South Dakota: Meet the Team

A couple of months ago, we announced that we had begun work on the South Dakota DLC for American Truck Simulator. Today, we're excited to shine a light on the talented individuals behind the project by introducing the team working on this upcoming map expansion!

Saimon

"I've been working at SCS Software for almost nine years, and for most of that time, I’ve been leading our DLC projects. This role included designing the overall layout of new expansions, choosing all the cities, truck stops, landmarks, as well as coordinating the work of our team, collaborating with other departments, and supporting the growth and motivation of my colleagues.

After years of working on multiple DLCs, the time has come to pass the torch to some of our talented and ambitious teammates. I’m now transitioning into a new position as an Art Lead, where I’ll focus more on broader aspects of map development, ensuring visual consistency, improving efficiency, and coming up with fresh ideas and unique content for the ATS world.

I'm truly excited about this new chapter and I believe it will help us deliver even more polished and immersive experiences for our players."

Vacky

"Something about me? I’ve been at SCS for over five years now. I’ve always loved playing games since I was a little boy and dreamed of designing them one day. Dreams do come true! Among my favorite titles are old school classics like Red Alert 2, Caesar III, Age of Empires 2, Heroes of Might and Magic, World of Warcraft (Classic), and many others. From newer games I enjoy Cities: Skylines, Stellaris, Elite Dangerous, Transport Fever and lately, I’ve been slowly getting into soul-like games. When I am not playing something on my computer, I am painting and playing Warhammer miniatures – specifically The Old World at the moment.

I was really looking forward to working on South Dakota since our research trip in the USA, and now I’m really happy to be working on Rapid City and its surroundings."

Tony

"I was lucky enough to visit South Dakota in person and experience its diverse landscape firsthand. I was especially drawn to the mountainous regions in the western part of the state; Black Hills left a truly strong impression on me. That’s why I’m excited to be in charge of bringing this area to life in our game. I’m working to capture not just the unique terrain, but also the atmosphere that made the place feel so special during my visit."

Draky

"My name is Draky, a nickname that reflects my passion for mythical creatures and animals. I'm a creatively inclined person who enjoys visual arts, painting, and design. I usually spend my free time playing video games, especially those focused on survival or puzzles. Some of my favorite physical activities include archery and acro yoga. I'm currently working on a visualization of the Sioux Falls waterfalls, which captivated me at first sight. I believe they’ll captivate you too. My next stop will be the Badlands, and I’m incredibly excited about it!"

Evgeny

"South Dakota is the fourth DLC I’ve worked on, and with each new project, I challenge myself to push the boundaries of what I can create in the map. I always try to bring something fresh to both my work and the player experience. My personal life strongly influences my approach.

I’m passionate about hiking, which helps me craft more immersive and natural landscapes in the game. My background in architecture gave me a deep appreciation for designing cities and settlements with structure and character. I also enjoy drawing, painting, and calligraphy, which helps me focus on the beauty of detail and how it all fits together within a bigger concept. On top of that, endurance sports like triathlon have taught me how to stay committed to long-term goals, manage my time, and maintain mental resilience. Each of us on the team brings something unique to the world of ATS, and I’m proud to contribute with my own perspective."

Morrys

"After the awesome Iowa project, which received great feedback, we’ve jumped right into South Dakota. It’s a state that offers a lot, and you know it! Here’s a little hint about one of the things I’m working on and really enjoying. It’s a location not far from the Nebraska border and the Missouri River.

Anyway, since the last article ("Iowa - Meet the Team"), I feel there’s been progress. I’d say my work has reached a new level, both technically and visually. At the same time, we’ve also become a bit more in sync as a team, which is great, and I’m looking forward to the projects we’ll tackle in the future.
Of course, work isn’t the only thing I do! I have a strong connection to sports thanks to my background as a professional judoka, and I try to stay active as much as I can. I also enjoy some quiet time with a good movie, whatever the genre (though sci-fi is my favorite).

Last but not least, I love gaming. Some of the very first games I played as a kid were DOOM 2 and the flight simulator MiG-29 Fulcrum. To wrap it up, I wish you lots of successful contracts and plenty of miles logged in ATS!"

Viki

"I’ve been working at SCS for almost 3 years, during which I’ve worked on several map DLCs. I started with a few smaller tasks in Oklahoma, then worked on Nebraska and Iowa from start to finish, and I’m currently working on South Dakota.

In my free time, I enjoy 3D modeling and printing, creating cosplays from movies and video games, playing D&D with friends, and of course, playing video games!

I hope you’ll enjoy driving through the streets of Brookings, Hot Springs, as well as part of the Black Hills including the Mount Rushmore National Memorial. I love creating authentic and detailed scenes that I hope you’ll all have fun exploring. The rest of the team and I are looking forward to giving you the best possible way to experience the beauty of South Dakota."

Fregar

"My real name is Petra. I'm from Prague and I've been working at the company for almost five years. In my free time, I enjoy drawing and painting, it helps me relax and express myself creatively. I'm also a fan of Warhammer, which combines strategy, storytelling, and miniatures I enjoy painting. Swimming is another passion of mine; it keeps me active and clears my mind. At home, I take care of three parrots: Sofi, Iggy, and Mona, the newest addition to the family. She's still settling in, but already showing a lot of personality."

Maky

"It will soon be three years since I started working at SCS as a map designer. My first contribution to the game was on Texas 2.0, followed by work on Nebraska, Iowa, and now South Dakota. Within my team, my speciality, responsibility, and personal passion is designing truck stops. Outside of work, I love going to concerts and festivals, music is one of my greatest joys. I also enjoy building LEGO sets and other model kits, playing board games and video games, and reading. Lately, I've even been thinking about getting a pet snake!"

Kaja (Citymanlive)

"It's time to set out on a new journey – this time to South Dakota! Staying true to tradition, I'm currently working on a town whose name is quite similar to the one I worked on in Iowa. Thanks, Saimon! While creating – or more accurately, while currently “mayoring” the town – I enjoy a good cup of coffee… though not as much as I enjoy the company of my colleagues. In fact, it's really them who give me the greatest inspiration and energy. Together, we make up one big, leveled-up team, and I truly believe there's a lot to look forward to!"

Eren

"This is my third Map DLC. In South Dakota, I'm responsible for two areas: Sioux Falls, the state's largest city located in the east (besides the local waterfalls, which are being worked on by Draky), and Spearfish, situated on the edge of the Black Hills. I chose the former mainly to further develop my technical skills related to building large cities, while I took on the latter for its picturesque, hilly landscape covered with coniferous forests.

Starting with this DLC, I'm also taking on the role of Road Designer, specifically an interchange designer. It's probably a good thing I’m starting here, since there are mostly basic interchanges in South Dakota and the complex ones will only come later in other states. It’ll be a kind of level progression, and honestly, I’m looking forward to it."

Theo

"In the upcoming South Dakota DLC, I have the honor of building the city of Yankton and the surrounding area. I’m really enjoying the open landscapes and river scenery, this part of map creation is my current favorite, probably because I just enjoy being outside in real life, whether hiking or going for a walk. (Though I also like a quiet evening with a good book or video game!) Since American Truck Simulator blends gaming with exploring the world and its beautiful nature, I feel lucky to be part of a project like this!"

Eevee

"Hi! I'm Ivana, aka Eevee. I've always been interested in art of all kinds, whether it's drawing or painting, video games, music or even just coding silly websites. One of my biggest inspirations is and always will be nature. I love hiking, foraging, collecting trinkets outside, and just the outdoors in general. All of my hobbies combined have made me try joining the ranks of map designers here at SCS, and luckily, here I am!

I've been here for a little over half a year by now. On the last project – Iowa, I've only worked on a small part of US-20, and mostly did work in later development stages there, since I came here just a few months before the Iowa DLC release. Now I'm working on an entire part of South Dakota, around the northern borders. I like the open scenery so far, and have been working on a small city as well. I can only hope the players will like it as much as I'm enjoying working on it!"

Miya

"I joined the team recently, and South Dakota is my very first project. My passion for art is what brought me to SCS! For years, I’ve dedicated myself to illustration and drawing, often inspired by my favorite games across fantasy and simulator genres. Joining SCS feels like the perfect combination of everything I love.

Right now, I’m working a bit on everything, which I really enjoy. It’s a great opportunity to explore and find what suits me best!"

We hope you enjoyed reading these messages from the team working on South Dakota, shared with you, our #BestCommunityEver! If you're excited to hit the road in the Mount Rushmore State, be sure to add it to your Steam Wishlist. We truly appreciate all your support and look forward to sharing more about this upcoming DLC for American Truck Simulator. Until next time, keep on truckin'!

Iceland: Guess Where We Are

Are you looking forward to the upcoming Iceland DLC for Euro Truck Simulator 2? In today's blog, we'd like to put your knowledge to the test with a little geography quiz! Can you guess the real-world locations shown in these in-game screenshots from this work-in-progress map expansion?

Whether you're from the Land of Fire and Ice, have visited Iceland, or just know your geography well, we think you might recognize some of the real-world locations featured in these screenshots. Our map designers are working hard to bring this expansion to life with a big attention to detail. Recognize any of these places? Let us know in the comments below!

We hope we have gotten you a little more excited about Iceland with this sneak peek from this map expansion! Don't forget to support us by adding the Iceland DLC to your Steam wishlist.

Remember to give our X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and TikTok a follow as you'll receive updates about our games straight to your feed, or subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed! Until next time, keep on trucking.

Introducing KRONE Agriculture Equipment

We’re thrilled to share an exciting update on a project that has been growing steadily here at SCS Software. Today, we're officially introducing a brand-new DLC in development, KRONE Agriculture Equipment, coming to both Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator.

These new DLCs mark the next chapter in our ongoing collaboration with KRONE, the globally renowned manufacturer of high-performance agricultural machinery. Building on the success of the KRONE Trailer Pack for ETS2, we’re now expanding the scope to bring you a whole new line of authentic, officially licensed KRONE-branded farming equipment.

Whether you're trucking across the scenic countryside of Europe or hauling cargo through the vast American heartland, the KRONE Agriculture Equipment DLCs will offer a selection of real-world agricultural machinery that reflects the diversity and power of modern farming logistics.

Both of these DLCs will introduce new cargo types featuring large-scale agricultural machines that are used worldwide, from harvesters and balers to rakes and mowers, all meticulously modeled to deliver a high level of detail and realism. These machines will serve as cargo to be transported on specialized trailers, offering new delivery challenges and fresh experiences for virtual haulers on both sides of the Atlantic.

New cargoes in ETS2:

• Disk Mower - Krone EasyCut B 880 CV
• Forage Harvester - Krone BiG X 1180
• Mower Conditioner - Krone BiG M 450
• Rotary Rakes - Krone Swadro TC 1370
• Round Baler - Krone VariPack V 190 XC
• Square Baler - Krone BiG Pack 1290 XC HDP
• Wagon - Krone GX 520

New cargoes in ATS:

• Disk Mower - Krone EasyCut B 880 CV
• Forage Harvester - Krone BiG X 1180
• Mower Conditioner - Krone BiG M 450
• Rotary Rakes - Krone Swadro TC 1370
• Round Baler - Krone VariPack V 190 XC
• Square Baler - Krone BiG Pack 1290 XC HDP
• Wagon - Krone GX 440

Along with that, we're also bringing some KRONE accessories you can use to decorate your cabin interior in both games!

While we're still finalizing the details, models, and gameplay integration, we wanted to bring our community in early because this is something we're genuinely excited about. The KRONE Agriculture Equipment DLCs are shaping up to be a unique and immersive addition to the logistics landscape of both ETS2 and ATS. Just keep in mind that everything you see here is a work in progress and may not represent the final product.

We’ll be sharing more screenshots and details as we get closer to release. Until then, rest assured that our teams are working hard to cultivate something special for all fans of heavy haulage and agricultural tech.

So, are you ready to haul some serious machinery? Be sure to add Krone Agriculture to your Steam Wishlist and stay connected with us on X, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, TikTok, and YouTube, or by subscribing to our newsletter for all the latest updates. See you on the road!

Building Nordic Horizons with Ivo

In today’s special blog post, we’re excited to take you behind the scenes of the upcoming Nordic Horizons DLC for Euro Truck Simulator 2. We sat down with Ivo, our ETS Map Lead, to talk about the creative and technical process behind bringing the Nordic landscapes to life. From intricate road networks to iconic landmarks, Ivo shares how the team is crafting an immersive experience for players exploring the northern reaches of Europe.

Ivo plays a key role in shaping both the big picture and the fine details of the project. When asked what his work involves, he explained, "As one of the Map Leads on Nordic Horizons, I’m responsible for both large and small components of the project — its overall shape as well as the day-to-day progress." His current focus is on monitoring progress and offering feedback, though his involvement has evolved over time: "Before that, I worked on the foundational layout of the urban and road networks, and earlier still I was involved with the research team, cooperating on time estimates, asset lists, and similar tasks."

Reflecting on his experiences during development, Ivo shared that he had the opportunity to see the real-life inspirations firsthand. When asked whether he had visited Norway, Sweden, or Finland, he replied, "Yes, I was actually part of the research trip during the early stages of the project’s development. It was a fantastic experience, and I’m very glad I had the opportunity to visit many of the locations we’re recreating." The team ensured they covered all countries included in the DLC and took note of the diverse landscapes — a crucial step in capturing the spirit of the region.

Describing the research process behind Nordic Horizons, Ivo emphasized its significance: "Research is a fundamental part of every project we do, and it starts well before any actual map creation begins." The team relied extensively on online resources to gather information about everything from road laws and industries to cultural and natural highlights, all of which, together with our internal rules, influenced the project’s scope and planning.

When asked what stands out most in terms of map design or architecture, Ivo highlighted the sheer scale of the region: "The vast distances, without a doubt. We’re covering an ambitiously large area, rich in stunning natural scenery but — apart from parts of the coast — very sparsely populated." He noted that these realities required difficult choices, saying, "To make our in-game world work, we had to make some compromises. In some places, a few towns had to be cut, while in others, we added smaller but important settlements at strategic points to maintain the economic flow. Without them, some areas might not offer any jobs to players due to the sheer distances. Such compromises are sometimes necessary due to the scale of our game world."

In response to what he’s most looking forward to seeing finished in the Nordic Horizons map, Ivo responded, "I’m lucky enough to be able to watch our talented Map Designers bring beautiful scenes to life, and although some of them still need a bit of polish, many of my personal 'wish list' locations have already come true, which is very satisfying. If I had to name one in particular, I’m especially happy that players will be able to drive all the way to Nordkapp — as far north as it’s possible to go in mainland Europe."

Looking back at his career, Ivo explained how his role has changed compared to past projects. In response to a question about similar work he’s done, he said, "I used to work as a map designer, and Nordic Horizons is my first project in a Map Lead role. It’s a big shift." While he occasionally still contributes small scene designs, his focus is now broader: "My 'signature' is present in much of the city and road layout, even though the final visual result is a collaborative effort involving many talented people."

As for the experience itself, Ivo shared what has brought him the most satisfaction: "I’ve enjoyed watching the map evolve and seeing our team’s hard work gradually take shape into an impressive expansion." He added that each development phase has its own hurdles but also its own rewards: "The scale of the project has exceeded my expectations in many ways, and every stage of development brings new challenges."

When asked about the landmarks players can look forward to, Ivo offered a rich preview: "If we count natural scenery as landmarks, then there are countless ones! But in terms of man-made landmarks, we’ve included quite a few: the majestic Arctic Cathedral in Tromsø, picturesque town centres with churches, town halls, and train stations; industrial landmarks like the mines in Kiruna, and quirky tourist spots like Santa’s Village in Rovaniemi."

Finally, when asked what he believes players will enjoy most in Nordic Horizons and what they shouldn't miss, his answer was clear: "Definitely the landscapes themselves, the distances and the solitude." He described the journey through the DLC as something transformative: "I’d suggest you travel from the south all the way up north, and you’ll experience a gradual transformation of vegetation, longer daylight hours, and vast stretches of beautiful, almost untouched wilderness." Says Ivo.

We can’t wait to share more about this upcoming map expansion as development progresses. Stay connected with us for the latest news by following our social media channels on X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and TikTok or subscribing to our newsletter. If you’re excited to explore the Nordic regions, be sure to add the Nordic Horizons DLC to your Steam Wishlist!

Louisiana: Cities #2

In our previous blog, we gave you a glimpse into some of the cities featured in our upcoming Louisiana DLC for American Truck Simulator. Today, we’re back with Part 2, where we’ll explore four more locations that drivers will be able to visit and deliver to. From industrial ports to small border towns, let’s take a closer look at what awaits!

Lake Charles

Situated in the southwest corner of Louisiana, Lake Charles is a dynamic blend of heavy industry and entertainment. Home to several chemical plants and oil refineries, it’s one of the state’s most important industrial centers. But there’s another side to the city, one lined with towering hotels and glitzy casinos, making it a magnet for nightlife and leisure.

Deliver to industrial giants such as the Oil Refinery or catch a glimpse of famous resorts and arcades. Whilst you won't be able to visit these entertainment establishments, our team have recreated them in detail, bringing some of these well known landmarks to life!

DeRidder

Not far from the Texas border lies DeRidder, a charming small town surrounded by forests and known for its lumber and paper industries. While modest in size, its industrial presence is significant, and both the sawmill and paper mill here will play a role in your deliveries.

Players will also notice some of DeRidder’s most iconic landmarks, including the historic Gothic Jail, a rare piece of local architecture, and the Beauregard Parish Courthouse. The town's humble charm and regional character offer a slower pace compared to Louisiana’s larger cities—but that doesn’t mean there isn’t work to be done.

Port Fourchon

Port Fourchon isn’t a city in the traditional sense, it’s a sprawling industrial hub located at the southernmost tip of Louisiana. Known primarily for its role in the offshore oil and gas industry, the area is home to shipyards, oil terminals, and a busy river port, all of which are represented in the DLC.

Unlike other places in the state, Port Fourchon carries a rugged and weather-worn identity, having withstood multiple hurricanes over the years. This gave our team a unique opportunity to depict a less polished environment, reflective of the real-world challenges faced by this critical port.

Alexandria

Centrally located in the state, Alexandria is where many of Louisiana’s major highways, I-49, US-165, US-167, and US-71 intersect, making it a vital transportation hub for the state. For drivers, that means plenty of options when it comes to routes and cargo opportunities.

In the game, you'll traverse this logistical heartland while spotting local landmarks such as the large powerplant, several distinctive churches, and the broader urban area that has made Alexandria a regional connector for generations. Whether you’re passing through or making a delivery, it’s a key stop for any driver!

We hope you have enjoyed today's blog! Remember to add the Louisiana DLC to your Steam Wishlist and don't forget to give our X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and TikTok a follow as you'll receive updates about our games straight to your feed, or subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed! We look forward to sharing more with you in the future.

ATS Road Trip: Ford Car Pack

We’re shifting gears! Today, we’re excited to reveal our planned DLC for the upcoming Road Trip module in American Truck Simulator, introducing the Ford Car Pack!

For those who may have missed our earlier announcement, Road Trip is a brand-new addition to ATS that introduces a more dynamic way to explore the game world beyond traditional trucking. This new gameplay module allows players to step behind the wheel of a variety of vehicles, expanding the ATS experience while remaining true to the spirit of the open road.

The Ford Car Pack brings together some of the most iconic vehicles ever to grace American roads. From a legendary pony car to modern workhorses and pick-up trucks, players will be able to get behind the wheel of the iconic 1967 Mustang, the all-purpose 2023 F-150, the modern 2023 Bronco, and the legendary 1998–2012 Ford Crown Victoria.

Please note, however, that we are still finalizing the specific details for each vehicle, including engine configurations and trim options, which we plan to confirm and share with you at a later date.

With the eventual release of the Ford Pack, and with any Road Trip vehicle pack, the Road Trip gameplay module will become available to players. This means that owning this or any future Road Trip DLC will unlock access to this exciting new gameplay experience. It’s a major step forward for ATS, and we’re looking forward to seeing how you explore the roads ahead in these legendary rides.

We’re incredibly thankful to Ford for their trust and collaboration. Their support has allowed us to faithfully recreate some of their most iconic vehicles in American Truck Simulator, and we’re proud to have them as part of this exciting new journey.

Think you’re ready to hit the road in true Ford fashion? Make sure to add the Ford Car Pack for American Truck Simulator to your Steam Wishlist today! To stay up to date with the latest Road Trip developments, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on X/Twitter, Facebook, BlueSky, and Instagram.