American Truck Simulator and Euro Truck Simulator 2 get big updates with 1.44 open beta

pcinvasion.com:

The team over at SCS Software have laid down some freshly paved roads for the large fan-bases surrounding the driving sims. Both American Truck Simulator and Euro Truck Simulator 2 have recently been outfitted with the open beta versions of new updates, bringing the game version up to 1.44 across both titles. With the release of these new updates, some interesting new features and improvements have been implemented.

Starting with American Truck Simulator, its 1.44 open beta brings with it the second phase of the California Rework Project, refunds for mods, improved UI for the Upgrade Shop, unmarked roads exploration, enhanced force feedback, “smart” sequential shifting, and a lot more. Shifting gears over to Euro Truck Simulator 2, in addition to the aforementioned shared new features, the new 1.44 update outfits it with a rework of the Austria map (similar to the California Rework Project), reworked company logos, and accurate mileage signs along the roadside.

The California Rework Project for American Truck Simulator is an ongoing effort from some of SCS’ scenery designers to bring the original California map up to the standard of more recent map expansions. Various cities such as Sacramento and Truckee have “been rebuilt from the ground up,” offering new scenery objects and improved road networks. San Rafael has also been axed to make space for a bigger city that will come in Phase 3.

With the mod refund feature, which is shared across both sims, players can now get refunds with in-game currency for parts and upgrades on their truck that were installed as a third-party mods. Speaking of parts, the enhanced UI in the Upgrade Shop will now identify factory parts, licensed parts, aftermarket parts and parts of unknown