Hello SnowRunners!
It's a pleasure to welcome Ronniesonchak to this week's interview. Let's dive in!
How did you get into gaming?
When I was 12 years old, I got a Sega game console and ever since then video games have been a part of my life. In my free time I played video games, particularly racing games. At the moment I play less than I used to on the PC, but I do make mods constantly. For me it's both a hobby and a bit of extra income.
Could you tell us a little bit about your background?
I was born in the small village of Lisnyy Khlibychyn in the Ivano-Frankivsk region (Western Ukraine). My childhood and school years were spent there, after which I went to university. I did not study the creation of 3D models or programming there.
What got you into modding?
In 2013, I stumbled upon an off-road simulator that I really liked, because I had been looking for a good off-road simulator with quality physics and animation. After 2 days of playing I did not like the quality of 3D models of wheels on the UAZ 469, and I decided to change them. At first I was looking for any information to create my own 3D model or where to download it, and then I started studying the code, read articles about modding and as a result in 2-3 weeks I still managed to replace the wheels for the best (I did not make a 3D model, but downloaded it from the site). That's how I started modding.
Where do you start with your mods? What’s your process and what triggers the idea?
First, I'm looking for an interesting model of SUV, truck, or tractor (this model is usually interesting not only to me but also to users and is useful in the game). Then I'm looking for a quality 3D model, I'm not creating a full-fledged 3D model, I can only model some details if necessary. My friend and co-author Serhiy Bocharov helps me create 3D models and their textures. As soon as the 3D model is ready, I animate it and export it to the game. Then I study its material part and adjust the configuration, look for and cut out the sound for it, after which it remains to check and adjust it to the end.
Have you modded for any other games?
After several years of modeling for MudRunner, I wanted to try to create a mod for European Truck Simulator 2, but could only study the truck configuration and the animation didn't work well for me, so I decided not to continue making mods for that game.
What's your favorite SnowRunner mod?
At the moment, my favorite mod is the GAZ 3301 (TUZ-101), created by Jansor. This is a rare truck, of which only a few were produced worldwide, it was never mass-produced. In the game, this mod has several interesting modules that will help the player to explore the area, bring fuel and deliver small loads. I also want to note that there are no pictures for this truck, there are only a few photos and a small video review, but the author was able to make a quality 3D model.
If someone could only download one of your mods, which would you suggest?
I would recommend my Mod Pack K-60 and K-62, as this mod has many interesting modules and trailers that allow you to go through the SnowRunner storyline. Now I'm preparing a small update that fixes some bugs and adds a crane that will allow you to load a trailer or platform.
What would be your dream change or addition to SnowRunner?
I would like to be able to turn on / off the wipers because the game has dynamic weather. I also don't really like the color of the snow, after you ride it, I would like the color to be not blue, but gray. Another thing I would like is to be able to assign more animations, as was the case with MudRunner.
What’s your favorite thing about SnowRunner?
What I like most is the graphics, new plots, tasks, big maps, unlike MudRunner, the dynamic weather that made the game more realistic. In general, I believe that SnowRunner is a big step forward, and I wish success and further development to the developers.
What advice would you give to people who would like to get into modding?
For starters I would advise you to choose the game for which you want to create mods and then start learning 3D modeling. There are many video tutorials and articles that can help you learn how to create 3D models and textures. Finally I would say to of course learn the game code.
Working on any exciting mod at the moment?
Sergei Bocharov and I are currently working on a new mod called "Monster GAZ", this mod will belong to the category of scouts and it will mainly be designed to explore an area, deliver fuel, and to tow small trucks and SUVs. The mod will appear in the game next month (on PC).
What’s your all-time favorite real life vehicle? What about SnowRunner vehicle?
My favorite off-road car is a GAZ 66, it has excellent cross-country due to self-locking wheel differentials, easy repair of units, and good maneuverability due to its small size. The main disadvantages of this truck, I think, are the weak engine, high fuel consumption, inconvenient landing of the driver and the placement of the gear lever.
In SnowRunner my favorite truck is the Voron Grad, it can install all the necessary modules for the plot of the game, there is all-wheel drive, it's relatively small, which allows you to maneuver comfortably in tight terrain, it has a good design, and a large selection of wheels and other powertrains.
Wildcard Question: What’s the perfect day for you?
I would take a break from work, watch my favorite TV series and read an interesting book.
That sounds like a pretty sweet day indeed!
Check out and play Ronniesonchak's mods on mod.io.
If you have questions you'd like to see added to these interviews, feel free to suggest them and we may add them! 🙂