Isle of Ireland Research Interview: Behind the Scenes with Adam

Work on the Isle of Ireland DLC for Euro Truck Simulator 2 continues. The team thought about taking you behind the scenes. Today’s blog shows what a job as a researcher at SCS Software looks like. We bring you an interview with our colleague Adam. He will tell you more about his work on the Isle of Ireland.

Isle of Ireland Research Interview: Adam’s Background

Adam joined SCS in 2022. His primary focus has been on map DLCs for Euro Truck Simulator 2. He has conducted research for the West Balkans, Greece, Nordic Horizons, and the reworks of Switzerland and the Benelux. The UK rework and the Isle of Ireland are the first two projects he has overseen for the Research & Game Development department. The Isle of Ireland research interview reveals his personal connection to the project. His brother is the map lead for this DLC.

How Research for Map Expansions Works

Adam ensures that the department prepares high-quality materials. These are delivered in a timely manner to other departments. “These aren’t just references for map designers. Other specialized departments also rely on our work. These include the vehicle, vegetation, and road design teams. But I don’t do this alone. Our team has experts for all these areas. I work alongside many talented and enthusiastic people,” Adam explains.

The First Phase of Isle of Ireland Research Interview

The department’s involvement begins long before map building starts. It lays the groundwork that shapes everything that follows. “In the first phase, we thoroughly familiarized ourselves with the history, culture, natural environment, relevant laws, and traffic regulations. In collaboration with the map lead, we selected the cities for the DLC. I proposed which highways and roads would connect them. An important part of our work is figuring out depot placement. The economy must work for us. We have a specialist dedicated to this issue. With her help, and in collaboration with the map lead, we prepared completely new economy depots. We then researched exactly how they work and designed the best way to implement them in our game.”

Collecting Photographic Data

Once planning is complete, the team gathers detailed real-world references. They capture both the big picture and subtle differences that make each location unique.

“The next step was collecting photographic data. Our team ‘scanned’ all the roads and towns, shot by shot. We tried to capture what is typical for the island. We focused on the most important elements, but also on small details. I emphasized that different parts of the island vary significantly. This had to be taken into account. For example, road markings are completely different between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.”

“The result of this phase is a shortlist of the most important assets. The asset department creates these based on the source materials. Map designers then use them to assemble the map. In collaboration with our vegetation specialist, specifications for the vegetation department are also developed.”

Technical Details in Isle of Ireland Research Interview

The work goes far beyond general research. It often requires diving deep into highly specific technical details to ensure authenticity.

“We also need to understand local culture, customs, and context. For example, directional signs required studying manuals. Together with the road department, we figured out how to approach varying dimensions. In reality, all dimensions are based on the size of the lowercase letter ‘x.’ Once this value is determined, we divide it by 4 to get the ‘Stroke Width.’ All other elements are calculated as multiples of this unit. The size of ‘x’ itself is influenced by permitted speed and sign type.”

Ongoing Work Until Release

The team’s work is far from over. It will not be finished until the Isle of Ireland DLC is actually released. “We are continuing to prepare materials for new vehicles, assets, 3D character models, vegetation, and branding. We are also conducting quality checks directly in the editor. We are gathering all sorts of additional information.”

Challenges of Researching a Changing Landscape

The biggest challenge for the Isle of Ireland research interview revealed that Ireland is a vibrant and rapidly developing region. New developments are constantly being built. The landscape is literally changing in front of your eyes.

“For example, the port of Rosslare underwent a major modernization last year. It completely transformed its transportation layout. Waterford is currently undergoing one of the largest urban transformations in its modern history. The biggest challenge for architecture was capturing the differences between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. We also had to convey the character of smaller, charming towns with their picturesque, colorful houses. It is satisfying when I manage to solve a problem and track down hard-to-find information or references.”

What Players Can Expect

The map team will carefully translate Ireland’s unique character into the in-game world. Players will have a lot to explore as they uncover the map filled with plenty of landmarks.

“The Irish island has a rich and complex history and a strong cultural identity. All of this will be reflected in the map’s design. The entire island is a landmark in its own right, thanks to its unique scenery. Players can look forward to downtown Dublin on the banks of the River Liffey. The Samson & Goliath cranes in Belfast Harbor are also included. Peat bogs in central Ireland, wild landscapes of Connemara, the Killarney area, and much more await discovery.” For more on the team behind this expansion, check out our Isle of Ireland team introduction.

A Final Message from Adam

Adam and the whole team share a final message for the #BestCommunityEver. “I hope we will be able to capture the magical atmosphere of this landscape with its cozy, colorful towns. I hope players will appreciate the attention to detail. I hope they discover all sorts of easter eggs. We want to convey the enthusiasm with which we approached the Isle of Ireland DLC from the very beginning. I am looking forward to getting behind the wheel and driving along the winding roads that twist through the green hills.”

Add Isle of Ireland DLC to Your Wishlist

The team looks forward to sharing more news from the Isle of Ireland in the future. Keep an eye on the blog for upcoming updates. Add the expansion to your Steam Wishlist. Follow SCS Software on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Bluesky. Subscribe to the newsletter to stay informed. Until then, happy hauling.