With the amount of craze surrounding the First Person Shooter games, it would seem like other genres such as Farming Simulator would have no players. However, the number of loyal farming simulator gamers would surprise anyone outside the industry.
But how did farming simulator games come into being, and which are the top ones that influence the gamers?
Find out the answers in this post.
First, a crash course on the evolution of farming simulator games.
Which was the first farming simulator game on the market?
Farming simulator games from Giants Software are hugely popular, and almost everyone in the gaming world knows about them.
However, the video game that has a semblance of farming simulation was Wabbit, introduced in 1982. Apollo, Inc developed Wabbit, and the main character was a female character named Billie Sue.
It was closely followed by Worm Whomper, which was introduced in 1983. It was developed by Cheshire Engineering and is a single-player mode.
The 90s also saw a couple of farming simulator games, including SimFarm in 1993 and Harvest Moon with its series in 1996.
In the 2000s, there was a flurry of farming simulator games, including:
- John Deere: American Farmer in 2004
- 3rd World Farmer in 2005
- Happy Farm in 2008
- Farmville and Farming Simulator in 2009
This was followed by several games in the 2010s across several platforms. These include:
- New Frontier Days
- Farmer’s Dynasty
- The Stillness of the Wind
- Stardew Valley
- Staxel
- Turma do Chico Bento
- Kynseed
- Pot Farm
- Farm Together
- Hay Day
Among all these farming simulator games on the market, the most popular ones are Stardew Valley, SimFarm, John Deere: American Farmer and Farmville.
Farming simulator games – the current scenario
Farming simulator games have come a long way since Wabbit. These farming simulators are getting more advanced and realistic.
The latest generation of farming simulators is fueled by the long-running series of Farming Simulators developed by the Giants Software. Of course, there are other games in the same genre.
However, Farming Simulators is by far the most popular game that is played by millions of gamers all over the world. The farming simulator game developers believe that many players are involved in the farming industry in different capacities.
In addition, up to 10% of these Farming Simulator gamers farm professionally. Several players of this farming game state that they love to farm large virtual plots of land, which is not doable in reality. They enjoy the feeling of accomplishment and the ability to explore farming in whatever way they desire.
History of Farming Simulator – the game
Farming Simulator is a video game in the farming genre developed by Giants Software. This popular game first hit the market on April 14, 2008, and it was compatible only with Microsoft Windows.
However, the first series in this farming simulator game had no animal species in it. In addition, the map was also a simple Giants Island. The game developers have since added 14 titles to the game, including 8 titles in the main series and 5 titles for mobiles.
The latest title from this game is Farming Simulators 2022, which is shortened as Farming Simulator 22, set to be released on November 22, 2021. Gamers in this genre are awaiting its official release with bated breath.
Let’s check out the feature below.
Features of Farming Simulator 22
Game engine
Farming Simulator 22 comes with a brand new engine from the developers, which includes several improvements.
Design
According to Giants Software, Farming Simulator 22 is set to have a new updated design that includes:
New buildings and structures
- Storage facilities
- Animal pens
- Halls
- New landscaping tools
- Improvised input controls
Seasons
Several game reviewers agree that adding the season in Farming Simulator 22 is the most exciting feature. With this feature, virtual farmers can now select and carefully consider planting the right crops according to the seasons.
Excitingly, Farming Simulator 22 comes with a weather map, so you know exactly what you’re dealing with.
New crops
Another fantastic feature to look forward to in Farming Simulator 22 is the addition of new crops. According to reliable sources, you can now grow sorghum, grapes, and olives on your farm.
Since the way of planting and farming these crops is comparatively different from other crops, you will also have access to new types of machinery.
Platform
Farming Simulator 22 is compatible with Windows, Xbox series X/S, Xbox One, PS4 & 5, Mac and Stadia.
Popularity of Farming Simulator 22
While the rest of the gaming population are running after FPS games, Farming Simulations quietly climbed in popularity, especially among the loyal fan base. According to the developers, the total number of downloads of this farming simulator game is about 90 million, while the total number of copies sold is over 25 million.
These statistics show that Farming Simulator 22 mods are quite popular. In addition, the recent prize pool of €250,000 or $2,88,718, put up by the developers for the Farming Simulator League, has also increased interest in the game.
How important is Farming Simulator 22 mode in precision farming?
Part of the thrill of simulation games is the ease of modifications or modding, in short. Farming Simulator 22 mods is a feature that excites gamers to no end. Modding allows players to be transported into the game and blend into the virtual universe.
Farming Simulator 22 and its series are all about eco-friendly practices in farming. Since the players of this farming simulation game start from scratch and consider every aspect of farming, they learn invaluable tools about precision farming while having fun.
This is a great example of virtual and the real world blending seamlessly, which is not a surprise in this day and age.
Wrapping up
Farming Simulators series and other agriculture simulators are more than spending endless hours by the game console. These virtual games help farmers to glean knowledge about ethical farming.
As to the game, Farming Simulator 22 promises to be even more exciting than its previous titles. Giants Software and its farming simulator games has been the top player, literally, and it looks like Farming Simulator 22 will not disappoint.