Nathan. However one change you may notice is that a majority of the steep streets have become "secret roads", so that we could keep famous roads such as Lombard Street in-game, whilst not forcing the player to drive where trucks usually don't drive."
"We also added a new junction at the west end of Bay Bridge, that includes a ramp from the bridge which takes drivers downtown which we are sure players will love. This will be first time in American Truck Simulator that players will experience driving between towering skyscrapers! For the iconic Skyline you'll see from different points around the area, we used some of my own reference pictures to make a panorama model which can be viewed from a distance".
As you can see, the rework team has really gone above and beyond when updating this area. To give you a taste of what is to come, we've highlighted a couple of areas which you'll be able to experience in the 1.50 update for ATS.
Golden Gate Bridge
Would it even be San Francisco without the world famous Golden Gate Bridge? Our rework team has completely re-made this model from scratch to best represent the current state, look and layout of the iconic landmark. You'll find that it now includes the arch at the south end, as well as the option to drive under the bridge to see the Fort, if you do find the way.
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When the team began working on this area, they first looked at how they would approach it. "We all agreed that San Fran holds a special place in our hearts, and that really did like the original version which exists in our current base map" Patrik goes on to explain, — "Created originally by Milan Vavron who we nicknamed the "Father" of ATS maps — he was the very person to work on the map after Pavel approved the ATS project; we wanted to choose a different approach to keep the charm and details he created there". However after Patrik visited the city back in 2019, and a research trip was conducted more recently, the team came to a decision together on how to tackle the area.
When you enter the Bridge, you'll approach a completely new tollgate which has been custom built, so it is no longer one large prefab as it was previously. We also decided to remove the artificial fog that permanently surrounded the bridge, and replaced it with an updated system that can generate fog with our weather system. So depending on the time, the day or the weather, the view could be different!
We are happy to give the love that this wonder of the modern world an overhaul and a fresh update for all drivers to enjoy.
Pier 39Pier 39, where San Fran meets the Bay to Play. This iconic waterfront area is a popular attraction for residents and visitors alike. Our team which focused on reworking this area made quite a few changes to accommodate truckers and to add in more details. The first being the truck garage which has now been moved from behind Pier 39 to a more suitable location.
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We upgraded the model of the pier significantly, as well as reworking the roads in the surrounding area to better match its real life counterpart. It also serves as a great location for our new expanded Tram network to make a 'U-Turn', which is where the real thing does too!
You may even be able to spot some of the local residents of Pier 39, who reside there for a majority of the year. We're of course talking about the Sea Lions! Be sure to use your ears to navigate towards them, if you'd like to see them. We are excited for you to check out this famous area for yourself, whilst out on delivery or during your free-roam time.
As you'll have the opportunity to explore the third phase of the California Rework project in the upcoming free 1.50 update, we've also crafted a brief video trailer highlighting the beautiful transformation California has undergone in recent months. We hope this preview ignites your excitement for what lies ahead!
We look forward to the time when you'll be able to explore this fantastic city for yourself, which will come as a free update to all owners of American Truck Simulator in the 1.50 update. Whilst we're still working hard to bring it all together, be sure to share your thoughts and comments with us on our social media channels, as our team would love to hear how much you love the changes. We hope you enjoyed reading, and we look forward to bringing you more development news in the near future. Until then, keep on truckin'!
"We updated but kept the iconic waterfront of San Francisco, as well as the famous steep streets and even added new trams that extend to new areas of the map. The road network has been reworked to give them a modern and more realistic look, and we updated all the road signage with thanks to our Australian colleague, Nathan. However one change you may notice is that a majority of the steep streets have become "secret roads", so that we could keep famous roads such as Lombard Street in-game, whilst not forcing the player to drive where trucks usually don't drive."
"We also added a new junction at the west end of Bay Bridge, that includes a ramp from the bridge which takes drivers downtown which we are sure players will love. This will be first time in American Truck Simulator that players will experience driving between towering skyscrapers! For the iconic Skyline you'll see from different points around the area, we used some of my own reference pictures to make a panorama model which can be viewed from a distance".
As you can see, the rework team has really gone above and beyond when updating this area. To give you a taste of what is to come, we've highlighted a couple of areas which you'll be able to experience in the 1.50 update for ATS.
Golden Gate Bridge
Would it even be San Francisco without the world famous Golden Gate Bridge? Our rework team has completely re-made this model from scratch to best represent the current state, look and layout of the iconic landmark. You'll find that it now includes the arch at the south end, as well as the option to drive under the bridge to see the Fort, if you do find the way.
When the team began working on this area, they first looked at how they would approach it. "We all agreed that San Fran holds a special place in our hearts, and that really did like the original version which exists in our current base map" Patrik goes on to explain, — "Created originally by Milan Vavron who we nicknamed the "Father" of ATS maps — he was the very person to work on the map after Pavel approved the ATS project; we wanted to choose a different approach to keep the charm and details he created there". However after Patrik visited the city back in 2019, and a research trip was conducted more recently, the team came to a decision together on how to tackle the area.
When you enter the Bridge, you'll approach a completely new tollgate which has been custom built, so it is no longer one large prefab as it was previously. We also decided to remove the artificial fog that permanently surrounded the bridge, and replaced it with an updated system that can generate fog with our weather system. So depending on the time, the day or the weather, the view could be different!
We are happy to give the love that this wonder of the modern world an overhaul and a fresh update for all drivers to enjoy.
Pier 39Pier 39, where San Fran meets the Bay to Play. This iconic waterfront area is a popular attraction for residents and visitors alike. Our team which focused on reworking this area made quite a few changes to accommodate truckers and to add in more details. The first being the truck garage which has now been moved from behind Pier 39 to a more suitable location.
We upgraded the model of the pier significantly, as well as reworking the roads in the surrounding area to better match its real life counterpart. It also serves as a great location for our new expanded Tram network to make a 'U-Turn', which is where the real thing does too!
You may even be able to spot some of the local residents of Pier 39, who reside there for a majority of the year. We're of course talking about the Sea Lions! Be sure to use your ears to navigate towards them, if you'd like to see them. We are excited for you to check out this famous area for yourself, whilst out on delivery or during your free-roam time.
As you'll have the opportunity to explore the third phase of the California Rework project in the upcoming free 1.50 update, we've also crafted a brief video trailer highlighting the beautiful transformation California has undergone in recent months. We hope this preview ignites your excitement for what lies ahead!
We look forward to the time when you'll be able to explore this fantastic city for yourself, which will come as a free update to all owners of American Truck Simulator in the 1.50 update. Whilst we're still working hard to bring it all together, be sure to share your thoughts and comments with us on our social media channels, as our team would love to hear how much you love the changes. We hope you enjoyed reading, and we look forward to bringing you more development news in the near future. Until then, keep on truckin'!
Today, we're happy to share with you an update on Phase 3 of the California Rework, and what the team has been working on recently. This blog serves as a part 2 on 'The Golden State', so we recommend taking a read of that blog, if you haven't already!
Focusing mainly on the western part of the state, the team has been hard at work reworking the layout of existing road networks by taking advantage of the space created by the rescale after the release of American Truck Simulator. This means we've been able to utilize more of the map to create more road networks, expand city sizes, introduce new industries in the area, and ultimately, bring the quality of the state up to date with our current DLC quality standards.
Today we are happy to be celebrating American Truck Simulator's 8th Anniversary! Since its release in 2016, we've come a long way in providing so much new content and so many free updates. One such project we've been continually working on is our California Rework, which sees the one of the first U.S. states to be released with our base game, being rebuilt from the ground up by our talented team and brought upto todays map quality standard. Once complete, it will be released as a free update for all current and future owners of American Truck Simulator.
This blog serves as a part 3 on 'The Golden State', so we recommend taking a read of our previous Part 1 and Part 2 blogs, if you haven't already!
CA-1
Our team has been continuing their work on the legendary CA-1/US-1 Coastline Scenic Route, which is being reworked completely from the ground up. This time, the team is focusing their efforts recreating the highway between Santa Cruz and San Luis Obispo. Along this part of the CA-1, you will pass through famous coastline areas such as Big Sur, San Carpoforo Creek and Willow Creek.
As you may know, this highway is incredibly scenic and will feature many bridges and creeks which lead onto the beautiful California coastline. It is a must-drive for any American road-tripper.. or trucker!
I-5
We've also been working on part of the I-5, running between the south of Huron to Bakersfield. Along this route you'll find a mix of scenic landscapes, landmarks, and points of interest, making it a notable route for travellers. This segment of I-5 also traverses the San Joaquin Valley, which is also known for its agricultural richness and diverse scenery.
You'll be sure to find scenic landscapes and a typical Californian climate environment when travelling on this part of the Interstate!
US-99
The historic US-99, also known as the Golden State Highway, is also another route our team has been focusing on during this phase of the rework. Meandering through a diverse California landscape, the US-99 showcases the state's natural beauty. The highway will also take you past charming towns and cities, each with its unique character and landmarks.
The route also offers glimpses of California's cultural and agricultural heritage, making it a delightful journey for those seeking the state's nostalgic charm.
Can you guess where these were taken?
The team has been kind enough to provide us with quite a few images from their progress of reworking California. So we decided it would be fun for you to guess the location of these screenshots!
Think you know? Share the answers with us in the blog comments below! We look forward to sharing more of the work taking place in this phase of our the California Rework for American Truck Simulator. Until then, keep on truckin'
The team's focus recently has been on reworking the legendary CA-1/US-1 Coastline Scenic Route, one of the most iconic in the states. Specifically, the work has been taking place between the San Francisco and Santa Cruz section of the highway, which has been reworked with new assets and a new layout, built from ground up using the newer scale to allow for more details and accuracy.
What makes CA-1 attractive for drivers is the unparalleled beauty of its natural surroundings. As drivers make their way along the highway, they are treated to awe-inspiring vistas of the Pacific Ocean on one side and lush, rugged coastal cliffs on the other. The road winds its way through rolling hills, towering redwood forests, and charming coastal communities. Our teams have paid particular attention to recreating these same views and areas in the rework.
Working just as hard as our team to rework California is a virtual in-game team who ensures the road is maintained! Be sure to keep your eyes peeled as you don't know where they'll pop up next.
We look forward to sharing more of the work taking place in this phase of our the California Rework for American Truck Simulator. Be sure to check out our previous articles if you missed them! Until then, keep on truckin'
What makes CA-1 attractive for drivers is the unparalleled beauty of its natural surroundings. As drivers make their way along the highway, they are treated to awe-inspiring vistas of the Pacific Ocean on one side and lush, rugged coastal cliffs on the other. The road winds its way through rolling hills, towering redwood forests, and charming coastal communities. Our teams have paid particular attention to recreating these same views and areas in the rework.
Working just as hard as our team to rework California is a virtual in-game team who ensures the road is maintained! Be sure to keep your eyes peeled as you don't know where they'll pop up next.
We look forward to sharing more of the work taking place in this phase of our the California Rework for American Truck Simulator. Be sure to check out our previous articles if you missed them! Until then, keep on truckin'
A couple of months ago we officially announced phase 3 of our ongoing California Rework project and we are really excited to bring you some more news today. Focused mainly on the eastern part of the state, check out the screenshots and information below on what changes you can experience once this phase will be fully ready for you to get your hands on it.
Eastern California is reminiscent of Nevada due to its similar desert landscapes, dry climate, and geology. It’s important to know this as there is a fair amount of work being done in this entire area, which will see changes not only to the environment but also to the US-395 and US-6 roads. Additionally, there will be a brand new road to journey across - the CA-120. We hope these changes will further improve your enjoyment of driving through this area of The Golden State.
You may be familiar with the Agricultural Inspection Stations which we’ve added in the previous phases. This time around even more will be added at the border checks at US-50, US-395, and US-6. These enhanced checks are meant to simulate the real-world agricultural inspections that take place at border crossings and we hope it will add a new level of realism to the game.
As you can see, there’s also a small tease in the last screenshot but that’s a story for another day (feel free to guess what it is though!). For now, let us know how you like our progress so far, and make sure to follow our social media (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok) to stay in touch with more updates and news in the future.
California Rework - California Trucking #4
California Rework - The Golden State #3
California Rework - The Golden State #2
Screens from California Rework - The Golden State #1
