SCS releases Iceland research trip video for ETS2

SCS Software has released a new episode of its SCS On The Road series, focusing on the research trip to Iceland that informs the upcoming map expansion for Euro Truck Simulator 2. The video provides simulation users with a detailed look at how the development team translates real-world geography into in-game assets, offering a behind-the-scenes perspective on the creation of the new region.

From Field Research to Digital Map

The announcement follows a blog post shared a few weeks ago, in which the map designers who participated in the journey shared their initial impressions. The new video expands on this by documenting the trip in greater detail. Part of SCS Software’s marketing team joined the map designers to capture the locations that will be recreated in the game. The primary goal of this fieldwork was to gather extensive visual references, ensuring that the landscapes and landmarks in the expansion are as accurate and faithful to reality as possible.

For players interested in the technical side of map creation, the episode offers insights into the workflow used to bring these places to life. The video includes comparisons between the stunning shots of Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes and the current state of the in-game map. This side-by-side approach allows users to see how specific real-world features are being interpreted and implemented within the simulation’s engine.

Specific Locations and Features

While the full scope of the expansion remains under development, the video highlights specific elements that will be included in the final product. One notable feature mentioned is a hidden road that crosses a narrow bridge on its way to Þingvellir National Park. This detail provides a concrete example of the level of geographic fidelity the team is aiming for, moving beyond generic terrain to include specific, navigable routes that reflect the actual layout of the Icelandic countryside.

The map team visited several locations during their time in Iceland, selecting sites that they are now recreating for the upcoming expansion. The emphasis on visual references suggests that the development process relies heavily on direct observation and photography to maintain authenticity. This method is consistent with SCS Software’s approach to previous map expansions, where on-site research plays a critical role in defining the final aesthetic and structural details of the game world.

Collaboration with Volvo Trucks

A significant portion of the research trip involved a collaboration with Volvo Trucks. The video credits Volvo Trucks and Skúli, a real truck driver from Iceland, for enabling the map designers to experience the country from a unique perspective. Specifically, the designers took a ride in a 780-horsepower Volvo FH16 XXL. This experience allowed them to view the landscape from the cabin of a truck, providing a practical understanding of the driving conditions and visual horizon that truckers encounter in Iceland.

This partnership extended beyond the research trip. SCS Software noted that they collaborated with Volvo to shoot one of their videos during the same period. While the specific content of that Volvo video has not yet been revealed, SCS Software has indicated that a behind-the-scenes SCS On The Road episode from that collaboration is also planned for release in the future.

Availability and Community Updates

The Iceland expansion is currently listed on the Steam store page for Euro Truck Simulator 2. Users are encouraged to add the DLC to their Steam wishlist to receive notifications when it becomes available. The video serves as a preview of the content to expect, though it does not provide a release date or specific technical specifications for the expansion.

SCS Software has directed users to follow their official social media channels on X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and TikTok for updates on upcoming Euro Truck Simulator 2 projects and future SCS On The Road episodes. Additionally, the company invites users to subscribe to their newsletter to stay informed about development progress. The release of this video marks a step in the ongoing communication between the development team and the player community, providing transparency into the research and design phases of the new map.