In the 1.60 update, our developers introduced the Improved Material System for selected trucks in both Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator. Today, we will explore how this groundbreaking feature was developed.
Meet the Team Behind the Features
The key players involved in this project are our colleagues Daniel and Martin, who have been instrumental in implementing the system. This technology is also set to be utilized in cars for the upcoming Road Trip project in American Truck Simulator.
Daniel, our Vehicle Technical Leader, has 13 years of experience at SCS Software. He has evolved from a 3D Generalist to his current position, bridging graphics and technical development. His role involves collaboration with programmers to integrate vehicle features, while also streamlining workflows for artists.
Creative Solutions to Challenges
Daniel’s focus on the improved material system revolved around identifying issues and collaborating with programmers. He ensured that practical workflows were implemented for the vehicle team to use consistently across various models. Art and graphic designers worked on converting and fine-tuning the materials for specific trucks, resulting in visually stunning upgrades.
Martin, a Senior 3D Graphic Designer, contributed by refining the material system, particularly focusing on the vehicle interior details. His expertise ensured that the vehicles appeared authentic and engaging, delivering both realism and visual appeal.
Tackling Technical Hurdles
The journey of creating the improved material system began with the Road Trip project, where designers realized the original system’s limitations regarding vehicle interiors. Indirect lighting, crucial for creating realistic visuals, was previously absent. The team set out to correct this, resulting in the new material system addressing various textures, materials, and lighting conditions.
As Daniel noted, the aim was to achieve a noticeable graphic improvement with minimal impact on performance. This was achieved by maximizing the efficiency of existing data and streamlining rendering processes. The dedicated approach to developing the system reflects our commitment to providing players with the best experience possible.
In the end, we successfully implemented this improved material system on four trucks in both ETS2 and ATS. The team is committed to gradually introducing improvements across more vehicles, ensuring that players enjoy enhancements while awaiting updates for additional trucks. Feedback will guide our continuous efforts to refine this system further.
For more updates, keep an eye on our social media platforms and consider checking out the DLC for ETS2 for immersive experiences.