SCS Software, a Czech Republic-based developer, is set to release a new British Columbia expansion for American Truck Simulator, featuring iconic locations like Coquihalla Summit, Mount Robson, and Vancouver Island. This popular video game, allowing players to experience virtual truck driving, has gained a massive online following.
Daniel Nemec, the marketing head at SCS Software, highlighted the seamless connection between the upcoming B.C. expansion and the existing in-game world, particularly with Washington State bordering it. The addition of British Columbia marks the first time the game will feature a map outside the U.S.
Despite initial expectations of niche interest, the game has surpassed six million copies sold, showcasing the widespread appeal of simulating truck driving experiences. Jared Jensen, a retired long-haul truck driver with nearly three decades of experience, now streams the game on his Twitch channel, Viking Hammer Gaming, providing viewers with realistic scenarios and emphasizing safety elements.
The game, featuring licensed automakers’ models and parts, enables players to customize and drive their own trucks. Jensen, drawing inspiration from his real-life trucking career, expresses his passion for the game and the nostalgic connection it provides. Nemec mentioned that the B.C. expansion is still a work in progress with no confirmed release date, indicating that the locations showcased in the trailer may undergo changes.
Dave Earle, President and CEO of the B.C. Trucking Association, praised the game for its ability to virtually showcase the diverse landscapes of North America, acknowledging the allure of exploring the continent through a commercial driver’s eyes. He noted recognizable features like the R.W. Bruhn Bridge in Sicamous, B.C., and Mount Robson, which add to the game’s authenticity and appeal beyond just the trucking aspect.