Welcome to the seventh "Pic of the Week" for CTS: Tram. This week we shine the spotlight on the newest addition to the virtual streets – our tram drivers! We've not only enhanced their features but also executed a game optimization that will cause a significant increase in performance.
Week 7 - Tram Drivers
We've finally added tram drivers! Our tram drivers are a dynamic part of the cityscape, brought to life using the same cutting-edge Metahuman technology that breathes realism into our passengers. This time, we've introduced not only male but also female tram drivers, adding a new layer of diversity and authenticity to the virtual city.
All About Optimization
In a significant breakthrough, our development team has been hard at work optimizing the models and materials of both our tram drivers and passengers, achieving a remarkable 7x reduction in drawcalls. For those unfamiliar, a drawcall is a set of commands that instruct the graphics processing unit (GPU) on how to render a specific object in a scene, encompassing both geometry and materials.
This substantial enhancement goes beyond visual appeal, because it significantly improves performance. The details and features of the tram drivers have been refined, and even the two remaining materials underwent heavy optimization, marking a comprehensive overhaul that elevates the overall quality of our simulation.
Customization on the Horizon?
As we continue to evolve CTS: Tram, the question of customizable characters as tram drivers has entered the conversation. While it remains a topic on our big idea list, the development of such a system poses a challenge that requires careful consideration.
We understand the desire for player agency and personalization, but balancing it with a seamless and immersive experience is our top priority. No promises have been made yet, but it's an exciting possibility that we're exploring with dedication.
CTS: Tram is set to release in 2024, and we're eager to share these exciting developments with our community. Stay tuned for more in-depth insights into the development process, exclusive features, and thrilling updates. Join the conversation on our Steam Forum, Discord server, and explore our social media channels (YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook).
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https://store.steampowered.com/app/2604480/City_Transport_Simulator_Tram/