Today, we enjoy to show you one more record from among our Research Trips! This blog site concentrates on the trip Kansas Map Lead, Patrik Sadlon, Map Designers Pavel J, Ilona C, Elena H and 2D Artist Annie V, required to the U.S previously this year. The objective of their traveling was to collect recommendations and details for the upcoming , along with to motivate them to prepare for future tasks.
However, please remember that the details and media provided right here do not validate what our upcoming DLC will certainly consist of.
Travelling 10,500kms in 17 days, the group checked out 20 various states throughout the United States. Each participant of the group had their very own objective established for the journey. “The goal of map designers was to experience driving on US roads, which are (of course) completely different compared to our roads in Europe” Patrik informs us. “Annie’s goal was to see and grab the feel of typical American info-graphics, billboards, brand logos etc.”. As you can envision, these journeys showed to be an important experience for our groups in bringing a sensible look to our ATS tasks.
“For me, the best part about visiting America was getting to drive there.” Elena discusses to us, “Seeing what our players would see from the point of view of a driver really changed my perspective on what to add to our map and what not to. I noticed things while driving the same route we have in the game that I wouldn’t have noticed otherwise. The feel of the road is also very different from our roads in Europe. Everything is smoother and larger.”
“Another thing I really liked was the small towns we saw across the states. Each had its own atmosphere, and some of them were truly magical to visit. It was great to see the nature, the roads and their curves, the vastness of the states, and the cities. It’s a very different vibe compared to Europe, and I think seeing all this with our own eyes can help us create a better game for our players.”
The group invested plenty of days in Kansas, discovering different cities along Interstate 70, such as Colby, Hays, Topeka and obviously, Kansas City. They additionally checked out the similarity Wichita, Hutchinson and Emporia to guarantee we caught the “genius loci” of the location.
“The great thing about our trip to Kansas was that as map designers, we were able to be in the places that we would be creating in our game.” Pavel J informs us “I am responsible for Topeka, the capital of Kansas in our upcoming DLC. What was great about the trip was that I got to see Topeka with my own eyes and then I got to build it virtually! It gave me a whole different approach and made me realize what was really important and what the players would like. However, I’m sorry that we have limits and I couldn’t make the city as big as the community would have liked. The thing I enjoyed most about the state was Kansas City, which I had the privilege of visiting. Now I just hope to visit the US again. Even though Kansas may be boring to some, it still has its charm”. 
“It was great to have the opportunity to discover the beauty and diversity that can be found in this part of the United States.” Ilona shares “Known as the ‘Sunflower State’, Kansas surprised me with its varied landscapes, winding roads and the many farms that dominate the area. Although we saw only a few sunflower fields, it was clear that this flower plays a significant role in the landscape. The western side of the state is dominated by wide fields of corn and wheat, creating a fascinating view of the endless plains that Kansas has to offer.”
“We also passed many family farms as well as large commercial farms where corn, maize and other crops are grown. These farms are an important element of the local economy and culture, and their presence gives Kansas its unique character.”
With a lot to see in a brief quantity of time, the group made certain to take lots of referral shots and video clips for the group back at the workplaces. “We took a lot of video and sound equipment with us” Patrik informs us. “We used a 360 degree camera, mounted on the roof of the car, which allowed us to record our own “streetview” that our colleagues can watch in VR. This allows them see the “dimension” of the area by just letting them sit with us in the office, watching the material that we recorded”.
However, Kansas had not been the only location for the group! “We had opportunity to see many states in just 15 days, so we have now great comparison of each one, knowing what’s typical for which location.” Patrik discusses “With focus on Kansas and .. one state that will be announced soon (stay tuned!) – we discovered that the mood of great plains is interesting in its own way. We took many notes along the way and now we are ready to implement them into the game. Noises of crickets that we heard and recorded in Kansas are ready to be released with the DLC. Some other bits needs to wait a little bit more to be implemented – but we are working hard to bring the feel to as close as possible to what we experienced in US.”
This significant trip took this specific group from Denver, Colorado and onwards via the states of Wyoming, South Dakota, Nebraska, Colorado and Kansas where they invested a couple of days discovering the farming personality of the state. From Kansas they headed to Chicago, however with “little” sideline in Missouri, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Missisippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio.
Phew, what a journey! We expect sharing exactly how these research study journeys convert to our digital leisure of the states in the future. Until after that, we wish you appreciated this little behind the scenes record of our journey out to the states! Be certain to include Kansas to your Steam wishlist. Until following time, keep truckin’