We're ready to let everyone know when you will be able to hop into your trucks and start exploring the roads of beautiful France!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xm3T-3IzigM

"Vive La France !" map expansion for Euro Truck Simulator 2 is going to be released December 5, 2016. To be more specific, we are aiming at 4 pm Prague time (GMT+1) on Monday, that's when the activation keys should be enabled and the DLC will be ready for download and purchase.

We are going to price it the same as Scandinavia map add-on on the channels that are under our control (like Steam - here is the "Vive la France !" coming soon page). There may be small price and timing differences on local markets, in retail, or at places like Amazon, where we do not have the power to enforce strict pricing policy.

Everything is happening very quickly, we were still not sure about the final date a week ago, as we have been thoroughly testing and polishing the DLC pretty much until today. Now we want to give you a chance to play the expanded game as soon as possible. A week of preparations is sufficient to arrange the release on digital channels, but our retail publishing partners will be struggling with manufacturing deadlines, so some sales channels may take longer to stock the add-on.



http://store.steampowered.com/app/531130

We're ready to let everyone know when you will be able to hop into your trucks and start exploring the roads of beautiful France!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xm3T-3IzigM

"Vive La France !" map expansion for Euro Truck Simulator 2 is going to be released December 5, 2016. To be more specific, we are aiming at 4 pm Prague time (GMT+1) on Monday, that's when the activation keys should be enabled and the DLC will be ready for download and purchase.

We are going to price it the same as Scandinavia map add-on on the channels that are under our control (like Steam - here is the "Vive la France !" coming soon page). There may be small price and timing differences on local markets, in retail, or at places like Amazon, where we do not have the power to enforce strict pricing policy.

Everything is happening very quickly, we were still not sure about the final date a week ago, as we have been thoroughly testing and polishing the DLC pretty much until today. Now we want to give you a chance to play the expanded game as soon as possible. A week of preparations is sufficient to arrange the release on digital channels, but our retail publishing partners will be struggling with manufacturing deadlines, so some sales channels may take longer to stock the add-on.



http://store.steampowered.com/app/531130

Next week, we will make an announcement regarding the Vive la France ! expansion which we believe will make Euro Truck Simulator 2 fans very happy. Until then, we have a picture to tease you with! :) It may actually answer some of the questions that we get bombarded with...

Next week, we will make an announcement regarding the Vive la France ! expansion which we believe will make Euro Truck Simulator 2 fans very happy. Until then, we have a picture to tease you with! :) It may actually answer some of the questions that we get bombarded with...

It always makes us feel both proud and humbled when we see that there are so many brave souls out there creating mods for our games. We may not be able to monitor everything that is happening in the modding community, but we have seen a lot of incredible mods over the years.



Most mods require tons of time and hard work to create, and after that, yet more attention and patience is needed to maintain them so that they are compatible with new updates of our games. We keep trying to improve the tools available to modders, and today's topic is about another step in this direction. A new improved version of SCS Blender Tool has just been released. (If you are wondering what this is all about, here is an earlier post about how it all started.)

We've created a short video overview showing some of the changes and new additions in this update:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=729NTMyGaL4

We've also prepared a more extensive change-log for those who appreciate more detailed knowledge of the changes:

• Added support for one-click setup of environment lighting loaded from sun profiles SII file (eg. /def/climate/default/nice.sii). This enables the best possible preview of a model in game like environment.
• Asynchronous paths initialization on startup, resulting in faster Blender startup and faster blend files opening
• User option to load all libraries and resources from sibling "base" directories also (by default off)
• Ability to reload library on the fly beside the setting where it is used (eg. Hookup Lib can be reloaded in Model Locator Settings)
• Improved material flavors behavior, with implementation of filter for non existing effects combinations (prevents user to create non existing effect)
• Added support for creation of SCS Locators and SCS Root via standard Blender add menu (menu accessible via Shift+A in 3D viewport)
• Normal maps properly visualized in 3D view even if active UV layer on object is not the one used for normal maps calculation.
• Reloading shader presets only when cache is out-dated (again speed-up of opening blend files)
• Updated Prefab Locators flags:
  
  • added Map Point split lanes setups,
    
  • added Weight Station CAT Spawn Point type,
    
  • added Traffic Semaphores types: Traffic Light (virtual), Barrier - Automatic.
• Improvements & Fixes:
  
  • fixed unpropper UI snapping of TOBJ settings,
    
  • ensuring same order of bone channels in PIA export (useful when working with VCS),
    
  • negative add ambient material values supported in export and also visualized in Blender 3D viewport (more info here),
    
  • properly reported python error on screen and in BT log while importing/exporting
    
  • rejecting wrongly named SCS Root Object on export (more info here),
    
  • reporting missing UV layer used for normal maps on export,
    
  • reporting multiple animations with same name overwriting each other on export,
    
  • properly handling none existing UV mappings aliases on import (most properly produced with ConverterPIX),
    
  • fixed Blender crash if rapidly enabling/disabling SCS Blender Tools add-on,
    
  • fixed error on import if no 3D viewport is found or active object is on currently hidden layer      in scene.

It always makes us feel both proud and humbled when we see that there are so many brave souls out there creating mods for our games. We may not be able to monitor everything that is happening in the modding community, but we have seen a lot of incredible mods over the years.



Most mods require tons of time and hard work to create, and after that, yet more attention and patience is needed to maintain them so that they are compatible with new updates of our games. We keep trying to improve the tools available to modders, and today's topic is about another step in this direction. A new improved version of SCS Blender Tool has just been released. (If you are wondering what this is all about, here is an earlier post about how it all started.)

We've created a short video overview showing some of the changes and new additions in this update:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=729NTMyGaL4

We've also prepared a more extensive change-log for those who appreciate more detailed knowledge of the changes:

• Added support for one-click setup of environment lighting loaded from sun profiles SII file (eg. /def/climate/default/nice.sii). This enables the best possible preview of a model in game like environment.
• Asynchronous paths initialization on startup, resulting in faster Blender startup and faster blend files opening
• User option to load all libraries and resources from sibling "base" directories also (by default off)
• Ability to reload library on the fly beside the setting where it is used (eg. Hookup Lib can be reloaded in Model Locator Settings)
• Improved material flavors behavior, with implementation of filter for non existing effects combinations (prevents user to create non existing effect)
• Added support for creation of SCS Locators and SCS Root via standard Blender add menu (menu accessible via Shift+A in 3D viewport)
• Normal maps properly visualized in 3D view even if active UV layer on object is not the one used for normal maps calculation.
• Reloading shader presets only when cache is out-dated (again speed-up of opening blend files)
• Updated Prefab Locators flags:
  
  • added Map Point split lanes setups,
    
  • added Weight Station CAT Spawn Point type,
    
  • added Traffic Semaphores types: Traffic Light (virtual), Barrier - Automatic.
• Improvements & Fixes:
  
  • fixed unpropper UI snapping of TOBJ settings,
    
  • ensuring same order of bone channels in PIA export (useful when working with VCS),
    
  • negative add ambient material values supported in export and also visualized in Blender 3D viewport (more info here),
    
  • properly reported python error on screen and in BT log while importing/exporting
    
  • rejecting wrongly named SCS Root Object on export (more info here),
    
  • reporting missing UV layer used for normal maps on export,
    
  • reporting multiple animations with same name overwriting each other on export,
    
  • properly handling none existing UV mappings aliases on import (most properly produced with ConverterPIX),
    
  • fixed Blender crash if rapidly enabling/disabling SCS Blender Tools add-on,
    
  • fixed error on import if no 3D viewport is found or active object is on currently hidden layer      in scene.

The next major update for Euro Truck Simulator 2 will pave the way for the release of Vive la France! DLC. The plan is to get the new official game update out simultaneously with the new map expansion.

After internal testing and several iterations in closed beta, we now feel good about where we are. There are still some minor issues to fix and and an extra round of polish to apply in the next few weeks, but we are not aware of any critical or show-stopping issues anymore. But we would like to be sure, and that's what our Open Betas are for!

The tentative changelog for the 1.26 Update can be found below, but first we would like to point out the main features, game changes and general adjustments that are a part of this upcoming game update.




The newly-built regions of France that make up the Vive La France! DLC look gorgeous, and this inspired us to also refresh the regions that were already present in the game from the very start. In the picture above, you can see the area of France which we have retouched - the area that you will already be able to experience in this Open Beta of course. It's not a total rework from scratch, but we believe that you will appreciate some very visible changes in the world; new models, new intersections and use of higher resolution textures in many places.

The main star of this map refresh is the city of Paris, which actually has been completely rebuilt to make it way more elaborate than before!




We have adjusted and added some new options for the transmissions of all the trucks tractors in the game, so now there are more options to choose - from the standard or overdrive style of transmissions or even the Allison 4500. We hope that especially the players who care for more choices and precision of the vehicle simulation will appreciate the new adjustment, now there are new opportunities to play with the ratio between engine and wheels.




A new search line was added into the game's upgrade shop and truck browser screens, so now you will be able to look up for example a specific paintjob or a particular engine upgrade. This new feature will come handy if you own a lot of our minor DLCs or if you happen to have lots of truck tuning mods installed.


A list of features coming with 1.26 Update for ETS2:

•  Old Parts of France Were Reworked
•  New Transmissions for All Trucks
•  Upgrade Shop & Truck Browser Search Tool

• Adjustable interior FOV per truck
• Added parking difficulty (preset option included)
• Truck repair/refuel performed by hired driver costs money, included in logs
• Added informational dialog showing when game detects upgrade or downgrade
• Added pounds + short tonnes as weight unit option
• Better trailer air pressure simulation
• Low air warning should only be active with running engine
• Revised rolling resistance computations
• Hired driver use the very same formulas for eco skill as the player

• Changed map parameters (climate_profile, map_data)
• Moddable interior camera zoom parameters. (speed, factor)
• 1 degree rotation on Ctrl + R, 90 degree rotation on Home
• Merged editable sign and sign dialog
• Refresh sign template and its model from content browser
• Added letter-spacing to sign editor
• Store content browser navigation history
• Support for day/nigh effect switching and child hookups for lod_model_hookup_u

You can follow this link to see the whole changelog of this update. Please also check out our modding wiki to get the best advice for modding the game.

If you're so inclined you can find this version in the public_beta branch on Steam. (Steam client → LIBRARY → right click on Euro Truck Simulator 2 → Properties → Betas tab → public_beta - 1.26  public beta). No password is required.

Just like with the previous Open Beta releases - please keep in mind that this is still only a test version of the update: it's perfectly okay if you want to hold off until the final release. But if you're the adventurous sort that doesn't mind a little instability and/or are an active member of the community who wants to assist us in the finalization of the new game version with your feedback, we really appreciate your help. Please report any bugs you find on our forum. Coming soon - Open Beta for the new update of American Truck Simulator!

The next major update for Euro Truck Simulator 2 will pave the way for the release of Vive la France! DLC. The plan is to get the new official game update out simultaneously with the new map expansion.

After internal testing and several iterations in closed beta, we now feel good about where we are. There are still some minor issues to fix and and an extra round of polish to apply in the next few weeks, but we are not aware of any critical or show-stopping issues anymore. But we would like to be sure, and that's what our Open Betas are for!

The tentative changelog for the 1.26 Update can be found below, but first we would like to point out the main features, game changes and general adjustments that are a part of this upcoming game update.




The newly-built regions of France that make up the Vive La France! DLC look gorgeous, and this inspired us to also refresh the regions that were already present in the game from the very start. In the picture above, you can see the area of France which we have retouched - the area that you will already be able to experience in this Open Beta of course. It's not a total rework from scratch, but we believe that you will appreciate some very visible changes in the world; new models, new intersections and use of higher resolution textures in many places.

The main star of this map refresh is the city of Paris, which actually has been completely rebuilt to make it way more elaborate than before!




We have adjusted and added some new options for the transmissions of all the trucks tractors in the game, so now there are more options to choose - from the standard or overdrive style of transmissions or even the Allison 4500. We hope that especially the players who care for more choices and precision of the vehicle simulation will appreciate the new adjustment, now there are new opportunities to play with the ratio between engine and wheels.




A new search line was added into the game's upgrade shop and truck browser screens, so now you will be able to look up for example a specific paintjob or a particular engine upgrade. This new feature will come handy if you own a lot of our minor DLCs or if you happen to have lots of truck tuning mods installed.


A list of features coming with 1.26 Update for ETS2:

•  Old Parts of France Were Reworked
•  New Transmissions for All Trucks
•  Upgrade Shop & Truck Browser Search Tool

• Adjustable interior FOV per truck
• Added parking difficulty (preset option included)
• Truck repair/refuel performed by hired driver costs money, included in logs
• Added informational dialog showing when game detects upgrade or downgrade
• Added pounds + short tonnes as weight unit option
• Better trailer air pressure simulation
• Low air warning should only be active with running engine
• Revised rolling resistance computations
• Hired driver use the very same formulas for eco skill as the player

• Changed map parameters (climate_profile, map_data)
• Moddable interior camera zoom parameters. (speed, factor)
• 1 degree rotation on Ctrl + R, 90 degree rotation on Home
• Merged editable sign and sign dialog
• Refresh sign template and its model from content browser
• Added letter-spacing to sign editor
• Store content browser navigation history
• Support for day/nigh effect switching and child hookups for lod_model_hookup_u

You can follow this link to see the whole changelog of this update. Please also check out our modding wiki to get the best advice for modding the game.

If you're so inclined you can find this version in the public_beta branch on Steam. (Steam client → LIBRARY → right click on Euro Truck Simulator 2 → Properties → Betas tab → public_beta - 1.26  public beta). No password is required.

Just like with the previous Open Beta releases - please keep in mind that this is still only a test version of the update: it's perfectly okay if you want to hold off until the final release. But if you're the adventurous sort that doesn't mind a little instability and/or are an active member of the community who wants to assist us in the finalization of the new game version with your feedback, we really appreciate your help. Please report any bugs you find on our forum. Coming soon - Open Beta for the new update of American Truck Simulator!

Last week, SCS participated in Game Developers Session 2016. This is a local game developer scene event similar to GDC, with two days of presentations and a small expo area to show games. It's a chance for companies in the Czech Republic and in Central Europe to discuss their projects and visions with fellow colleagues from other game dev companies and also to interact with people who want to break into games industry.

We were demonstrating our games there too, to get peer feedback on our tech as well as on upcoming stuff for Euro Truck Simulator 2.



Our colleague Hynek was one of the presenters with a speech explaining the steps of adding a new truck to the game, all the way from licensing issues through technical details of production and into the final approval step. The organizers had a pro camera crew on the spot, so hopefully we will be able to let you see it when it's processed and placed on YouTube eventually.



It was an awesome experience for our team. We were presenting our stuff on two demo stations, one with an Oculus Rift virtual reality system and the other with a three-display setup along with a steering wheel, pedals, and h-shifter. Our goal was to let the visitors try out both of these setups freely as they wanted and to gather feedback, comparing impressions and preferences from the VR vs 3-screen system.




We have experienced a lot of very cool moments. The visitors were really kind to our stand and team, and even if some of them may have never heard about our games, they quickly found out that truck simulators can be really addictive and fun to play. It was also really exciting to meet several hardcore fans of our games on an event aimed squarely at gaming industry professionals!





We would like to thank all Game Developers Session 2016 visitors who came to our booth for all their feedback and kind words about our games. Also big thanks to the organizers of this gaming exposition - great job!

And for everyone who would like to be in touch with us right when we are sharing some pictures and info from the events like this, please follow our Instagram or Twitter profile.

Last week, SCS participated in Game Developers Session 2016. This is a local game developer scene event similar to GDC, with two days of presentations and a small expo area to show games. It's a chance for companies in the Czech Republic and in Central Europe to discuss their projects and visions with fellow colleagues from other game dev companies and also to interact with people who want to break into games industry.

We were demonstrating our games there too, to get peer feedback on our tech as well as on upcoming stuff for Euro Truck Simulator 2.



Our colleague Hynek was one of the presenters with a speech explaining the steps of adding a new truck to the game, all the way from licensing issues through technical details of production and into the final approval step. The organizers had a pro camera crew on the spot, so hopefully we will be able to let you see it when it's processed and placed on YouTube eventually.



It was an awesome experience for our team. We were presenting our stuff on two demo stations, one with an Oculus Rift virtual reality system and the other with a three-display setup along with a steering wheel, pedals, and h-shifter. Our goal was to let the visitors try out both of these setups freely as they wanted and to gather feedback, comparing impressions and preferences from the VR vs 3-screen system.




We have experienced a lot of very cool moments. The visitors were really kind to our stand and team, and even if some of them may have never heard about our games, they quickly found out that truck simulators can be really addictive and fun to play. It was also really exciting to meet several hardcore fans of our games on an event aimed squarely at gaming industry professionals!





We would like to thank all Game Developers Session 2016 visitors who came to our booth for all their feedback and kind words about our games. Also big thanks to the organizers of this gaming exposition - great job!

And for everyone who would like to be in touch with us right when we are sharing some pictures and info from the events like this, please follow our Instagram or Twitter profile.