Video games do a lot of different things for people. Some like the distraction of getting lost in another world. Others use them to relax. And some really do like simulating real life things in a virtual world. Farming simulators like Stardew Valley are lovely, relaxing social games where you actually grow crops and mine for gems. Those people in that last group may be a big fans of Farming Simulator, one of the various simulation games you might poke fun of from time to time.
Farming Simulator is different in that the game actually asks gamers to use simulated modern farming equipment to efficently grow and harvest crops. The games have legions of fans, and Giants Software, which makes Farming Simulator 19, wants to make sure those same people who love using virtual tractors can get a bit competitive, too. The Swiss video game maker announced on Wednesday that it’s starting an Esports league for its farming game.
The league will take place around Europe, with 10 tournaments where gamers compete for points that go toward an overall championship team. This is the second year the league has actually existed, but Season Two has a total prize pool of 250,000 euros and some big changes to how the game will work competitively.
“We have a unique opportunity“, said Christian Ammann, CEO of Giants Software in a press release. “Competitive farming is something people enjoy for years now, but it hasn’t been done in eSports so far. We have lots of eSports enthusiasts in our company who can’t wait to show the world that farming can indeed be fun and competitive at the same time. We believe we found the right mix of real farming and fun to play game elements to ensure everyone will find it entertaining.“
The game will offer new modes to help make it appeal to more competitive gamers as well. In the past, competitive Farming Simulator would consist of timed bale stacking, but this season will move to a 3 vs. 3 mode where teams square off against one another to see who can work the fastest. Giants promises the competition will stay “true to its roots” and combine honest field work like harvesting while still using some “challenging game elements” to make it a true Esport.
[via Kotaku]