How the Game ‘Farming Simulator’ Benefits Aspiring Farmers

When most people think of videos games, they might think of racing, violence, and non-stop fast paced action. This is why it may come as a surprise that the video game Farming Simulator has been such a success in the last decade, with over 115 million downloads. But what is Farming Simulator? It is a video game where users take the role of a Farmer with a small property, and are tasked with using machinery to plow fields, deliver cargo, and do many other seemingly mundane missions in order to make money and upgrade their farm and equipment. There are no levels, there is no specific end goal, and there is no way to “win” the game.

But who could have fun playing a video game that is seemingly so boring?

Surprisingly, a lot of people. And it’s not just farmers! After all, the best-selling video game of all time is Minecraft, a game where the user must survive in a natural environment made of pixelated blocks. The reason why games like this are so popular is because of how relaxing they are to play, and how much freedom there is to do whatever you want. With Farming Simulator there is no right or wrong way to build your farm. Some users may choose to have acres of oats, cotton, or corn, while others focus on raising livestock. Whichever way the user chooses to play, it takes time to progress. Just like in real life, there are no shortcuts to building a farming empire.

Does Farming Simulator benefit the Agriculture Industry?

Absolutely! In addition to the therapeutic gameplay, Farming Simulator gives experience to gamers on how to work real world Telehandlers, Tractors, and other agricultural equipment. When Farming Simulator started in 2009, it only appealed to a niche group of users who were already familiar with the ins and outs of farming. Since then, there have been 7 versions of the game released, attesting to its steadily gaining popularity. The benefit of popular games is that they expose themselves to a wide demographic of users, such as younger gamers who might uncover a hidden love of farming. Farming Simulator has licensing with real world companies, so every piece of machinery in the game is an exact replica of the real-life counterpart. Plus, there are downloadable mods that include Merlo Turbofarmers.

This means that gamers who play Farming Simulator gain exposure to what it is like to use real world farming equipment, and most importantly, what it is like to live the life of a farmer. Games like Farming Simulator make it possible for gamers to fall in love with operating machinery, which translates into real world interest. Teaching people about how agriculture fits into their day to day lives could lead them into wanting to learn more about this industry as an interesting and satisfying career path.

To learn more about Farming Simulator, check out this video from their official YouTube Channel!

When you’re ready to take your farming from the screen to the field, click this image to see Agricultural Machines available in the United States