We’ve all seen it a million times: teenagers and even younger children with their heads stuck in phones, computers and other media devices. I am a member of the “technology generation, and still I sometimes find myself thinking, “Wouldn’t it be nice if these pieces of technology helped to expose the next generation to something useful, like an industry?” The German based software company named Giant has been trying to do just that. They have engineered a new video game with an interesting concept known simply as “The Farming Simulator.”

In this game, players start their own farm and operate it, simulating choices made by real farmers: they choose which crops to plant and where, whether to combine or hay crops for the greatest benefit, whether or not/how to fertilize crops, if they want to raise livestock, which livestock to raise, which land to buy, and which farm equipment to buy. The tractors, combines and other equipment available for “purchase” in this game simulator are extremely realistic, as players can visually simulate the experience of sitting inside, for example, a Case 620 quad track. The simulator brings the experience to life by enabling players to not only “sit” inside the tractor but have access to simulations of detailed controls.

The most interesting thing Giant has integrated into the simulator, however, is the inclusion of what the game refers to as “Mods“ these are farm machines that stand apart from the simulations of real-life machine included with the game. Mods are created by fans with computer skills and then added into the game apart from its original design for use by players. These Mods have grown rapidly online; any number of Google searches may turn up various websites dedicated to farm simulator “Mods” and discussion forums. The game has also created an innumerable amount of YouTube videos, as when new Mods are introduced creators explain the purpose behind them. Some of the videos also discuss the complexities of making money in virtual agriculture. This game provides opportunities to spark engineering ideas, modifications in existing equipment and discussions pertaining to the business of farming, all of which can be related to real-world farming.

This game has created a die-hard online community through which many are learning to love agriculture for the first time. With today’s farm families only making up 2% of the American population, and the knowledge gap in relation to the industry of agriculture increasing, this game could become a great way to help teach the next generation the basics of the agricultural industry. While not everyone who plays the game have access to a farm or the type of equipment seen in this game, the majority do have access to a computer or video game console that can run the Farm Simulator software. As members of the agricultural community, I am encouraged by this new way of spreading knowledge about my field to members of my generation and the next, and I encourage others to find creative ways such as this game to teach the love of agriculture to the upcoming generations. In a society that sometimes has a negative view of our industry, it is important that we provide as many opportunities as possible others to take a walk in our boots, even if it is only through a computer screen.