Unveiling the detailed world of American gaming, the upcoming South Dakota map expansion for American Truck Simulator is a much-anticipated development. At the heart of this project is Evgeny, one of the dedicated map designers, who shares his journey of bringing South Dakota’s vivid landscapes to life.
Evgeny
South Dakota, with its rich tapestry of serene landscapes and cultural heritage, offers a unique charm that Evgeny is eager to showcase. His responsibilities within the DLC include the complex tasks of designing roads, shaping terrain, and intricately building towns. “I started my work on South Dakota with a pretty wide range of responsibilities,” Evgeny explains. “Besides the usual map design – building roads, shaping terrain, building towns – I also focus on several more specialized areas.”
What makes South Dakota an intriguing canvas for digital representation in gaming? For Evgeny, it’s not just about laying roads and creating industrial sites; it’s about preserving and conveying the spirit of places like the Black Hills and Badlands.
SCS Software
- Designing tailored experiences around South Dakota’s heritage and landscapes.
- Reflecting the state’s cultural essence through meticulous detail.
- Capturing the rugged beauty and vastness in a compressed game environment.
To achieve this authenticity, the team embarks on extensive research missions. “Some of my teammates went on a road trip to the state. They spent several days there, collecting as much information, atmosphere, and emotion as they could,” Evgeny shares. These trips result in thousands of photos and stories, providing a rich source of reference for the map designers.
Evgeny’s passion for the project is evident as he delves into personal research, exploring local news, articles, and community discussions. This approach not only enriches the map’s fidelity but also helps Evgeny understand the values and lifestyle unique to South Dakotans.
One of the major highlights Evgeny anticipates in this map expansion is the portrayal of Sioux Falls and the smaller towns that dot the expansive backdrop of the Black Hills and Badlands. These areas offer players a chance to experience the rugged charm of Western culture mingled with the enduring spirit of Indigenous peoples.
American Truck Simulator
Challenges do exist—finding a balance between detail, development time, and player experience remains a constant juggling act. Evgeny elaborates, “There’s always a temptation to add ‘just one more detail,’ but we also have to keep our pace.” The real challenge lies in replicating the sweeping vastness of South Dakota within the technical confines of a game, but every obstacle is seen as an opportunity for creativity.
As players gear up to traverse the digitized roads of South Dakota, they can anticipate not only the main thoroughfares but also a few hidden paths waiting to be explored. “But I truly believe we do our best to depict the region in the most authentic and enjoyable way possible,” Evgeny assures.
For those captivated by the untamed beauty of South Dakota, adding this expansion to their Steam wishlist is a step closer to experiencing America’s heartland from the comfort of home. Stay informed with the latest updates on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, or sign up for the SCS Software newsletter to not miss any thrilling announcements.