I Waited 8 Years for My Hometown in American Truck Simulator(Including the 200-Year-Old Tree We Mourned)

Over the years, numerous big American cities have been recreated in video games with varying degrees of faithfulness. However, the vast stretches of rural emptiness and small towns that make up a significant part of the US geographical landscape often receive less attention in gaming. This is why the news of my hometown, Cape Girardeau, Missouri, being featured in American Truck Simulator after eight years of waiting was so exciting.

Preserving a Piece of History in the Gaming World

Recreation of Downtown Cape Girardeau

The developer SCS Software has gone above and beyond in recreating Cape Girardeau. They have meticulously recreated the brick streets through the downtown area and the old city hall building that overlooks it. This attention to detail brings the essence of the downtown to life in the digital world.The mural that stretches across the floodwall at the edge of the Mississippi River is also faithfully recreated. It adds a touch of local color and history to the virtual landscape. Additionally, the near-exact recreation of the parking lot next to the mural showcases the developer's commitment to accuracy.

Recreation of Southeast Missouri State University River Campus

The digital recreation of the Southeast Missouri State University River Campus is truly remarkable. It is a satellite location for the local university that overlooks the Mississippi. One can almost mistake the screenshot for a picture of the actual location. The converted seminary building and modern campus building that house the university's art and theatre classes are beautifully recreated.Even the exact hillside by the campus where the author spent many afternoons as a student has been recreated. Zooming in on the right side of the picture reveals a very large tree, which is likely meant to evoke the 200-year-old state champion beech tree that once stood on the campus grounds. Although the tree developed a fungal infection and was removed in 2023, it is heartening to see a little piece of history preserved in this cult transport sim.

Impact on the Trucking Community

The trucking company hiring drivers through American Truck Simulator claims that the game is making better truckers. This highlights the immersive nature of the game and its ability to transport players into a realistic trucking environment. It shows how video games can have a positive impact beyond just entertainment.The detailed recreations in American Truck Simulator not only bring local landmarks and history to life but also contribute to the growth and development of the trucking community. It provides a unique experience for truckers and allows them to connect with the places they drive through on a virtual level.In conclusion, American Truck Simulator's recreation of Cape Girardeau is a testament to the power of video games in preserving and celebrating local history. It offers a unique and immersive experience that goes beyond just driving trucks and allows players to connect with the places they love.