Simutrans Extra #2: Simutrans for Android, Extended Pier System, and more!

Welcome to another Simutrans Extra! For the ones that join us for the first time, Simutrans Extra is a series of articles bringing you the latest news of the Simutrans world, in a bulletin format. You can read previous editions in the Simutrans Steam News section.

We have been very quiet this year so far, but there are nonetheless exciting things to share! We'll also be celebrating the 25 years of Simutrans during the second part of this year, so stay tuned: special publications coming soon!

But now, let's review what has been happening these months in the Simutrans world, starting with the biggest plate: the Android port.

Simutrans for Android

Since the past year and thanks to the initial efforts made by krosk, we have a working Android build of Simutrans. This was one of the major goals for Simutrans, and it is finally here!

Publishing the game to the Play Store was a long effort (which prissi took personally), due to Google's review process. And it is mainly the reason why this Simutrans Extra number took so long to publish - I was waiting for that process to end.

Although the build an publishing is already done, that does not mean that there's nothing left to do: Simutrans has not been designed to be played on mobile, and a lot of work needs to be done to adapt the current interface to mobile characteristics.

You can download and play Simutrans from the Google Play Store:
=> https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.simutrans

Or directly from the GitHub releases page:
=> https://github.com/simutrans/simutrans/releases/tag/Nightly

For the Google Play Store, you can play the current nightly by joining the beta program. If you encounter any problems or have any suggestions feel free to post them on the Simutrans International Forum.

New directory structure

Traditionally, Simutrans has had two main directories:

• Base directory - Simutrans installation and paksets go here.
• User directory - Savegames, configuration and other user-specific stuff go here.

However, with the new pakset installer it was clear that this separation was not enough; we have added a third directory:

• Paksets install directory - Simutrans paksets installed by the installer will go there.

Why? Well, when Simutrans is installed in the system, the user usually does not have sufficient permissions to allow paksets installation. Also, operating systems (like MacOS) have been pushing for self-contained programs, which was not compatible with pakset installation in the previous directory structure, and involved some hacks to even make it work in the first place.

From now on, paksets will be installed in a separate directory (inside %appdata% on Windows and the user directory on Unix-like systems. Note: Name still to be decided). Worry not, because this will not affect traditional Simutrans installations (including Steam) - Simutrans will still be able to read your paksets from the base directory!

Pak128 maintained again

This year started with a bad new: pak128 (default pakset on Steam) was marked as unmaintained, after 5 years without updates. After the announcement was done, however, Simutrans user garro (Gianmarco Garrisi) expressed interest in maintaining it again, and prissi also made some necessary maintenance.

However, this effort is losing momentum. So if you want to collaborate, check "pak128 revive: How to contribute" post in the International Simutrans Forum:
=> https://forum.simutrans.com/index.php/topic,21329.0.html

Elevated Way Support System for Simutrans Extended

We have not yet talked about Simutrans Extended in Simutrans Extra, and I owe you a proper presentation. But for current Simutrans Extended players, this is a new worth mentioning.

A new system for elevated way supports (formerly know as "Pier System") has been incorporated recently into Simutrans Extended (Simutrans' main fork). The Elevated Way Support System, developed for months by PJMack, is (in the word of its author):

A new system for elevated ways that allows not only half-height elevated ways, but elevated ways on uneven terrain. Such method involves an new object type pier and new ground type pier-deck where the ground is placed on top of a pier. The system also allows the pakset designer to place restrictions on the ribi of ways both on the pier-deck and under it, as well as place restrictions on what types of piers can be built on others what other types and what types of piers can be placed on the same tile as another.

You may find helpful this video-tutorial made by MG about this system
Watch on YouTube

How can YOU contribute to Simutrans

Simutrans is an open source project. That means that anyone - including you - can improve it! Did you ever want to contribute to Simutrans but you have no skill for coding? Worry not, you can contribute to Simutrans in a variety of ways:

Translating

Simutrans is constantly updating and adding texts so we are always in need for translators:

• To help with translation use the SimuTranslator web tool.
• To request a translator account use the Translation Sub-Forum.

Painting

Simutrans is always looking for artists! If you want to paint graphics for Simutrans, check:

• The "Creating images" section of the Development Index..
• The General Resources and Tools Sub-Forum.

Coding

• Check out the Technical Documentation Sub-Forum.
• Do not open Pull Requests in GitHub. Use the Patches & Projects Sub-Forum instead.

Reporting bugs and submitting suggestions

• Report bugs on the Bug Reports Sub-Forum.
• Send suggestions to the Extensions Request Sub-Forum.