Project Route 66 Rework - Meet the Team

A few weeks ago, we introduced the Route 66 Rework, which will focus on key stretches in Northern Arizona and parts of New Mexico, particularly along I-40. Before we can show you glimpses of the team's work, we would like you to meet our colleagues working on this project!

After completing the California Rework Project, Janek and his team turned their attention to Route 66 and its surroundings. With the upcoming Illinois DLC already in development, this legendary American highway will at last be completed, but since parts of it no longer meet today's map design standards, the Route 66 Rework Project has begun. The rework team consists of 16 members, including a few external collaborators - and today, you'll get to meet some of them.

Janek - Project Lead

"I've been with SCS for almost seven years, working on several projects as a map designer and leading the third and fourth phases of the California rework. My main role is to support the team, coordinate with other departments, and oversee rework projects to make sure they come out as they should. Reworking is so fulfilling that it has become my full focus lately - and even in my personal life, I've started renovating my apartment. At the moment, that's pretty much what my life revolves around. Can you guess which rework will be finished first? Or maybe which rework project will come next?"

Ella

"Working as a game developer has been a dream job for me. Designing maps for American Truck Simulator utilizes my passion for learning about American urbanism, infrastructure, geography, and culture, but also functions as my artistic outlet. I'm able to find much joy in what I do even today, nearly 6 years after joining the company. Since I've gained plenty of experience working on large cities over the years, my task here is rebuilding New Mexico's largest city: Albuquerque. As the naming of the project suggests, our goal is to also put emphasis on the historic parts of the Route 66. Therefore, I'm intending to prominently feature it in my work on Albuquerque as well. For example, players will be able to drive through the city's rich downtown, which was previously not possible. I hope that players will have a great time exploring the redesigned city along with all the other parts of and around the legendary Route 66."

Johny

Hi, I'm Johny! I've been at SCS for about 5 years now. I actually joined during Covid, which was a pretty crazy time for everyone. After finishing my degree in Civil Engineering at CTU, I wanted a job where I could put what I learned to use - and that path led me to map design here at SCS. It's definitely not as technical as real civil engineering, but honestly, it's a lot less stressful and way more fun. Right now, I'm working on the Grand Canyon, and my goal is to create something our players will really enjoy. I've had the chance to see the Grand Canyon in person, and I’ll do my best to bring that experience into the game as faithfully as I can.

Terez

"Hi, my name is Terez, and I joined SCS in 2022 as a map designer. In my free time, I enjoy playing World of Warcraft, painting, and working out. I am also a big fan of the manga Berserk. I am currently working on two cities - Kingman and Flagstaff - and part of the Route 66, with a small settlement called Seligman. I really enjoy doing depot areas, truck stops, and city downtowns. I hope that players will find the Route 66 Rework exciting as much as I do.  See ya in the next upcoming projects."

Filip

"After gaining experience during the 4th phase of the California rework, I was given the opportunity to create a fresh new look for Page and US-191. Both locations come with their own challenges, but that’s exactly what makes this project so exciting. I hope you'll enjoy many memorable journeys here and experience the authentic Arizona atmosphere we strive to deliver."

Roman

"September of this year marks my third year at SCS. In that time, I gained new friends and a lot of new experiences. The greatest thing about SCS is the people I get to work with every day. Not only do we teach each other new things, but we also gain mutual understanding. As for what I am currently working on: a rework project has its unique set of challenges. Sometimes, you need to completely remove the old map and start working from the ground up while keeping the gameplay and functions the same; other times, the layout might stay the same, but all the other things change. But there are also opportunities to expand the map and add new interesting areas, and that includes some of the work I did, so I am excited to see what players will think of those. So far, working for SCS has been quite a journey, and I am looking forward to what the future holds."

Margo

"My responsibilities on this project were bringing to life Camp Verde and the surrounding area of I-17 and US 260. Semi-arid Arizona plains might seem repetitive after a while, so making them fun to explore can be a tricky task. I think I handled them well, adding a variety of biomes and sculpting techniques for the players to enjoy the mountainous views in the distance. Camp Verde was a smaller but no less complex project of mine. My intention was to create a cozy place worth a visit when you're around. Don't let it wait too long on your journeys, it's worth your while."

Tomáš

"In Arizona, I'm working on the roads away from the big cities, which is my preferred kind of task. I like open landscapes, forests, hills, mountains, and rocks. Even though an ATS rework wasn't always in the spotlight, it offered a big part of these interesting biomes, which was nice to work on. I really appreciate reworks, because from what I have experienced, not many DLC-based titles rework their base game locations up to current standard."

Mykyta

"Hi! I'm Mykyta, the vegetation specialist on the Route 66 Rework project. Right now, I’m focused on bringing the landscapes around Tucumcari to life. My work is all about shaping environments that reflect the atmosphere of this legendary road - dusty, sun-soaked, and framed by canyons. From weathered motels to wide desert plains, I want the scenery I create to feel alive and carry the spirit of Route 66."

Rob

"I loved playing PC games even as a little boy, when I played Prehistorik on a DOS computer. This passion never left me and eventually led me to SCS Software. After my hectic corporate career, I am extremely happy to be part of a wonderful team of gamers and to be able to participate in the creative process of map creation. Together with Barb, Kuba, and Miya, we are the newest additions to the map designers' team. My first job is to rework the states that the iconic Route 66 passes through. Long open roads, endless plains, neon motels, old gas stations, and a road trip across America. Route 66 – here we go!"

Barbara

"Hi, my name is Barbara. I joined SCS just a few months ago as a map designer, and I really enjoy this work. I've always played games and always will, so I'm really glad I can now also take part in creating them. I'm currently working on the rework of Arizona and Nevada. I enjoy shaping the atmosphere of the dry, sun-scorched desert that you experience while driving through it, and one day I'd love to visit these places in real life."

Jakub

"I am new to SCS, but as a long-time fan and ATS player, I am familiar with the game and am happy to finally be able to participate in map creation. I wanted to go to America mainly because of the beautiful and diverse nature and the wonderful cities. Unlike the monotonous green-gray Europe, I enjoy how the different scenery in America creates unique color palettes that are always a joy to discover and then incorporate into the game. Hopefully, the result of my work will be true and beautiful landscapes."

And that's it for today! We hope you've enjoyed meeting the map designers working on this rework project. Make sure to stay tuned for more updates from ATS by following us on X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and TikTok, or by subscribing to our newsletter! Until then, we wish you safe travels!

Route 66 Rework Project: Cities on the Route 66

Our work on the Route 66 Rework Project for American Truck Simulator continues to move full steam ahead, and today we’re excited to take you on a broader tour of the many cities and towns that give this legendary highway its unique character.

While most of these locations have been part of ATS for some time, the rework has allowed us to rebuild every single one of them from the ground up, enhancing their accuracy while preserving the familiar layout and charm players know from the original map. Winslow is one of the brand-new additions to the game, but joins a completely refreshed lineup of communities that now feel more authentic than ever.

The stretch of Route 66 across Arizona has been an especially exciting challenge, with iconic stops such as Kingman, Flagstaff, and the newly introduced Winslow receiving significant attention. We’ve taken a close look at how these towns sit along the highway in reality, how the roads bend, where the businesses cluster, how the terrain shapes the drive, and adjusted their in-game layouts to better reflect the real-world experience.

From the high pines and cooler elevations around Flagstaff to the desert landscapes surrounding Holbrook and Kingman, the entire region has been revitalized with improved terrain, updated assets, and more detailed roadside scenery. These updates not only create a stronger sense of place but also help connect each town more naturally to the next, giving Route 66 a smoother narrative flow as you travel across Arizona.

Crossing into New Mexico, the rework continues with refreshed representations of Gallup, Albuquerque, and Tucumcari. While these locations were already well-loved parts of the ATS world, the updated versions now better capture the architectural style, atmosphere, and roadway structure that make each community unique.

We revisited key junctions, corrected road alignments, improved signage, and modernized the overall layout, all while preserving the core identity of the original map. Drivers will find that these towns feel more detailed and more believable, especially along the main Route 66 corridor, where historic motels, neon lighting, and long desert vistas help define the experience.

Overall, this phase of the Route 66 Rework Project has been about honoring the legacy of the original ATS map while elevating its realism to today’s standards. The Mother Road is more than just a highway; it's a ribbon of history connecting dozens of communities, each with its own story and character. By refreshing these locations, adding new ones, and improving the way they relate to one another, we aim to give players a richer, more cohesive journey through one of America’s most celebrated routes.

And that's it for today! We hope you've enjoyed this preview of what awaits you in the Route 66 Rework Project. Make sure to stay tuned for more updates from ATS by following us on X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and TikTok, or by subscribing to our newsletter! Until then, we wish you safe travels!

Route 66 Rework Project: Grand Canyon & Hoover Dam

Today, we’re happy to share another look at the Route 66 Rework Project for American Truck Simulator. This time, we’re heading to two of the most iconic landmarks in the United States, The Grand Canyon and The Hoover Dam. Visited in real life by tens of millions of people each year, both locations are currently being reworked, and we’re excited to give you a preview of how they’re being brought to life with a completely refreshed in-game appearance. Let’s take a look!

The Grand Canyon 

As one of the most recognisable natural wonders in the world, attracting millions of visitors each year, the Grand Canyon stretches for 277 miles and at some points is 6,000 feet deep. It truly is an incredible sight to behold! In our Route 66 Rework Project, we are working to really bring an improved sense of scale and detail to better match the reality of this Geologic Wonder.

Of course, this rework isn't limited to just landmarks, Grand Canyon Village, a popular visitor destination on the south rim of the Grand Canyon has also been completely reworked from the ground up, along with a new addition, the settlement of Tusayan. Nearby there are also multiple new lookouts, and even a few secret roads waiting to be discovered. As many of you know, the Grand Canyon is a National Park, and with this rework, we've included the official entrance gate to the national park, which has been recreated in detail by our talented teams! 

Grand Canyon Village isn't just for looks however, as you may already know in its current iteration, you'll be able to haul jobs to and from this popular spot. Featuring all-new depot layouts including a market, road construction site, warehouse, and an aviation service depot. Also don't forget to be on the lookout for viewpoints and photo trophies! This truly is a unique area to haul to, so don't miss out on exploring it all! 

The Hoover Dam

Rising 726 feet above the Colorado River and holding back one of the largest reservoirs in the United States, the Hoover Dam stands as one of the most iconic engineering achievements of the 20th century.

As part of the Route 66 Rework Project, the entire surrounding area has been fully rebuilt, offering a far more detailed and authentic representation of this historic landmark. Visited by millions of tourists each year, it is a landmark where visitors can learn about American history and engineering, and take in stunning views.

As part of our rework, drivers can enjoy several lookout points, rest areas, and improved road layouts that better reflect the experience of visiting the dam in real life. Whether you choose to stop for a scenic break or you're simply passing through, we hope you can appreciate the scale and grandeur of this colossal structure.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this look at arguably two of the most iconic landmarks featured in our Route 66 Rework Project. We've still got plenty more to showcase from this famous stretch of highway, and we look forward to sharing additional insights with you soon. Be sure to follow us on our social media channels or sign up for our Newsletter so you don’t miss any future news and updates. Until next time, keep on truckin’!

Route 66 Rework Project

If you've been wondering where our rework efforts will head next after the successful overhaul of California in American Truck Simulator, we're happy to reveal that now. Our next step is the Route 66 Rework, where we'll revitalize selected parts of this iconic highway!

Over the past couple of years, our team has completely reworked California, one of the original states from the ATS base game. This massive project involved wiping it clean and rebuilding everything from the ground up to reflect the real-world Golden State more accurately, and to showcase just how far our game has come since its release. That rework was completed at the end of last year, and now our talented map designers have shifted their focus to the next exciting project.

With the upcoming release of the Illinois DLC, the historic Route 66 will finally be completed. However, not all of it currently lives up to the standards of our current map design. That's why we've kicked off the Route 66 Rework Project, focusing on key segments in Northern Arizona and parts of New Mexico, especially along I-40.

We aren't reworking entire states just yet, but instead concentrating on towns, roads, and areas along Route 66 that need the most attention - everything will be rebuilt from the ground up to be brand-new for a more immersive experience for you!

While this phase focuses on areas tied to Route 66, our teams have multiple rework projects across the map up their sleeves. So don't worry, there's more on the horizon!

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue our journey along America's most historic highway by following us on X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and TikTok, or by subscribing to our newsletter! We look forward to sharing more with you in the future.