New Farming Simulator 15 Video Game Launched.

Nov 22, 2014

By Joe Dales, Farms.com

Could a video game help train the next generation of young farmers?

The worldwide video game marketplace, which includes video game console hardware and software, online, mobile and PC games, may reach $111 billion in 2015, according to Gartner, Inc. Driven by strong mobile gaming and video game console and software sales. Could this gaming technology be adapted to help agriculture?

Farming Simulator 15, a computer game by Giants Software, was released last week and promises: "new graphics and physics engine, new visual effects, a new interface, new gameplay mechanics and, of course, a new and vast game environment;" The first version of this game was released in 2007 and has built up an impressive fan base and has sold millions of copies. The company has a website where you can learn more about the game. http://www.farming-simulator.com/ and www.Twitter.com/farmingsim

The main goal of the game is to harvest your crops/produce and sell them in order to expand your farming enterprise (e.g. machines, fields, animals and buildings). The players are free to explore, grow whatever crop they want and invest their money how they like. Players can participate in multiplayer sessions where they farm together.

One interesting feature is that there are more than 100 detailed farm machines and vehicles, including the largest New Holland combine ever introduced - the 2015 CR10.90 Elevation Combine to purchase and operate.

It may be hard to imagine using a game to help train young farmers in the United States. But, it is reported that, 60 percent of Americans play video games, according to the Entertainment Software Association, an industry trade group. That’s more than the percentage of Americans who tuned into the last Super Bowl, pay for cable or subscribe to Netflix.

As the technology becomes more realistic, there could be applications developed to help familiarize farmers to new tractors, combines and equipment before hitting the field and can be done in the off season. Here is a trailer video from the company.

Here is video created by a player who provides an overview as he plays. The graphics and operations continue to improve and become more realistic.

Share your thoughts and opinions below, is this just a game or do you think this type of technology could be used in agriculture.

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