The gaming world has evolved significantly, especially for simulation games. We’ve seen titles like Minecraft, launched in 2011 (technically 2009), thrive for over a decade without a direct sequel. This longevity prompts the question: where is Euro Truck Simulator 3? For fans eagerly awaiting the next iteration of the beloved trucking simulator, it’s crucial to understand why SCS Software might be taking their time, and whether Euro Truck Simulator 2 (ETS2) still holds up.
In today’s gaming landscape, digital distribution has changed the game. Publishers are no longer solely focused on boxed copies, allowing games with open-ended or no definitive endings to enjoy extended lifespans. Instead of rushing out sequels every few years, developers can continuously update and expand existing titles, keeping them fresh and engaging for years to come. Euro Truck Simulator 2 was designed with this very concept in mind. From its inception, the game was built to be expanded and improved. Had SCS Software aimed for a complete European map in 2012, in the graphical quality of that time, ETS2 might have reached its natural conclusion much sooner.
Comparing ETS2 to its predecessor, Euro Truck Simulator 1 (ETS1), highlights this evolution. ETS1 was a much more basic game, especially when contrasted with the older 18 Wheels of Steel series. It featured a smaller map, fewer cities, and a rudimentary economy. Developing ETS2 was a logical step to deliver a significantly enhanced experience. Now, as long as ETS2 remains profitable and development can be sustained, SCS Software can continue to enrich the game. This includes completing maps in both Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator, and introducing new features along the way. Only after exhausting these avenues might the question of a sequel become truly pressing.
It’s important to remember that ETS2 is far more than just an update to ETS. The two games share only a name. Side-by-side comparisons reveal the massive advancements made between them. While some might point to publishers like EA and their annual FIFA releases as a model for sequels, this is a different scenario driven by a highly commercialized sports market. EA’s approach involves yearly iterations with incremental updates, often criticized for lacking substantial new content despite demanding full-price purchases and incorporating microtransactions. Even Train Simulator, with its extensive DLC library, at least offers a base game that remains accessible, even if further content comes at a premium.
Ultimately, the discussion around Euro Truck Simulator 3 boils down to necessity. If and when ETS2 begins to lack meaningful new content, or if the game engine itself becomes a limiting factor for performance and future features, then a sequel might be warranted. Imagine an ETS3 – it would likely feature the same core gameplay: driving trucks on familiar roads, but with enhanced graphics and perhaps denser environments. Passion drives game development, but even passion can wane when focusing on the same project for too long. For now, Euro Truck Simulator 2 continues to evolve, offering players a rich and expanding world. The question of ETS3 remains open, but for many fans, the journey in ETS2 is far from over.
