American Truck Simulator fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming British Columbia expansion, which will feature iconic locations like Coquihalla Summit, Mount Robson, Rogers Pass, Vancouver Island, and the Okanagan Valley. Developed by SCS Software in the Czech Republic, the game has garnered a large online following, allowing players to experience the thrill of virtual truck driving.
Daniel Nemec, the head of marketing at SCS, highlighted the appeal of exploring British Columbia in the game, stating that many people have the province on their travel bucket list due to its stunning nature and national parks. The expansion seamlessly connects to the existing in-game world, with Washington State just across the virtual border.
Since its release in 2016, American Truck Simulator has added several western U.S. states like California and Nevada. The British Columbia expansion marks the first map location outside the U.S. Nemec expressed surprise at the game’s widespread popularity, having sold over six million copies, attributing it to the passion many have for big vehicles and transportation.
Jared Jensen, a retired long-haul truck driver with nearly 30 years of experience, streams the game on his Twitch channel, Viking Hammer Gaming, sharing real-life trucking scenarios with his viewers. Jensen’s streams focus on authenticity, emphasizing the importance of adhering to traffic laws and safety checks.
Nostalgia from his own trucking career fuels Jensen’s enthusiasm for the game, as he recreates familiar routes and experiences using a wheel, pedals, clutch, and an 18-speed shifter. He expressed a sense of familiarity and comfort while traveling virtual highways he once traversed in real life.
SCS Software continues to refine the British Columbia expansion, with no official release date yet. Dave Earle, president and CEO of the B.C. Trucking Association, acknowledged the game’s appeal as a way to virtually explore North America, emphasizing the rewarding experiences real-life trucking offers in showcasing the continent’s majestic landscapes.
The upcoming expansion promises to offer players a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of British Columbia, with meticulous attention to detail in recreating iconic landmarks like the R.W. Bruhn Bridge in Sicamous and the majestic Mount Robson. Earle sees the expansion as an exciting opportunity for people to engage with the region, even if they are not trucking enthusiasts.
