Many of you correctly recognized what was hiding under the sheet in last week’s post: it’s the next Berlin U-Bahn train of the HK type, which, like the A3L92, will be available as a playable vehicle in SubwaySim 2. Today, we’d like to give you a little insight into what goes on behind the scenes before a vehicle arrives to the game.
3D Modelling and Texturing
Once all preparations are complete and there are enough references, the real development work begins: using hundreds of images, a 3D model is created step-by-step, with steadily increasing levels of detail. For this, we use the program Blender.
To match the vehicle's characteristic appearance, its surfaces need material properties and colours, also known as textures. For that process, we rely on Adobe Substance 3D Painter. Using PBR (physically based rendering), the vehicle surfaces achieve a look as realistic as possible.
No Functionality Without Rigging
Although the HK model shown above looks largely complete from a visual perspective, some essential steps are still missing. This includes rigging, which involves defining a hierarchy for the vehicle so that individual components and assemblies will be functional in the game. Numerous animations are created in this process as well. At this stage, our model is divided into three main components: the exterior, the interior, and the cab. This helps optimise performance in the game.
Challenges with the HK
The HK is a four-part multiple unit train, made up of coaches A, B, C, and D. At the ends, coaches A and D each contain a driver’s cab, from which the vehicle can be controlled. However, these coaches A and D are not identical but rather mirrored, ensuring that the front doors align correctly when the HK is operated in a double configuration.
In car A, the front door is located on the left, with the driver’s cab to the right of it. In car D, it’s the other way around. Naturally, we have also depicted this detail in SubwaySim 2, even though it meant having to fundamentally modify car D separately from car A. Only this way can we capture the unique recognisability of Berlin's metro.
Next up, we’d be moving on to the in-gaming process - but we’ll get back to that another time.
All aboard - join us to gain deeper insights into the world of SubwaySim 2 over the next few weeks and months!
About SubwaySim 2
SubwaySim 2 has been announced in August 2024 and is currently in development. In the coming weeks and months, we’ll be giving you insights into the game, its development process, and the new features. Feel free to share your feedback in the Steam Discussions, join our Discord server, and follow us on Instagram. Be sure to add SubwaySim 2 to your Steam wishlist so you don’t miss any updates!
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2707070/SubwaySim_2/
Note: This is a work-in-progress version of the game. All screenshots and videos shown are for preview purposes only and are not representative of the final product. Please feel free to share your feedback in the Steam Discussions if you like what you see or notice any specific issues!