Watch the presentation below if you missed it! Gameplay Programmer Jos Kuijpers explains, what’s new to build in the game. After that, QA Lead Ken Burgess and Gameplay Developer Stefan Maurus test the features in a short gameplay session.

Which improvements can you look forward to?

We decided to overhaul the construction system from Farming Simulator 19 for two reasons: First, we needed to improve the usability. We got a lot of feedback from you in the past, and we’re improving the build mode to make it more user-friendly.

On the other hand, we have new features like the production chains that require an extended build mode. Basically, we revamped the whole thing by increasing the number of placeable items drastically and redesigned all the controls.

You can now quickly switch between placing buildings and objects, landscaping, and removing objects. As for landscaping and sculpting, we added new tools to edit your terrain. It’s easier than ever before to build your farm just how you like it.

What new features are added to the build mode?

You probably know about our new crops in Farming Simulator 22, already. Grapes and olives have to be planted by building vines. So, if you want to build a vineyard, you have to open build mode, and stripe your fields with vines, first.

If you are more of an animal farmer, you can also build the fences yourself (in addition to the many new pens we got). Similar to the vines, you just put down a pole and pull the fence to create it. There are ten different types of fences, plus gates.

What type of new placeables are there?

Overall, everything is put in one of the following categories:

• Buildings are split further into sheds, silos, silo extensions, containers, and tools. Here, you find buildings like the new sheds by Rudolf Hörmann, each with functionality and things like vehicle services points or solar panels.
• Production contains all the buildings needed to start your production chains or earn you additional money another way. There are factories, selling points, greenhouses, orchards and generators.
• Animals contain all the pens for your animals – in different shapes, sizes, and some additional functionality.
• Decoration contains fences, (street) lights and more. With this set of items, you can provide your farm with a lot of details.
• Landscaping contains… well, the landscaping tools for sculpting, painting, trees, and plants. Here, you find everything to make your farmland more individual.

Source: Farming Simulator

<p>The post Take a look at the new build mode in Farming Simulator 22! first appeared on Simuway - Simulation Games, News, Mods, Simulator.</p>

Dynamic sound for engine and exhaust

Kris is currently focussing on implementing new vehicle engine sounds using the new engine synthesis tool. Both the audio team, and the programmers collaborated on creating a new audio software tool to allow for dynamic audio processing. Vehicle sounds will now transform in real-time to the in-game environment, making the machines sound more realistic.

The main new feature of the audio system is the implementation of dynamic load processing: It simulates the engine having various loads and resistances applied. Whether you drive a tractor under a huge load or drive uphill, the engine will sound more authentic. To achieve this, the sound team used real-life recordings from real machines.

• Bespoke tool that allows for dynamic audio processing depending on the in-game environment

• Vehicle engine and exhaust recordings are now separate

• dynamic load processing (sounds change depending on different loads on the tractor)

• windscreen wiper sounds that come from the actual locations of the mirrors

• Gear shift sounds for vehicles with manual transmissions

• Custom sounds for older vehicles with less filtration when in the cab

• Sounds can now be animated depending on the implement

• additional sounds for implements (metal hitting metal etc)

• Sounds can be triggered during animations at different keyframes

• Cab sounds (chair moving, things banging, etc)

New attachment audio system

Nils is working on the new attachment audio system. Since attachments like cultivators and trailers create a lot of different sounds, the audio team visited a lot of local farmers to create references. The new audio tool allows playing various sounds during an animation.

The unloading of a trailer, for example – with the rear lid opening, hydraulic parts moving around and metal impact where metal on metal creates a heavy sound effect. Every attachment will have its individual set of sound effects in Farming Simulator 22.

Another thing you’ll notice while driving your tractor: there are plenty of new sounds inside the cabin, creating an immersive sound environment. You don’t just hear the engine of your tractor, but various shaking and rattling sounds from all the objects inside the cabin. That includes the sounds of windshield wipers, too!

Source: Farming Simulator

<p>The post Sound design improvements in Farming Simulator 22 first appeared on Simuway - Simulation Games, News, Mods, Simulator.</p>

Why grapes, olives, and sorghum?

There are several reasons why we decided to go with grapes, olives, and sorghum for Farming Simulator 22. The most obvious one: they bring new and exciting machine types into the game and diversify the gameplay experience when it comes to agriculture.

Grapes and olives are also a great addition because they tie into various other gameplay mechanics. Our new production chains, for example. And, for our brand-new map set in a Mediterranean climate, they’re more than fitting. On top of that, since you place the vines manually, they are also part of our new and improved build mode.

You see, grapes and olives are not just two new crop types added to the list, but come with new gameplay mechanics that affect various parts of the game. And Sorghum? It’s very popular in the United States, perfect for our Midwest-inspired map Elmcreek. Since it’s a highly nutritious crop, it steadily gains more importance around the world in warmer regions – making it a fitting addition to the list of grains in Farming Simulator.

What’s special about the machines for grapes and olives?

Grapes and olives are special if you look at the machinery used: The vines have collisions, so you need to maneuver the machines carefully along the vines. Otherwise, you risk damaging your new crops. Be careful!

Because of that, the machines are very small and specialized compared to the usual field work. The new machinery have a working width about 1-1.5 meters. You won’t be able to drive between the vines with a big tractor.

This also means, you will spend some time working carefully between the vines. Don’t worry, it will be worth it. Not just because it’s a rewarding task to make your tummy feel good after work is done. Your virtual bank account will make you happy, too.

How does the process of planting and harvesting work?

First, you plant the vines. With our new build mode (stay tuned for more info on that!), you place rows of vines on your fields. Basically, you create a nicely striped vineyard. You then have to mulch the growing grass between the vines and cultivate to help the plants grow up to their full potential.

With special fertilizer machines, you spray the plants to improve the yield. As you do with other crops. After harvesting with special harvesters, you need to cut back the leaves, so the grapes can grow anew. This is required for grapes only, and is not needed for olives.

Remember, if you have seasonal growth activated, you need to mind the crop calendar. Grapes and olives have to be planted between March and the end of June. As for the harvest, grapes will be ready in September until the end of October. Olives need to be harvested in October. Sorghum, on the other hand, needs to be sown from April to May and harvested between August and the end of September.

Find out more about seasonal cycles in Farming Simulator 22!

What can you do with the harvested crops?

As you know by now, you don’t have to stop with harvesting and selling crops. Grapes, olives, and sorghum can be processed at a production plant. And, you have several options, too.

Grapes can be processed into grape juice, or even raisins. You can then deliver them to other production plants like the cereal factory or to a selling point like the supermarket. Olives can be taken to the oil mill to be processed into olive oil. Sorghum, as a type of grain, can be processed into flour at the grain mill.

Find out more about production chains in Farming Simulator 22!

Source: Farming Simulator

<p>The post New Crops in Farming Simulator 22: Video preview: Grapes, Olives, Sorghum first appeared on Simuway - Simulation Games, News, Mods, Simulator.</p>

Today, we show you more of the new feature and invite you to watch our FarmCon presentation in case you missed it. Want to know more about FarmCon and recent news from our community event? We’ll provide more info in our summary! Here’s Gameplay Developer Jos Kuijpers from GIANTS Software providing you with an introduction of the seasonal changes in the game:

Visual changes through the seasons

Let’s take a look at the most obvious change: the visuals. Since we showed you the four seasons in Farming Simulator 22 last time, we updated the visual appearance of various assets in the game. The tint of trees, grass and bushes is more homogeneous now.

We updated the general game graphics, too (and we’re still working on it) – so, you’ll notice more detail here and there. Reflections on water, for example. Whether you look at season-specific aesthetics or not, nature looks more natural.

Since each season comes with its own characteristics, the atmosphere changes quite a bit throughout the year. In spring, trees start to grow their leaves in vibrant colors. They mature into lush green trees in summer. Take a look:

In Fall, the color pallet changes – the atmosphere turns a bit melancholic before everything will be covered in a thick layer of snow when winter comes around. Here and there, it even gets icy. We recommend paying the waterfall a visit to enjoy a cave-like place of solitude, riddled with icicles. But we won’t spoil it for you, right now!

Seasonal gameplay: on or off?

By implementing seasonal cycles, we added a new level of gameplay to Farming Simulator 22. It’s not just a visual thing. Unless you want it to be. In this case, you deactivate “seasonal growth”, so you plant and harvest your crops independently of the season.

The seasons in-game are divided into months. A year consists of twelve days. Meaning, each day in-game is the equivalent of a month. Using the timescale control, it is up to you how fast the days pass. Basically, a season can range from half an hour of playtime up to a long weekend.

If you still want to keep the seasonal charm of running a farm in the middle of winter – go ahead. You can turn off snow separately if you want. As usual, the new feature can be deactivated, so you have more control of your gameplay experience.

Seasonal gameplay on: Mind the calendar!

Do you want the full experience, including seasonal cycles with impact on gameplay? You’ll have to take a look at the new crop calendar, then! The calendar provides an important overview and tells you when you have to plant your crops, and when to harvest if seasonal growth is activated.

Take the new crops, for example: Grapes and olives have to be planted from March to June. Harvest season for grapes starts in September and last until the end of October. Olives, though, you have to harvest in the month of October. Sorghum, the third new crop in Farming Simulator 22, needs to be sown from April to May. It’ll be ready to harvest from August to September.

You also have to bear in mind that the demand for your crops, and therefore the selling prices, change throughout the year. To get the best price, you will have to store your harvested crops and sell them when the demand is high due to the season.

More to do, more to keep in mind

As you can imagine, snow covering your farmlands requires more actions from you. There’s some snow plowing needed to get rid of the snow and keep your roads and yards clear. Also, you have to plan ahead if animal husbandry is part of your farming operation. Store enough food for the winter!

If you don’t like to shovel loads of snow and don’t possess any animals, you might think about starting production chains. If you have the resources available, you can deliver them to various production halls to produce goods. You might even get into the hauling business to transport all the crops and goods to the next link in a production chain. Remember, you can start multiple production chains at once. As you can see, there’s still a lot to do in winter.

Source: Farming Simulator

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Schedule: Streaming starts at 8pm each day!

Each day, from July 21st to July 23rd, we’ll stream for a couple of hours, starting at 8pm CEST. You will get a deeper look into already announced features like production chains or seasonal cycles, and witness the reveal of even more content and gameplay mechanics previously not mentioned.

Wednesday (July 21st)

• Seasonal changes
• New US map ‘Elmcreek’
• Cinematic Trailer: Behind the scenes
• and more!

Thursday (July 22nd)

• Gameplay premiere of Farming Simulator 22
• GIANTS Engine 9 improvements
• Unveiling brand-new features
• and more!

Friday (July 23rd)

• More about the new crops
• Various customization options
• Sound engine improvements
• Stark Challenge: Real-life Bale Stacking
• and more!

Saturday & Sunday (July 24th-25th) are reserved for the Farming Simulator League and will see the competitive esports league continue with season 3. The tournament finale will stream live on July 25th from 10am on Twitch and YouTube.

Win Farming Simulator 22 + Nitrado Vouchers and chat with us!

Cinematic trailer

Source: Farming Simulator

<p>The post FarmCon 21: World-premiere gameplay of Farming Simulator 22, raffles and more! first appeared on Simuway - Simulation Games, News, Mods, Simulator.</p>