Atomic Systems

If the economics were such that MS decided to give the go-ahead to TS2 why have the economics now changed to such a degree that they would have no intention of proceeding with TS2?

I think Microsoft found Kuju's game engine was a dead end and could not implement any of the improvements we all want.

They are waiting till we forget the compatabiliy promises then they will suddenly spring on us a totally new train sim program.

IF they decided to spring one on us at all. I very much doubt that we will see an MSTS2 at all anymore - based on a number of factors:

-From what I know, the gfx engine was an upgraded version of the v1 engine, and therefore was ..
-Far too many bugs related to the above gfx engine
-The two above (plus many more) would have meant a totally new gfx engine, which would mean time and coders that MS can't afford to spare

Basically, if they WERE to release MSTS2, it would take a few more years to build, then test, etc.

TBH, I'm looking foward to the future (rather then present) Trainz products.

Interesting to just read in the May PC Gamer (UK) in the round up section that they feel MTS2 has been shunted off into a tunnel somewhere, with no news. If anyone had contacts and could find out it must be the PC gaming press.

So it all looks fairly hopeless, though as Mike says that gives us the incentive to start looking afresh at what can be done with Trainz and encourage the shape of their next version.

Don't get too disheartened folks. Better train simming programs are still likely to appear in the future even if they are not MSTS, and don't forget that in the software world it can often take a long time before sequels come round.

Take for instance the long gaps inbetween the release of different versions of SimCity, Railroad Tycoon or Civilization. MS are likely to come back to trainsimming in the future if there is money to be made again and when a whole new generation of computers makes it worthwhile developing a new program.

In the meantime theres still MSTS 1 which is still extremely playable.

Yes I am waiting eagerly for the English translation of Zusi and Zusi 3 in addition to the ongoing Trainz programme.

With Railroad Pioneer just installed on my HD, Transport Giant and the new Transport Tycoon to come there will be no shortage of transport orientated games. Maybe not driver games, but as I've said on other threads after 3 years of MTS1 it's nice to do something different anyway!

There's plenty outside train simming bubbling too. Just bought Freelancer, the Everest climbing game is on the way from America and Doom 3 is on the horizon. Perhaps at some time in the future we will suddenly notice MS have started touting Train Sim 2 and the best way to hasten that day is not to obsess but quietly get on with other things in the meantime!

It's rumoured that Microsoft withdrew the site due to constant arguments.