[p]Today, we would like to take a closer look at one of the bigger parts of the upcoming 1.58 update for American Truck Simulator - a broad set of User Interface and User Experience changes prepared by our Game Design team.[/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/4036972/baba3e5932fcf7435b8bece2bf0b0de58a5c3697.jpg"][/img][/p][p]This update is another important milestone, as it touches many screens and menus you interact with on a daily basis. Some of these changes are a long-requested refresh, while others are a necessary step forward as we continue to evolve our games and prepare them for future projects we are actively working on.[/p][p]Why These Changes? [/p][p]Over the years, ATS has grown enormously. With that growth comes the need to revisit and modernize certain systems. Our goal with the 1.58 update is not only to refresh parts of the UI and UX visually and functionally, but also to create a more flexible and future-proof foundation that can support new features, content, and platforms down the road.[/p][p]We are fully aware that for some players, these changes may feel significant at first. Muscle memory built over hundreds (or thousands!) of hours might need a bit of retraining. However, we strongly believe that in the long run, these improvements will feel more natural, more up to date with modern standards, and more comfortable to use as our games continue to expand.[/p][p]What’s Coming in 1.58? [/p][p]With the 1.58 update, our Game Design team is introducing a substantial package of improvements, including:[/p][p]Tutorial Redesign & Contextual Hints[/p][p]We are introducing a redesigned tutorial focused on a new system of contextual hints. The goal is to introduce the game and its features to new players more organically by presenting helpful information at the right moment, rather than relying solely on a single, linear tutorial flow.[/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/4036972/ac47caec82f8394a4eaf77d05830ca6d0673d16a.jpg"][/img][/p][p]Initially, this system will incorporate prompts from the current first job tutorial, complemented by a selection of newly created hints. These prompts are designed to appear naturally during gameplay, helping new players understand core mechanics while allowing experienced drivers to stay focused on the road.[/p][p]Route Advisor Redesign[/p][p]One of the most visible changes coming with the 1.58 update is the complete redesign of the Route Advisor. In fact, the current Advisor, as you know, is being removed and replaced with an entirely new widget-based system.[/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/4036972/0255646bd906eebf1bb3341ac0d29ff37c019399.jpg"][/img][/p][p]Instead of a single, fixed panel, information will now be presented through individual graphical widgets, each dedicated to a specific function. This approach allows for a cleaner on-screen experience and gives players more control over what information they want to see while driving. The widgets can be customized to better suit different playstyles and preferences, whether you prefer a minimal setup or a more information-rich HUD.[/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/4036972/7e5415e9229ae69e8df3fabb4f694684b85477c0.jpg"][/img][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/4036972/6375fd6699f5e1560f1ebe13b0aa57bebe580ad1.jpg"][/img][/p][p]This redesign has been in development for some time and was frequently requested by the community. We previously showcased it exclusively to fans attending our third SCS Fan Day, and it has since undergone extensive internal testing, as well as senior external testing, with very encouraging results. As with all major changes, we will continue to closely monitor the Open Beta phase to collect your feedback, allowing us to incorporate it into future iterations and updates. Our ultimate goal is to ensure everything works smoothly and meets the expectations of the widest possible range of players.[/p][p]Quick Info Feature[/p][p]The Pause Screen has been completely reworked to better reflect how our games are played today. With this in mind, we took the opportunity to rethink the Pause Screen from the ground up and give it a clearer purpose, redesigning it into a Quick Info feature. The new design focuses on presenting key information in a structured and easily readable way, including controls, truck information, job details, and local regulations, all in one place.[/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/4036972/7b1b23f1926b747a3888b0e112a2b56647487923.jpg"][/img][/p][p]As part of this change, some information that was previously shown directly in the Adviser has been moved to the Quick Info feature. This primarily includes job information, truck damage details, as well as options for truck settings and calling for service. This redistribution helps keep the on-road HUD cleaner, while still ensuring that all important data is only a pause away when you need it, and it also helps pave the way for future gameplay experiences such as Coaches and Road Trip.[/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/4036972/860a2829c45c37682f0bd4a6c39d18ff09930dea.jpg"][/img][/p][p]Overall, the newly designed Quick Info fits naturally into the new UI direction of the 1.58 update and supports our goal of creating a more modern, flexible, and future-ready user experience.[/p][p]Management Screen - QoL Improvements & Bug Fixes[/p][p]The 1.58 update brings a set of finishing touches to the existing management screens, including the Driver, Trailer, Truck, and Garage Managers. Rather than a major overhaul, these changes focus on refining what’s already there by improving usability, clarity, and overall polish, while also addressing a number of smaller imperfections.[/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/4036972/03a7394c95029e8d82961d439964ab16ae64e6ae.jpg"][/img][/p][p]One of the practical improvements is better visibility of information related to hired drivers. Players will now be able to more easily track the progress of their drivers’ skills, making it clearer how their team is developing over time. In addition, the currently selected skill training for each hired driver will be highlighted directly in the skills overview, allowing players to see it at a glance.[/p][p]Alongside these refinements, we’ve also made incremental UX, UI, and controller-control improvements, as well as added clearer access to company-related information, such as the company name and logo, including options to edit them.[/p][p]All of these adjustments are designed to make everyday management tasks smoother and more informative, enhancing the experience without changing the familiar structure players are already used to.[/p][p]Truck Configurator Improvements[/p][p]The Truck and Trailer Configurator, along with the Explorer, are also receiving targeted improvements. While these screens are powerful, we recognize that their current form is not always optimal for controller or mouse use, with some functions being unclear, difficult to navigate, or lacking helpful tooltips and hints. A number of smaller issues have also been addressed as part of this update.[/p][p]Rather than a complete redesign, our goal here is to refine and improve the existing UI. This means clearer navigation, better feedback, added hints where needed, and overall stability improvements, all while keeping the familiar structure intact.[/p][p]These changes should make vehicle customization more accessible and enjoyable, whether you’re fine-tuning details with a mouse or navigating menus from the comfort of a controller.[/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/4036972/0a44a9795b9e1fa7c9f87e28352dbd6b2abcd4e5.jpg"][/img] [/p][p]This is a fairly big set of changes, and we want to be transparent about that. We know acclimatising to these adjustments may take some time, and that feedback from the community is crucial. That’s why the Open Beta phase will be especially important for us, allowing a broader audience to try these changes and share their thoughts.[/p][p]All of these improvements are part of our long-term vision for American Truck Simulator. They help us prepare the core of our games for exciting new projects that are yet to come, while also making everyday gameplay smoother and more enjoyable.[/p][p]As always, we look forward to hearing your feedback. Until next time, keep on truckin’![/p]