Ever wondered about the intricate development process behind the Coaches DLC for Euro Truck Simulator 2? Today, we are pulling back the curtain to offer an exclusive look at this highly anticipated expansion. We sat down with Dominik, the lead producer for Project Coaches, to discuss the journey of bringing passenger transport to life.
“I’m Dominik, the producer steering the Coaches DLC. My fascination with coaches predates my time at SCS; I was once a fan eagerly scanning for news on what the studio might achieve in this space,” Dominik explains. “When the opportunity arose to lead a project, coaches were the natural choice. It’s a project with a storied history that had been dormant for quite some time. Revitalizing it and guiding it toward the finish line is a significant challenge, and I’m thrilled to be collaborating with such a talented team.”
Dominik’s tenure at SCS spans several years, and his evolution within the company provided the perfect foundation for his current leadership role.
“I started my journey here as a map designer for the Italia DLC, eventually rising to map lead before transitioning into production. That background was invaluable. I possessed a deep understanding of map architecture and bus station placement, as well as the technicalities of asset submission and team management. However, this project introduced fresh variables. Collaborating closely with game design and programming required a more agile approach, dealing with complexities that differ from traditional map expansion.”
The role of a producer on such a nuanced project is multifaceted. Dominik detailed how he synchronizes various departments to maintain momentum.
“My primary responsibility is orchestration. I ensure the team is aligned, that every member understands their objectives, and that they possess the resources to succeed. Sometimes, this involves cross-departmental problem-solving. For instance, the large windows on coaches created a rendering challenge for raindrops that required the expertise of our specialized rendering team. I keep a constant pulse on the development trajectory to pivot quickly whenever technical hurdles or new requirements emerge.”
Maintaining focus is one of the project’s most significant hurdles. Dominik emphasized the importance of managing the scope of the DLC.
“The community—and our own team—has a wealth of ideas, but we have to be disciplined. We are a relatively lean team, and our priority is delivering this experience to players without another five years of development. We have to strategically decide which features are essential for launch and which can be integrated into future updates.”
Defining the “coach experience” was a priority to ensure it felt distinct from standard trucking. The shift in gameplay revolves around the living cargo.
“The core differentiator is the passengers. Their presence isn’t just visual; it fundamentally alters driving mechanics. Players must prioritize smooth operation—avoiding harsh braking and aggressive cornering to prevent penalties. We are also heavily focusing on localized audio to make the passenger presence felt through sound. However, we remain mindful that Euro Truck Simulator 2 is a trucking game at its heart; we want coaches to be a rich addition without getting lost in overly complex corporate management simulation.”
While the core team is compact, the total workforce involved is broader when considering specialized consultants and supporting departments.
“Our primary gameplay engine is driven by a core group of four: a producer, designer, programmer, and tester. The map-side of development involves a researcher and two designers—one focused on stops and the other on infrastructure adjustments like border crossings. When you factor in vehicle designers, QA, physics programmers, and marketing, roughly 20 people are contributing to bringing coaches to life.”
For Dominik, this role is the culmination of a lifelong passion for heavy vehicles and simulation gaming.
“Since childhood, I’ve been captivated by anything on wheels. I used to sit at the front of buses just to observe the driver’s technique—how they managed mirrors, engine braking, and wide turns. Before I could drive, I lived in the worlds of 18 Wheels of Steel and the original Bus Driver. Even now, I regularly play various simulators to stay connected to the genre,” he says.
Witnessing the project evolve from conceptual sketches to a playable experience remains the most rewarding aspect of his work.
“I love testing internal builds as new features click into place. It was particularly gratifying to host an internal playtest for colleagues who weren’t directly involved in the project. Watching their reactions and gathering their feedback as they sat behind the wheel of a coach for the first time was a highlight for the whole team.”
Dominik believes the passenger satisfaction system will be the standout feature for fans. “It introduces a delicate balance between punctuality and comfort. Navigating a schedule while keeping your passengers happy adds a layer of depth that is entirely new to our ecosystem.”
Inspiration for the DLC was drawn from various sources, including the studio’s own history. “We looked back at our title *Bus Driver*, analyzed community feedback on our forums, and consulted with a professional who spent years as a real-world bus driver to ensure authenticity.”
The release is just the beginning. Dominik hinted at a long-term roadmap for the expansion.
“We aren’t planning to release this and walk away. We are currently exploring partnerships with major long-distance coach brands and want to expand the ‘tourism’ element of the game, guiding players through the most scenic and iconic locations we’ve built into our map.”
To wrap up, Dominik shared a message for the #BestCommunityEver: “I am incredibly eager for you all to experience this. I’m looking forward to the videos, reviews, and discussions. I hope the reception is as enthusiastic as it has been for our other upcoming projects like Nordic Horizons.”
We hope you enjoyed this deep dive into the development of the Coaches DLC. Be sure to add it to your Steam Wishlist to stay updated! For more news, follow us on X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and YouTube, or subscribe to our newsletter. Safe travels!
https://store.steampowered.com/app/3809270/Euro_Truck_Simulator_2__Coaches/