Farming Simulator 22, the first in the series to be self-published by developer Giants Software, will launch just after harvest festival.
You lot love sedate, pedestrian simulators. On the face of it they seem boring and they… probably are? At least, to some people. But there’s something a bit Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance about it, the ability to just settle down for a long haul and take your time without stresses and enemies really appeals.
And it usually involves vehicles; the bigger, the better. Trucks, trains, buses, boats, diggers – if it’s got a lumbering, slow vehicle that you would’ve loved as a 4-year old then, chances are, it’ll be a popular simulator today.
One of the most beloved – and one of our favourites, we must confess, because they always bring fun stuff like massive tractors and straw bales to trade shows – is Farming Simulator. Developed by Giants Software since 2009, and with an annual schedule like FIFA or Madden, the series has grown to over a hundred million units across console, PC and mobile versions.
Over the years, Farming Simulator has had a few different publishers; most recently, Focus Home Interactive. But this year, for Farming Simulator 22, Giants is striking out on its own. No longer a tenant farmer, it’s taking full ownership and publishing the game itself.
“Here we go, starting the pre-order on our very first self-published title. We hope fans are as excited about this milestone in the series’ history as we are and enjoy our trailer as we get ready to welcome old and new farmers to our fields.” – Christian Ammann, CEO, Giants Software
Will that mean anything materially different for Farming Simulator 22? Probably not. Except more of the same low-key, relaxing farming, with the usual incremental improvements. This year, it’s new crops (grapes, olives, and sorghum) and the equipment you need to harvest them. Mack Trucks are also making their first appearance in the game.
There’s also a shiny new cinematic trailer for Farming Simulator 22, if you like that sort of thing.
As for the release date, Farming Simulator 22 launches worldwide on November 22, 2021. The game will be available on PC, Mac, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Google Stadia.
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