Thursday, February 29, 2024

California Rework - Oakland & San Jose

We have another update regarding the third phase of the California Rework project for you, our #BestCommunityEver! This time, we will give you a glimpse of the reworked cities of Oakland and San Jose in the Bay Area.

San Jose presented us with a delightful challenge with its diverse districts and lively neighborhoods. We did not have this city in ATS until now, but could not leave it out. Driving through the city, you can see the bustling airports and thriving commercial zones, the busy industrial sectors, and cozy residential areas; the city pulses with the heartbeat of American life.

At the heart of our rendition lie the dynamic intersections of US-101 and I-880, where the city's spirit truly shines. We couldn't resist including two standout airports, each with its own unique flair, including an aviation museum that adds a touch of history. Another prominent site in San Jose is the large Voltison car factory placed on the edge of the city. 

The Oakland port is what this city is important for in the real world and will be the main attraction for truckers in our game. There are several depots and a lot of new assets, as well as amazing views of the San Francisco skyline on one side and Oakland's downtown on the other.

The downtown, full of tall skyscrapers, is connected to the port by a winding series of underpasses under the railroad and the highway. This connection and multi-level traffic arrangement offers unique views and adds to the character of the area. 

Truckers will be able to drive through Oakland on Interstate I-880, which goes near the downtown and separates it from the harbor. This interstate then heads north to a huge freeway interchange - the so-called McArthur Maze. From there it's just a short drive to the tollgate and the Bay Bridge, which connects Oakland to Treasure Island and, of course, San Francisco.

We hope you are excited about the release of the third phase of the California Rework project and to visit the reimagined cities of Oakland and San Jose. Stay tuned for more updates, as we continue to cultivate a virtual California that mirrors the real thing on our X/TwitterInstagramFacebookTikTok.

Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Arkansas - Truck Stops

Ready for another preview of the Arkansas DLC? This time, we bring you a closer look at the truck stops you will discover in this upcoming map expansion for American Truck Simulator. Explore the heart and soul of truck stop culture in this vibrant state!

Picture yourself rolling into a bustling truck stop, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the air, as you share stories with fellow drivers and soak in the sights and sounds of the Arkansas landscape. From small roadside establishments to larger, modern facilities offering all the essentials for a smooth journey, Arkansas' truck stops are as diverse and inviting as the state itself.

Experience the convenience of over twenty truck stops ready to cater to both you and your rig as you traverse through Arkansas. Among these, two bigger trucker hubs can be found in Bald Knob and West Memphis, offering a variety of amenities including refueling stations, top-notch truck services, and even a car wash.

These essential stops are thoughtfully scattered across the state, nestled in charming cities like Prescott, Harrison, Springdale, and Pine Bluff. Whether you're cruising through lively urban centers or traversing serene highways, rest assured, convenient services are strategically placed near or at these truck stops to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey for every trucker.

Are you excited to travel on the roads of Arkansas in American Truck Simulator? Add the DLC to your Steam Wishlist! Remember to follow us on our social media channels (X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram) to not miss any news about this DLC or other projects we are working on. Until next time, we'll see you on the road!


Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Nebraska - Cities

Today we're happy to share with you a preview into some of the cities you will be able to visit, and deliver cargo to in our upcoming Nebraska DLC for American Truck Simulator. Each one has their own unique character about them, which our team has worked hard to try best recreate in this map expansion. Let's take a look at some of them, shall we?


Grand Island

Situated in the heart of the state, Grand Island is a vibrant city with a small town charm, home to a variety of cultures and backgrounds. Here you'll find a unique blend of urban amenities, including a marketplace where many folks from neighbouring States travel to visit. From its bustling downtown area filled with shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions to its picturesque parks and scenic riverfront, there is something for everyone here. 

Why not take a moment to enjoy the scenery and check out Landmarks such as The Hall County Courthouse, City of Grand Island Townhall and more. You will be also able to visit one of the most famous Truck Stops around, best known for its unique displays featuring a racing car, a tank and more. 

Located in the State's Agriculture Region, Grand Island is also known for its fertile soil and production of crops such as corn, soybeans and wheat. Around the city, you'll find a variety of different industries, including a large Food Processing Plant which you'll be able delivery to and from.

Grand Island also has a history with Highways, being the second city in the United States to build a concrete roadway in 1915! With its proximity to the I-80, it surely is a must stop destination for any traveller young or old.

Norfolk

Located in Northeastern Nebraska, Norfolk as a hub for agriculture and manufacturing. One such depot you'll be able to deliver jobs to and from is the Nucor Steel factory, located North of the city. 


Here you can also find landmarks like the Elkhorn Valley Museum and the Memorial Park. Norfolk's welcoming atmosphere and diverse attractions make it an ideal stopover for truckers in the area. 

Don't forget to stop by the Karl Stefan Memorial Field Airport, named after a Karl Stefan who was originally born in the Czech Republic, who immigrated with his parents to Nebraska in 1885, and eventually moved to Norfolk in 1909. 

Columbus

Beckoning truckers with a unique mix of industry and charm, Columbus is known for its robust manufacturing and agricultural sectors. In the east of the city, you'll find a large ADM industrial zone, which is almost as big as another city! Here you'll be able to find several different depots to deliver to and from. 

On your travels, you'll surely come across the Platte river, which stretches for over 1,050 miles. Other notetable landmarks in the area include the War Memorial, which honours the men and women who gave their lives. 

North Platte 

Located North of the River Platte near the I-80, this city is somewhat similar to Grand Island. Here you can find the the largest railroad classification yard in the world! If you want to learn specifically more about this industry, check out our recent blog here

This city is surrounded by fields, used for agriculture of all kinds. You may even spot quite a few Sandhills on your travels, a region of grass-covered, stabilized sand dunes in the High Plains. They really are quite unique, and make for a certainly interesting drive through the area.

There will also be plenty of Landmarks to discover, from memorials to several significant buildings in the city. Be sure to look out for them! 

Our teams hope they have been able to capture the spirit and charm of each city represented here. We hope that you'll take the time to check out all the cities of Nebraska when it is made available to you. We look forward to sharing more on the development of this DLC for American Truck Simulator, in the mean time, if you like what you see, be sure to add Nebraska to your Steam Wishlist!