Century of Steam Developer Q&A #1

A while back, we went through and grabbed questions from our Patrons to answer in this Q&A, and we figured it'd be good to show off the answers to you all as well! The next Dev Vlog is coming next week for the public as well. :)
studio346.net/
s.team/a/2517940/ - Steam Page
/ studio346
/ _studio346
/ centuryofsteam
/ discord
/ studio346games

[@roadtrain_]

I swear, the 'what's up guys it's mark' still catches me off guard. Also... ya'll heard him say levels as well right... MULTIPLE MAPS CONFIRMED?!

[@CakePrincessCelestia]

It's just a weird way of saying "Whats up gyce, this is Hyce!"

[@_Studio346]

Well, if you want to try and represent a good slice of the whole that is all of 3' narrow gauge railroading, it wouldn't really fit in one map... ;)

[@boredzero037]

​​​@@_Studio346Mutliple passes, if you will - some of the rapid unscheduled longitudinal incongruity type, even - resulting in motion similar to someone traversing an incline plane around a downward moving central axis.

[@AtkataffTheAlpha]

"Hello everybody my name is Mark Huber and welcome to another railroad video!"

[@christopherharsch4352]

holy heck. I still cant believe that's actual gameplay footage. It looks insanely incredible

[@CakePrincessCelestia]

It's way easier to believe if you have flown an F-14 right into the sunset in DCS in VR already... probably one of the most visually stunning experiences I've ever made.

[@average-mountainbiker]

@@CakePrincessCelestialol i did the same in dcs flying back to the carrier at sunset in the tomcat took a photo of it and it was and is my wallpaper

[@CakePrincessCelestia]

@@average-mountainbiker The whole lighting, visual fidelity of the cockpit and the new clouds just make it an utterly vivid lucid dream. It's amazing to see what's possible on current tech. And it already felt like that on a 13 year old 3570k with a 1080 and just a CV1 I used when first getting there.

[@average-mountainbiker]

@@CakePrincessCelestia the lighting is just something else makes it look real and its one of theses dcs moments that make you go wow just those amazing aspects about dcs

[@stuartthurstan]

I'm totally used to seeing graphics this good, and even better in AAA games. What I'm definitely not used to is seeing graphics on this level being applied to train sims. The thing that excites me most though is the idea that this train sim is being built by enthusiasts who understand how important the physics and sounds are to the overall sense of immersion.

[@kholdanstaalstorm6881]

If we didn't completely trust Mark, the slight stutter in the start of the cut clip sealed the deal! Beyond impressed!

[@gentlemanzer]

I love the smoke coming from the stack and interacting realistically with the wind!

[@Westman0071]

For the next Q&A : 1) We can build our own tracks but in the trailer there seems to be a teaser that we will need to bring the ressources needed to build it, is it correct ? If yes, are we gonna need hopper cars to move the rocks and dirt "collected" to place the track at the intended spot (for a cut in terrain or a fill to level the ground for the track) ? 2) Do the train platforms/stations will have a pre-placed piece of track to link on our system ?

[@WickedMuis]

I'm looking forward to this. I got no friends to play it with, so hopefully it's still enjoyable to build up a railroad company alone

[@LegoPiMan3]

I'll play it with you!

[@blendpinexus1416]

the fact that you two have put your comments here means that you'll be having MANY requests. enjoy

[@wesw9586]

I imagine there will be a good sized community. You might find some new friends.

[@N-L3]

@@LegoPiMan3 I'd love to play with you and him as well

[@benmabry2280]

I know of several groups you can join and even play train games with currently.

[@cnwtrains]

At least you guys modeled the bridge is correctly with guardrails so excited to see this game

[@tylersrailfanningandgaming8168]

Faster than the flash today

[@Skirakzalus]

The thing I've been wondering: How deep is the simulation aspect going to go? I know a few people who are disappointed by RRO's simple "just keep shoveling fuel" way of handling steam locomotives, but that simplicity also has advantages like avoiding frustration or constant management becoming tedious.

[@_Studio346]

There's going to be settings for these sorts of things - if you're playing with friends, and you're all railroaders - you might *want* to fight the engine as an engineer and fireman. If you're playing solo, and you don't know that much about railroading - you absolutely *would not want* to deal with all that. There will be difficulty settings such that both are possible - for those that want the crazy sim, it'll be there, for those who want to hang out and play trains, that'll be there too.

[@Skirakzalus]

Thanks for the answer, having options is a great way of handling this!

[@wesw9586]

​@@_Studio346I love that answer! Will the difficulty be changeable session by session like the physics and industry settings in that other thing?

[@masteroftherails5317]

​@@_Studio346quick question will the trains be able to derail?

[@_Studio346]

@@masteroftherails5317 They already do! And there's an even better derailment model on the way 😉

[@statelyelms]

The grin on Mark as he said "..there's two versions of the pensy iii in the fame already :)" was heartwarming. He just got to tell someone that not only is their favourite whistle in the game but that there are two of them. Must feel amazing

[@kevinbeverly4086]

That deleted scene is amazing. I'm really looking forward to the game. You all are doing an amazing job. Keep up the good work it is incredible.

[@polarvortex6496]

Good to see the curtain finally starting to be peeled back! If the amount of seemingly basic questions fielded here is any indication, people are chomping at the bit for info on this game - and I know because I'm one of them. Can't wait to see the game demo with the blinders off, even if it is in a slimmed-down state. Also, yay, runtime footage watermark!

[@Hungaryball103]

That Q&A was amazing! Im so happy about the geared locomotives, but here is all of my questions: 1.) There will be more more snow plow than one, like a rotary snow plow. 2.) How does the passenger service and freight service work? 3.) There will be some Lima Shay whistles ? 4.) We can get some scratch builds on the locos, like a winch to the front of a heisler, or an open wooden cab to a climax. But anyways, keep up the good work! 🚂-A Shay fan from Hungary

[@joeman1437]

"You won't be disappointed in choices for whistles" *Me who wants an ACL 6 chime* "To be seen"

[@RealTylerBell]

i need that gif where im throwing my wallet that the screen

[@blacksmeim8791]

Again: keume can declare bankrupcy. You guys are the better, more experienced & more professional dev team, and i can't wait to abandon his failed project. Btw, will there be VR-support?

[@trainman551]

Will maps be premade places with set towns inspired by real locations or will maps be seed generated with random towns and terrain spawning?

[@jameschase11]

Tbh I thought towns would be built up as you deliver product to nearby industries

[@hansvonflammenwerfer2817]

Ay, congrats on 10k!

[@FJX2000_Productions]

Super excited for the game, keep up the great work 👍

[@UmoadoGaming]

Amazing. Just. AMAZINGLY AMAZING! The whistle echo 👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾. Keep up the good work!

[@cemmy410]

It really does look amazing!

[@Naviss]

Looks and sounds amazing!! Thanks for the Q&A!

[@jacobramsey7624]

I love the video of the game at the end. Thank you for showing us that!

[@Jopsyduck]

well, no one said studio 346 can only make one game. a loco builder might be something else for the studio to do once century of steam is released.

[@Idaho-Cowboy]

Looking and sounding awesome!

[@KPen3750]

So is the second version of the PRR 3-chime the one that overblows the 1 chime to its a "banshee" sounding one? I read somewhere that was a thing and was used on some of the big Decapods in their final years of service

[@bluescrew3124]

This is so exciting!

[@KCTrains11]

Everything looks absolutely AMAZING!! I can already tell the 346 team have absolutely nailed that Narrow Gauge feel we all love. I am curious about something, will there be some sort of maintenance system? Will you need to send an engine to the shop for Derailments, Control misuse or just general repairs? Really excited for Century of Steam! Keep up the great work!

[@lufkingaming]

Looks and sounds so good I can’t wait

[@taylorstout2067]

Omg the last part i can just keep watching it over and over again

[@TheOneTrueDragonKing]

A thing of beauty, Mark. Can't wait.

[@nssrrailfan6443]

Wow! Looks amazing and I am SO EXCITED! Sad that it won't be this year for the game, but I will be excited for it 100%! I am amazed that that is real gameplay footage. It's unreal! (Literally).

[@Wandering_4ever]

@Studio 346 I'm not a gamer , but like watching people play and have to say that this game looks awesome.. My favorite part is watching people build their RR , how they navigate the terrain, grades , etc .. and of course in the DRV world watching them bin trains in the dirt and down mountain sides .. Keep up the good work guys ..

[@JonsGarage89]

That deleted scene is absolutely GORGEOUS!!

[@michaelhayes1678]

Wow!! Just saw the train run out of a tunnel and whistle blown in a place that looks a lot like home in the rocky mountain range. It was so stirring I am suddenly in tears. WOW! Thanks for including that clip. This game will be epic. So stunning.

[@cowtbonecrusher8374]

❤❤❤ i cant wait for it. But what about the weather? Will the weather have a effect on the trains, Like slippy rails at Rain or snow or leafs? And what about the Wheel slip

[@BigJessGaming]

Got it on my "Wish List" seriously can't wait for this..

[@CaptainHellfire]

That whistle echo in the pre alpha footage gave me chills.

[@jamieprater3398]

All I ask is for two things. Well actually three. Please have the White Pass and Yukon 70 and 190 class Mikados and a 3 chime Lonergan whistle. The notes for the whistle would be: F4 - 347.48Hz Aflat4 - 416.97Hz C5 - 521.22Hz

[@automotiveman13]

I watched this on Patreon and it still makes me giddy hearing my comment read on video. And now there is 4 different Hancock Longbell 3 chimes instead of just 2. I’m even more exited for this game.

[@LunarLocusts]

So how does it feel seeing the Railroads Online crew desperately partnering with a dev studio now that they've seen the competition?

[@22TwentyTwo]

man, the fact that this will be a multiplayer game is insane and I love it. hopefully it will gain a lot of attention! cant wait to play it

[@benmabry2280]

I hope they implement some way of talking to others in the game and not require you to use a 3rd party software.

[@22TwentyTwo]

@@benmabry2280 that would be really good, even better if they can find a way to do it in an immersive way. It would not make any sense but imagine going to your caboose and there is like a Morse code machine but when you use it you can talk to anyone on the server by speaking open mic style

[@crazydutchbloke]

All i ask for is a Field of View slider for the ultra wide players. Something they seem to be unable to figure out in UE5 on other train games.

[@thefaulnt3562]

I have no experience with other train games but in my experience with other games I tend to max out that slider.

[@nickinick9329]

The lighting looks amazing, can we expect rtx level of graphics? Well the sound of the trains will change in a tunnel? Great work guys! This is awesome!

[@invention64]

I could not be more hyped for a game

[@stuartthurstan]

Oh my word! That shot at the end. Please, take my money!

[@rjc0234]

Pre-alpha gameplay footage looks as good as some pre-renderd animations for the adverts for other games from a few years ago!!!

[@Titanic-of8kv]

So love the look of the game but will we actually have to plow snow?

[@_Studio346]

You saw it in the trailer - that was actual snow on the tracks, actually being cleared, and actually causing drag for the train. You won't have to everywhere or all the time, necessarily... but in some situations, certainly so!

[@Titanic-of8kv]

@_Studio346 that's amazing

[@randompersonwhocomments3645]

I do have to wonder, what is the specific time range that the game will be based around? It's clear it will revolve around the steam age, but how far into the present and the past will the locomotives and rolling stock go?

[@jason38321]

According to their page on TV Tropes, it's 1869 to 1969. Apparently they chose that because that spans the century between the first transcontinental railroad and the first moon landing. And I can't imagine any other reason why they'd choose those particular dates. Edit: I fact-checked all that, apparently they're actual facts. Their FAQ page specifies 1869 to 1969. According to Wikipedia the first transcontinental railroad was finished in 1869, and I recall the moon landings starting in 1969. Which is nice.

[@_Studio346]

1869 to 1969 indeed; 1969 allows us to have the DL535 diesel locomotives shown in the trailer in-game, and 1869 allows for a wide range of early narrow gauge locomotives as well. :)

[@CakePrincessCelestia]

@@_Studio346 It's just double nice!

[@BreadGuy01]

I am now very glad to have not purchased Railroads Online and am content to wait for this. It looks amazing and I can only imagine what a multiplayer session of this would look like. I do wonder just how versatile the track builder/editor is going to be, and whether Caboose Racing will be making a return to our lives.

[@themanformerlyknownascomme777]

the word's "North America" give me enough hope to ask this question: will there be any love for the NFLD (Newfoundland Railroad)? it may be Canadian but virtually all of it's engines were built by Americans. the NFLD gets virtually no love in the Narrow gauge community despite being longest narrow gauge railroad in the world and lasting a decade longer then the Rio Grande Western's narrow gauge operations.

[@leverettrailfan5414]

The Newfoundland Railway is so damn cool! It would be wicked cool if it got some love in CoS. iirc it was 3' 6" rather than 3', so I don't know if it falls within the scope of CoS. Likewise, the Maine 2-footers are very cool, but would be too narrow assuming CoS is working entirely in 3' gauge.

[@arrivedknight7632]

As long as the game is "affordable" i am extremely looking forward to add this to my steam list.

[@buckduane1991]

Take as much time as you need!!! A rushed game is rarely a good game, and you guys are committed to doing things right! Unlike certain other games using only German Fauxgeneering…

[@zapy9715]

I remember playing Railroad Tycoon 3 back in the day. Their industry, cargo and economics sim is unmatched even to this day. I will Century of Steam have something that is similar?

[@PurpleHusky1994]

Omfg I just can’t wait to watch you and Kan play this together 😍😍

[@Nightmonkey1953]

This game is amazing

[@HORNMASTERS]

I can not wait to hear some of these diesel horns💪

[@jameschase11]

All I ask is that we get a 90 ton 3 truck Heisler and I'll be happy 😊

[@ghostgames30222]

Will we get an beautiful soundtrack?

[@blue-raptor4017]

I can only Imagine, if Hyce has anything to say about it

[@ww32]

If the trailer is anything to go by…. Then yes we will.

[@powerfulech0356]

Love what you said about software development it’s so true lol

[@clyde3013]

i cant wait for this game! but like can we all agree to chill with the rro hate? i get that this game looks wayy better in most ways but that doesnt mean you have to hate on rro:(

[@roadtrain_]

This needs more likes; sure RR:O! wasn't what we'd hoped for it to be, and this is better. But we shouldn't be hating on what we have already.

[@StefsEngineering]

A question, are you guys going to use UE5.3? Quite important feature in this one: nanite landscape is actually a thing now.

[@billtheunjust]

Is the game using Unreal? (I haven't followed it much, but am hearing all kinds of things about the new Unity pricing.)

[@perpetualpunster]

@@billtheunjust, There's is a lot of Dev unity against Unity, but thankfully this game is really built in Unreal 5.

[@fluffnose3386]

The game looks so good. I might finally build a pc just so I can play this! Unless you somehow get a console release. 😂 Y’all are doing insane work keep it up!

[@FuelFire]

8:06 this gives me goosebumps every time and I don't know why

[@rebelalice2231]

This game looks absolutely incredible

[@Griz1231]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but my understanding of multi-chime whistles is that they used a sliding valve that opened either the chimes sequentially or moved between them sequentially. Programming that would be recording each chime separately and combining them based on valve position. If applied this way, making custom combinations could be done by combining standard individual chimes and a valve configuration, or attaching the chimes to standard valves. Either would be a fairly small amount of data to attach to the locomotive configuration.

[@justletmefailinpeace9099]

You don't make good games without love and talent, and it's clear to me that your team has plenty of it. Looking forward to seeing as development continues, even if I can't afford to throw any money at y'all to keep doing it. I have to ask simply to appease the nationalist in me: How much Canadian content to you guys have planned for release/post-launch updates? And can you, eventually, add a BC Rail-tuned K5L and whatever type was fitted to the NF210? And why Studio 346 as a name? What happened to the other 345 game studios?

[@joshhorner5688]

Looks amazing and I can't wait for it to come out. This game is the reason I want a gaming pc. Quick question. Is there going to be a track laying feature or is it just going to be set lines?

[@CrippleX89]

How can a game sound *this* good, especially in pre-alpha?! It's incredible how much sound does for a game and probably something that many indy devs seem to underestimate.

[@apenasgargorio]

y'know this is going to be good when AngeTheGreat comes in to help

[@Sigil_Firebrand]

Question if you happen to see it: Would you consider as perhaps a distant future kind of addition, that really cursed Rio Grande garratt? Great video and info!

[@rukirgaming]

Honey wake up, Train Game devs posted

[@N-L3]

Underrated comment

[@DonkenAndToivolaRR]

I don't need standard gauge for driving, but would love to see some three-rail track, some interchange yard with a freight depot and few standard gauge vehicles there just for size comparison and the feel of not being isolated in a NG world.

[@TwoPennyStudios]

It's telling when a question being asked is if something is pre-rendered or actual in-game footage. I guess we sadly live in an era of gaming where people are so used to pre-rendered footage that they aren't sure if something is gameplay or rendered anymore. Don't know if this question will be answered, but is there plans for Dual Gauge for the game? Also given you all are using UE5 (from what I recall), I know that games in the past have released a Tool Kit (ARK is one) that allows for community made content. Is such a tool kit on the drawing board? This would allow for map making from the community. Looking forward to the game Studio 346! Keep up the amazing work. :)

[@quakxy_dukx]

If modding does come in the future, a separate game for making custom locomotives (similar to Automation with BeamNG) seems like a possibility

[@Frankie_Fish]

Stop the hype already, i'm getting excited!!! 😅

[@darkassassin395]

Add-on to the ‘custom engines/wheel arrangements’ question. Would that be something that could work as it’s own separate add-on game? Sort of like how Automation works with BeamNG, allowing you to build cars and then import them into Beam? I highly doubt there would be any sort of thoughts about something like that anytime soon, but if done it could also be (hypothetically) used for those custom whistles you spoke about, imported the same way.

[@octane2099]

I’m glad your focusing on American since every other game is Europe based.

[@fuchsmode]

Yes! The smoke! The smoke! Finally, a game that acknowledges that smoke exists for longer than 5 seconds and blows with the wind.

[@CakePrincessCelestia]

0:18 I guess it's time to consider joining on Paytreon... XD 0:32 I might have more than one question, but the one that's really burning under my hooves is: ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀Will it have VR support? I'll only accept a "YES!!!111111!1oneeleven!" :) 0:39 That's the way to do it! (not a Dire Straits reference, just sayin') 1:24 Also, speaking of live simulation of sound: Will that also be the case with all the other sounds, especially on the steam engines with all the chuffs and mechanical stuff going on? There is that crazy simple, but great Steam Engine Simulator thing on Steam (how appropriate!) that does that already to some extent... 1:28 Oh, I see this question goes down the very same road I'd have taken ^^ 2:22 Quite literally! John Riccitiello left the chat. 3:09 Just keep it in mind and one day just do it! Full blown (badum tss!) Choo Choo Concerto let's go! 8:06 The audio is just **chef's kiss**

[@MathewSan_]

Nice 🚂👍

[@firewolf2079]

This game cant come out soon enough. Am quite excited to see this running on my computer. I know it seems like alot of the questions had to do with whistles so heres another: it was said there's more than 60, is there a filter option to narrow down your search or do you have to scroll the menu like a mad man?

[@Brickticks]

Glad to hear about Frisco’s whistle. One question though, do you think there will be any Garratt locomotives in game? Garratts are amount my favorite locos, and they are the only type of loco that could challenge the Big Boy in terms of length. Height and weight, not so much. Also, I know you guys want to stay in America for your engines and maps, but perhaps having just one UK Representative engine would be something to consider. Not like a whole map or anything, not even other rolling stock, but just one UK engine to entice the UK audience, make a bit more money that way, which may help along the line. I suppose if you wanted to, a single UK engine would make excellent DLC, if DLC is to be a thing. Lastly, not sure as to what track gauges are supported, but personally I should like to see the Frisco Five, as I like to call them. Those engines being the 2 footers 13, 14, 43, 76, and 504 from Silver Dollar City. They would make really good DLC, if you can get in touch with the Herchends about it. They were all built in Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic, but you wouldn’t know that looking at them now, all Americanized and whatnot. Rockatoa, Brickticks out! P.S. sorry for any typos, my tablet really likes autocorrect, and sometimes I don’t catch it.

[@WingsStrings]

The game will be North American 3' gauge only.

[@157RANDOM]

Looking forward to it! Will there be options for firing simulation? Such as an auto-fireman. I enjoy steam sim being accurate, and want the depth of firing sim to be there, but sometimes just want to be the engineer, and worry about running the train while my fire is managed by a fireman/ai fireman.

[@softcorestupidity9310]

Please tell me that there will at least be a economy mode, where you will really have to decide how you will build your tracks. If you build a cheap long curvy track floolwing the contour lines, or spend a lot of money building bridges and tunnels and terraforming and have a fast high capacity railroad. I would LOVE to have a Transport Tycoon / Minecraft / Trainz experience combined in one game ❤

[@ProtonTheProtogen]

I'm gonna ask again, but how will the couplers work? Will Knuckles work like Zeibach's Couplers or another form? But Link and Pin will it work like RRO?

[@RealAPasz]

+1 for modding.

[@ThebutterPigRailroad330]

SHEEP

[@TheSmokyMountain1495]

BAAAAAAAAAAA

[@npk765fan]

When did this joke even come from?

[@user-xj3sm3ld1b]

Hyce 's big boy 4005 derailment video

[@joshschultheis1731]

Is there an estimated price yet?

[@OvantheWise]

If we make a mistake or decide to change the railroad later on will we be able to fill back in cuts and tunnels or will they become permanent scars on our maps?

[@PowerPuppet]

:D

[@CreeperBroCMJ]

Will this game be sticking to just narrow gauge or will standard gauge be implemented eventually? Be really cool to have a dual gauge railroad. Also I can’t wait for it, keep up the great work!

[@rockytopgaming6820]

American 3ft narrow gauge only at this time

[@meteorgemini8796]

Had a crazy question for next time. Do you think eventually after full release and what not, could the hya-synth sound generation itself somehow be ported to dcc chips for models? Think it's be amazing to have whatever whistles on models that can do all the trills and quirks of the operator rather than normal recordings

[@FluffyAdmiral]

I wonder how big is the map going to be? Is it going to be the same size as the one in RRO or do you plan to make it even bigger?

[@Zyo117]

Oh hi mark

[@kingalbby2497]

What is the Gameplay loot? It is all great with the visual fidelity and the sound design but if the game play is not good or repayable then it may dwindle in regards of play base. So you talked about laying your own track and terrain work what is the primary goal of the game? will there be jobs to accept and complete or just run cargo back and forth like RR Online?

[@HKD3]

wait... hyce?

[@kholdanstaalstorm6881]

Yes, or Mark as the mere mortals call him. Hyper realistic railroad game combined with his knowledge, connections and the dedicated group in this game studio, it's difficult to see a combination that meshes better than this!

[@HKD3]

...@@kholdanstaalstorm6881

[@IlanTheSouthwesternRailfan]

How do I simulate the whistle I want if I’m able to do that

[@Mrlaggy99]

I wanted to ask this but will there be the ability to create your own town on the map?

[@benmabry2280]

Idk if anyone has posed this question. But would their be historic pre-made train routes that you can run/operate? Like the Rio Grande Southern, or the Silverton branch of the dns? Or other great 3 foot trackage?