The appeal of farming video games continues strong, with a new installment on the horizon that promises enhanced realism in simulation gameplay. “Farming Simulator 25,” developed by Swiss company Giants Software, is set to release in November and features over 400 farming vehicles along with 25 different crops for players to cultivate and sell.
The series began in 2008, as Wolfgang Ebert, the public relations and marketing manager for Giants Software, explained. After developing the game engine, the team sought a project, and a friend’s suggestion about focusing on tractors sparked the creation of the first game. “Tractors are kind of loved by everyone from small kids to older ones,” Ebert noted.
Players in “Farming Simulator 25” have the opportunity to construct their agricultural dreams, starting with a limited budget and a few fields. They can engage in farming activities, raise livestock, cultivate crops, and ultimately grow their enterprises into vast agricultural operations. Ebert emphasized that the goal is to “build your own agricultural empire,” a concept that has evolved significantly since the franchise’s inception.
New features in this latest edition include the introduction of rice and spinach as crops, and animals like water buffalo and goats. Additionally, the game will incorporate weather events such as tornadoes and hail that can impact crops, but players will have the option to toggle these features off if they wish.
The game started on PC and now will be available across all major gaming platforms, including a mobile version. Over the years, Giants Software has collaborated with equipment manufacturers, like CLAAS and John Deere, to provide authentic machinery experiences in their games—a feature that may benefit real-life farmers who want to experiment with various types of agricultural activities.
“Maybe you want to try out grapes or cotton,” Ebert explained. “In our game, you can explore different types of agriculture that might not be suitable or affordable for your own farm.”
The game has been presented at agricultural exhibitions, including Germany’s Agritechnica 2023 and Switzerland’s Olma in 2022. Giants Software will also support the 2024 Washington State Fair.
Ebert concluded that the game’s accessibility and relaxed gameplay contribute significantly to its appeal, stating that it offers various enjoyment possibilities for a diverse audience. “Farming Simulator 25” is set to launch on November 12.