SCS Software is pulling back the curtain on the development process for Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator, specifically highlighting the critical role of UI/UX (User Interface/User Experience) Quality Assurance. As the games continue to expand across platforms—including PC, Steam Deck, VR, PlayStation, and Xbox Series X/S—the team is focusing on how they ensure every menu and button interaction remains intuitive for both veteran truckers and newcomers.

The Role of UI/UX QA

Petr, the Console & UI/UX QA Lead, explains that the team's responsibility extends beyond simple bug hunting. They are involved in the entire lifecycle of a feature, from initial design discussions with the Game Design (GD) department to the final implementation. By testing early in the development cycle, the team can address accessibility concerns, legibility on smaller screens, and overall clarity before a feature reaches the player.

Senior UI/UX Tester Jan emphasizes that the process requires them to act as both a developer and a player. "We have to become a player that is just starting out and has never played any other game before," Jan notes. This perspective ensures that regardless of the player's experience level, the interface remains accessible and logical.

From Prototyping to Internal Playtesting

The testing workflow at SCS follows a structured path:

  • Design Review: The QA team provides feedback on design documents to prevent issues before they are programmed.
  • Prototyping: Once a playable version exists, the team evaluates the feature for consistency and intuitiveness.
  • Internal Playtesting: The studio conducts sessions with employees who haven't seen the design documents. These sessions utilize detailed scenarios and eye-tracking technology to observe how players interact with new menus.
  • Data Analysis: Observations are coded and analyzed to identify recurring patterns, which then inform final design adjustments.

A recent, successful example of this rigorous process was the redesign of the Skip Time / Rest feature. During testing, the team discovered that the division of fatigue into 'Fatigue' and 'Mandatory Break' was confusing for players, leading to a complete redesign of the system to ensure it felt intuitive.

The Importance of Community Feedback

For the team at SCS, player feedback is a primary driver of development. Petr and Jan confirm that community comments and suggestions are carefully collected and organized. While technical constraints—such as engine limitations or licensing agreements—can prevent the implementation of every requested feature, the team stresses that no feedback goes unnoticed.

"We genuinely want to know what you enjoy, what you'd like to see added, and what you think could be improved," the team shared. By maintaining a constant dialogue with the community, the developers aim to keep the user experience at the heart of every decision, ensuring that both Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator continue to evolve in ways that resonate with their players.