Idea Info Name: Farm Simulator Index: Primary Category: Simulation Submitted: 1/15/2003 10:51:43 PM Written By: bmgriffin Game Architecture and Design: A New Edition Book Highly Recommended !

Introduction

            The computer simulation is a great medium to experience activities that would not be possible otherwise, to escape to seemingly real situations and scenarios, and above all to create an enjoyable experience for the player. You only need to look at the success of simulations such as flight simulator and Geoff Crammond’s Grand Prix series to prove public demand. Even driving a train can be made an enjoyable experience with the right programming.

Basic Idea

            My idea is to produce a simulation of a farm. Previously simfarm has been the only game to attempt this. My game would improve on the strategy of running a farm (first laid out in simfarm) and include a first person aspect. This would include driving tractors, harvesters and lorries to carry out the running of the farm. It would be a combined strategy and driving simulation game.

Game play

            The game would be based around a calendar, with the fields requiring different things in each season. For example, in the summer the crop would have to be harvested, bailing of straw if necessary, then the fields ploughed. Obviously if a link in the chain were missed out then the field would not produce crop, for example if the field was not cultivated before it was seeded.

            Many crops could be implemented, such as wheat, barley, hay, potatoes and sugar beat. The farm would have to buy fuel for the machinery, seed and fertiliser. The aim of the game is to run a profitable farm.

            There would be a wide range of machinery to buy. Tractors old and new, combines, and other implements. A big attraction being the wide range of tractors available, their different graphics, layouts and characteristics. The physics for the models would have to also be able to cope with the different grip levels on different surfaces and wet or dry tarmac or mud.

            A time-skip feature would also be included meaning that the player could have the option not to plough a whole field but 10% of it and then allow the computer to finish the rest.

            Another feature would be the ignition system on the vehicles as no vehicle is 100% reliable, and random breakdowns. Also checking that livestock remains healthy, and getting vets in if this is not the case. 

I believe this game would be huge fun to play, and there is a large gap in the market for a game like this.

View the website at http://members.fortunecity.com/bmgriffin/

Thanks to DarkAscent for the livestock and vet ideas, and for the positive comments.