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!