Farming Simulator 25 (PC) interview: How Giant Software is redefining the sim management genre

The Farming Simulator series has found a niche audience over the years who find joy in methodical and rewarding sim management gameplay. Over the years, the developers at Giants Software has worked to refine the formula, balancing realism with accessibility to keep players engaged. Now, with the released of Farming Simulator 25, the team has pulled out all the stops.

This latest instalment promises to push the boundaries of what’s possible in a farming sim, with upgraded visuals, smarter AI, and a host of new features aimed at both solo players and multiplayer fans. From reimagined crop mechanics to community-driven innovations, Farming Simulator 25 is arguably Giant Software's most ambition yet. We caught up with Martin Rabi, Marketing Manager at Giants Software, to delve into how they’ve managed to evolve the franchise while staying true to its roots. Here’s what he had to say.

How has the Farming Simulator series evolved over the years, and what are the key new features or innovations in Farming Simulator 25 compared to previous entries?

The most significant improvements in this version include advancements in Giants Engine 10, which enhances both graphics and performance. Players can enjoy a more immersive world with features like dynamic fog, multiple cloud types, and soft shadows that bring a more atmospheric feel, especially in the morning hours. Additionally, ground deformation has been introduced, with detailed calculations based on machinery and environmental factors.

How much influence do player feedback and community suggestions have on the development of Farming Simulator 25? Could you share an example of a feature that was shaped by community input?

Community feedback is at the heart of our development process. The newly introduced ground deformation and GPS features were often requested. At the same time, we also love to surprise people. The weather events, which can even bring destruction to your fields, were added for fans wishing for 100% realism. For those ambivalent about these features, we included the option to disable the impact.

What new technologies or improvements have you implemented in Farming Simulator 25 that you’re particularly excited about? Are there any advancements in AI or graphics that enhance the experience?

It’s difficult to decide whether the ground deformation or the GPS steering assistance is more exciting. Both have enormous influence on the game, the technology, and how players interact and feel immersed. Implementing them required extensive programming and testing to ensure they feel realistic, are helpful, and work within all constraints.

The most significant improvements in this version are covered by using the advanced Giants Engine 10, our proprietary game engine used for the entire Farming Simulator series. It enhances both graphics and performance: Players can enjoy a more immersive world with features like dynamic fog, multiple cloud types, and soft shadows. Additionally, ground deformation has been introduced, with detailed calculations based on machinery and environmental factors. Players can now rely on GPS steering assistance, enhanced AI helpers, and better NPC behaviour.

Farming is quite a diverse activity. Are there any new types of crops, machinery, or livestock being introduced this time that will expand gameplay options for players?

With the addition of new regions such as East Asia and new crops like rice, beans, or spinach, the game offers an unparalleled farming experience tailored to diverse cultures. We always introduce new elements to the series and are especially proud of the GPS steering assistance and ground deformation in the latest game. Additionally, the game's highly realistic visuals, a wide array of more than 400 authentic machines, and its emphasis on both solo and cooperative online gameplay make it the definitive farming simulation experience.

The multiplayer aspect has always been a favourite among players. How has cooperative farming evolved in this version? Are there any changes to make the multiplayer experience more engaging?

We introduced tool sheds, and players can share hand tools in the multiplayer mode. The online co-op mode is the open-world game in multiplayer, where users join forces to collaboratively manage farms and all activities. This includes the same opportunities as in career mode, and players take on farming 25 crops, animal husbandry with eight animal types, and forestry – plus production chains and construction projects. The online co-op mode fosters teamwork and cooperation in a relaxed environment, making it a great social experience for farming enthusiasts. At its core, it’s fun to play Farming Simulator 25 together with your friends!

Developing a farming simulation game may not be as straightforward as it seems. What have been some of the biggest challenges in creating a game that balances realism with entertainment?

As mentioned earlier, implementing ground deformation or GPS steering assistance required extensive programming and testing to ensure they feel realistic. Aside from that, the primary challenges included replicating the intricate process of rice farming, such as flooding fields and managing water levels, while maintaining accessibility for players. Special fields for rice, surrounded by edges to keep the water inside, had to be created. The unique process for planting seedlings in water also raised the demand for improved water physics and new machinery.

Farming Simulator has a passionate modding community. What tools or features are you offering in Farming Simulator 25 to support modders in creating new content?

We have a close relationship with our modding community, offering tools and support to help them create content. We also run our ModHub, which offers modders a great platform to share their work. Our Giants Engine was created with modding in mind, and from the very start, we have supported modding for our games. Some of our colleagues were former modders themselves, who found an entry into the games industry through their hobby.

Farming Simulator 25 is available now for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Mac and PC.

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