Farming Simulator Raises Realism & Eco-friendliness with Free EU-backed “Precision Farming” DLC, Available December 8
Farming Simulator 19 is about to become even more realistic by introducing “Precision Farming”: a free DLC featuring “smart farming” technology that will be available on PC and consoles on December 8. The DLC is part of the “Precision Farming Project” funded by EIT Food, Europe’s leading Food Innovation Initiative. Developed by GIANTS Software, the DLC will include new gameplay elements for more eco-friendly farming.
Initiated by acclaimed agricultural machine manufacturer John Deere, the project is set to take place over two years and involves a variety of collaborating partners of the European Union, including two universities involved in the concept and ongoing testing of gameplay features.
“As John Deere’s project manager of this EIT Food-funded project, I’m impressed by the great and very effective cooperation with GIANTS Software and our partners,” said Dr. Thomas Engel, Technology Innovation Strategy Manager at John Deere. “The first version of the DLC already offers more than I expected. Features like soil sampling and variable fertilizing offer a great introduction into the world of precision farming. I’m convinced that we’re able to massively strengthen the knowledge about modern agriculture within the gaming community.”
The goal of the Precision Farming Project is rooted in the fact that public knowledge about farming is in decline, with the link between society living in big metropolitan areas and modern agricultural technology almost severed. Modern precision farming technologies are being introduced in the Farming Simulator franchise as one of EIT’s multiple efforts to change this false perception and raise awareness for sustainable farming in the general public.
Players will be able to optimize their yield by taking soil samples to identify four different soil types with individual requirements. They’ll also need to take pH values and nitrogen content in the soil into account. Dynamic application rates based on soil properties allow for better use of resources like seeds, fuel, fertilizer, maintenance costs and more, saving money while operating more environmentally friendly.
“We’re excited to elevate the aspect of realism in Farming Simulator with the expertise of our partner John Deere while contributing to the solution of an agricultural challenge. We hope the new gameplay features will please our fans while spreading awareness of modern agricultural technology,” said Christian Ammann, CEO of GIANTS Software.
Releasing this DLC marks only the first step for the game: while the exact course of further development is yet to be determined, together with the University of Hohenheim (Germany) and University of Reading (United Kingdom), as well as with player feedback, the continuation of the project will deliver even more gameplay features to build a closer connection between modern society and agriculture.
Farming Simulator 19 is available on PC, Mac, PlayStation®4, Xbox One and Stadia. GIANTS Software has introduced various expansions and add-ons for the game post-launch, with the latest addition, the “Alpine Farming Expansion,” released on Nov. 12, 2020.
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