Farming Simulator 17 was released on October 25 and the title is a hit worldwide. And while at Paris Games Week, the game seemed to be alone against the latest FPS, we recently learned that there were more Farming players on Steam than Call of Duty players.
So at Giants, are we proud of this success? How are sales of the title doing, and where is our little France positioned in terms of sales volumes compared to other countries? ?
Marc Schwegler, Lead artist Giants Software: Yes of course we are proud of this success, how can we not be. From the first month, we were in the top of sales on Steam with a satisfaction rate of 93%, while the last Call of Duty scores "only 53%". In terms of ranking, Germany remains in the lead, France is only second, ahead of Poland and the United Kingdom.
It is assumed that the development teams are fully on the mobile version Farming Simulator 18. What about? What can you tell us about this future version?
MS: Farming Simulator 18 will be released in the second half of the year. The preview presented today still has many bugs even if the game is already very successful (Editor's note: we confirm!). The 3DS version in particular suffers from a lack of optimization and the meager capabilities of the machine compared to a PS Vita or the latest Android smartphones. Overall we can say that this version is aimed at an audience of younger players. Seasoned gamers will look to the XBOX One, PS4, and PC versions.
Will it take over the novelties of FS 2017?
MS: Compared to the 2016 version, there are a lot more materials, you can buy and transport animals, the menu is larger and more varied (Editor's note: the decor is a bit particular, mixing plain and canyon, it's more a USA map than a Europe map, but the terrain is rich and detailed). Orders are simplified. For example to cut a tree with the Scorpion, it suffices to approach so that the grapple grabs the tree. Ditto for taking a round in the field, the maneuver is done by itself.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IvPpTpMWsY
Graphically, FS17 is successful, the work on the models is a real step forward to increase the realism of this simulation. However, some players are surprised not to see their title released on Xbox 360 and PS3. They really didn't have enough under the hood? Or is it a strategic choice?
MS: No, the choice is not strategic. There are really limitations on its platforms. However, we tried in the early stages of development but the RAM (512 MB on an Xbox 360 is 8 times less than a Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge smartphone) was reaching saturation point. And then consoles like the PS4 are already in their mid-career.
Virtual reality is already a reality, without wanting to play on words, on PlayStation 4 and on PC. We were able to experience this recently with a Samsung Gear VR plugged into a PC. Is official support coming?
MS: No there is no official development planned. Virtual reality is limited to a few internal tests only.
The mod hub is starting to gain weight. Who feeds it? Some poorly modeled materials are available. Are you not afraid that they will spoil the title? Is there any quality control carried out?
MS: The quality control policy is very flexible. When a mod is submitted, it can benefit from beta status, on PC only, regardless of its quality. We are a little more watching on console. But basically, if the mod doesn't crash the game, let's go, it's validated.
Farming is therefore a simulation. But some farmer players still find him too out of step with reality. Do you work with a team of farmers to be as close as possible to the field?
MS: During the development of the game, we of course involved some professional farmers in order to collect their opinions. The subject is complicated but it is up to us to define the limit between hyper realistic simulation and playing pleasure. Maybe for the next version (Editor's note: Farming Simulator 19/2019), we will improve the breeding part (transport of animals, reproduction, choice of breeds in cattle). But I can't say more.
Large simulations, like Sim City in their day, included natural damage. With climate change, agriculture is exposed to it. Do you think you are broadening the realism of Farming by including this type of event?
MS: Regarding climatic conditions, the game being very focused on the use of agricultural machinery, there is little chance that we include a winter season. In winter, the tractors remain in the hangar. We are, however, considering including temperature variations for crops, as well as flooding, but this is only at the thinking stage.
With the arrival of Chinese radishes, the game took a first step towards current cultivation techniques. The organic farming market weighs heavily today. Perhaps we will see organic development in Farming Simulatir 19, with more expensive products sold if no treatments are used?
MS: We are considering including a feature that would provide a bonus if there is no crop processing and how to feed the cows so that they either produce more milk or more meat, depending on his diet.
It's no longer a secret for players, Farming Simulator is the benchmark agricultural simulation, far ahead Professional Farmer 2017. However, a new title funded on KickStarter, Cattle and Crops, should soon see the light of day. How do you see the arrival of a serious competitor, especially as the game takes the strengths of Farming Simulator?
MS: It's hard to talk about Cattle & Crops when the game is only in the Alpha stage. Graphically the game looks "nice". The first information indicates a title turned towards simulation, where Giants seeks a balance between simulation and pleasure of playing. Let's wait and see the final version, but yes we are keeping an eye on this title.
… And if not Farming Simulator 19?
MS: Ha ha! You know, 2 years is not too much to develop Farming Simulator 19. We're still at the thinking stage, but the team is already on it, and the 2-year pace should be kept.
Thanks to the Giants Software and Focus Home Interactive teams.
Small bonus, the Kuhn DLC which should see the light of day soon:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bX3X7aPl_Q