What's New This Week #5 - A New PC, an Economy Mod Update, and New Install Guide!

Ya'll, I am BEAT, but eager for what's ahead!

I'm so excited to share some big news with you all! First things first, I finally upgraded to a new desktop PC setup. This is a HUGE step up from my old gaming laptop, which was starting to struggle with the demands of the economy mod and all the other projects I'm juggling.

This new setup is going to make a world of difference, not just for my own gaming experience, but also for my productivity when working on the mod. I'll be able to test more efficiently, implement new features faster, and ultimately deliver an even better experience for you all. I'll share all the juicy details about the new rig in a separate post soon, so stay tuned for that!

New Mod Update and Install Guide!

But that's not all! After some intense testing from our amazing Hardcore Edition players, we're ready to roll out the next Economy Mod update for ATS! This update is packed with improvements and fixes that I think you're going to love. Make sure to check out the full changelog below for all the nitty-gritty details.

To go along with the new update, we've also been hard at work on a brand new installation guide. Whether you're a seasoned trucker or just starting out with the economy mod, this guide has something for everyone. It covers everything from installation and mod compatibility to gameplay settings and tips for playing with honor. Give it a read here.

ETS2 Updates

Now, I know my ETS2 players have been patiently waiting for their turn, and I truly appreciate your understanding. I haven't forgotten about you! My approach is to get all the kinks worked out in the ATS version first, and then port those changes over to ETS2. This ensures a smoother experience for everyone and prevents any potential issues from arising.

So, I'm asking for your continued patience just a little while longer. I want to make sure the next ETS2 update is the best it can be. This latest ATS update has brought us a big step closer to that goal, and I can't wait to get the ETS2 version updated soon!

Thank You for Your Support!

As always, thank you all for your incredible support. Your feedback, suggestions, and encouragement keep me going. I'm so grateful to have such an awesome community behind this project. Here's to many more miles on the road together!

-Busy

Changelog: 

GDC Logistics Realistic Economy Mod (ATS) - Classic and Hardcore Editions

Mod Version 1.53.4 - 2/19/2025

*Day of the Year Update: Date is now February 20th, 2025

*Reduced bank overdraft warning setting to 3 days.

This update introduces a major overhaul of the in-game insurance, police system and damage data, aiming for a more balanced, realistic, and engaging gameplay experience.

 Police System Changes:

• Realistic Fine Amounts: Base fine amounts for various offenses have been significantly reduced to be more in line with real-world fines and balanced with the revised economy.
  
•  Adjusted Fine Scaling: The rate at which fines increase with player level has been reduced, preventing excessive fines at higher levels.
  
•  Revised Speeding Fines: The multipliers for speeding fines have been lowered, ensuring that speeding fines remain reasonable even at high speeds.
  
•  Realistic Offense Probabilities: The probabilities of being caught for various offenses have been adjusted to be more realistic, considering factors like police presence, camera enforcement, and the nature of the violation.
  
•  Balanced Police Presence: The impact of police presence on fines has been reduced, making it less punishing while still being a factor.
  

 Specific Offense Adjustments:

• Avoiding Sleep: The probability of being ticketed for avoiding sleep has been significantly reduced, simulating the concept of a potential DOT audit rather than immediate detection.
  
•  Car Crash: The probability of being found at fault in a car crash has been lowered, recognizing that players are not always to blame for accidents.
  
•  Avoid Weighing: The probability of being caught for avoiding a weigh station now considers the presence of DOT officers with enforcement powers.
  
•  Illegal Border Crossing: A moderate fine has been introduced for this offense, assuming it relates to restricted areas like state parks.
  
•  Overall, these changes create a more balanced and engaging gameplay experience. The economy is more challenging and rewarding, while the police system is fairer and more realistic. Players will need to be more strategic in their decisions and driving habits to succeed.
  

 Damage System Overhaul:

• Increased Damage Coefficients:
  
  

he base damage inflicted on the truck and trailer in collisions has been significantly increased, making accidents more consequential.

• Increased Damage Transfer:
  
  

The amount of damage transferred between the truck and trailer in a collision has been increased to a more realistic level.

• Revised Damage Factors:
  
  

The damage multiplier for side impacts has been increased, making them more significant.

The damage multiplier for roof impacts (primarily from hitting bridges or overpasses) has been kept high but may be adjusted slightly lower if testing reveals it to be too punishing.

• Refined Damage Distribution Ratios:
  
  

he distribution of damage to different truck parts in a head-on collision has been adjusted to be more realistic, taking into account the fact that the game considers the hood to be part of the cabin.

he cabin (including the hood) now sustains a larger proportion of the damage in a head-on collision.

• Increased Unfixable Damage Ratios:
  
  

he proportion of unfixable damage to the cabin, chassis, engine, and transmission has been increased, making major collisions more impactful and potentially leading to more costly repairs or even the need to replace damaged parts.

Insurance System Revamped!

• We've re-enabled vehicle insurance and made it more realistic and challenging! Here's what's new:
  
•  Higher Deductible: The base deductible is now $10,000, meaning you'll pay more out-of-pocket for repairs.
  
•  Co-insurance: You'll also share a percentage of the repair costs (starting at 35%), even with insurance.
  
• No-Claim Bonus: Keep that truck shiny! Your deductible will decrease over time if you avoid accidents.
  

Why the change?

• Realism: This makes insurance more like real-life trucking, where it's for major events, not minor fender-benders.
  
• Challenge: It adds a layer of financial strategy to the game. You'll need to drive carefully and manage your money wisely.
  
•  Used Truck Balance: It helps prevent exploiting insurance to fix up cheap used trucks.
  

 What does this mean for you?

  Drive safe! Accidents are now more costly.

  Plan ahead: Save money for repairs, just in case.

  Insurance is a safety net: Use it wisely for major damage or total losses.

Note: These changes are based on extensive analysis and testing, but further adjustments may be made based on player feedback and ongoing observation of the in-game police system and vehicle damage/wear.

We're always listening to your feedback, so let us know how you like the new insurance system!

NOTE: Due to recent and future updates for the economy mod, some older pre-existing profiles (February 2025 and older) created with the GDC Logistics Realistic Economy Mod enabled may also experience some issues with bank loan credit limits and insurance coverage. In some cases, insurance coverage may be unavailable entirely. If you encounter these issues, starting a new profile is recommended, but not required; especially if a player is able “self insure” themselves by having enough capital or bank loan credit.

 UPCOMING UPDATE:

Revisions to Used Truck Market Data Settings:

•  Adjusted min and max wear. Trucks may now have damaged components at time of sale
  
•  Adjusted min and max unfixable wear across chassis, cabin, engine, transmission, wheels; making the ratios more realistic.