gaming Archives - North America FarmQuip Magazine

Volvo Ce Brings Its Vehicles to Gaming With Farming Simulator 22

NAFEM Newsroom — Tue, 05 Jul 2022 16:00:23 +0000

For the very first time, gaming fans will feel all the thrill of driving a Volvo Construction Equipment machine from the comfort of their living room, thanks to a new partnership with fully immersive video game Farming Simulator 22.

Farming Simulator at Volvo CE

Building the world we want to live in is not only a purpose that Volvo CE lives by, but is also the premise behind Farming Simulator 22 – allowing players to create their own farming ecosystem in any number of ways. It is the latest iteration of the popular game by Swiss gaming developer and publisher GIANTS Software.

Volvo CE’s role in the game will be to provide players with the opportunity to experience a true-to-life logging and forestry worksite through a number of gamified Volvo CE machines – most notable among them will be the new Volvo L200H High Lift wheel loader.

The wheel loader, only recently unveiled by Volvo CE, is characterized by its greatly increased lifting capacity and added power compared to its predecessor, the Volvo L180H High Lift market-leading in the logging industry. It will be featured in Farming Simulator 22, alongside other soon-to-be-revealed Volvo machines.

FULLY IMMERSIVE PARTNERSHIP

“We are excited to take our first active steps into the booming world of gaming with GIANTS Software. It will not only be a unique chance for players to bring our machines to life, but the game also represents a great opportunity to introduce a younger generation to all the thrill of machine operation.”

says Arvid Rinaldo, Brand Partnerships at Volvo CE.

With over 30 million units sold and available across 165 countries, Farming Simulator is reqularly placed in Top 10 lists of the most popular games across the globe. Available to play on all major platforms, including PlayStation, Xbox, PC and Mac, it has been a family favourite for 15 years. Farming Simulator 22 promises to be its most immersive version yet.

“Volvo CE joining the Farming Simulator universe means a unique and yielding partnership, offering a lot of opportunities. While we align for an exciting project, players can look forward to the Volvo CE-powered reinforcement of gameplay aspects in Farming Simulator 22 in the near future.”

says Thomas Frey, Creative Director and Partner Manager at GIANTS Software.

FROM REAL WORLD TO VIRTUAL WORLD

Given this is the first time construction machines like the Volvo L200H High Lift have been gamified, developers had to take extra effort to digitalize them. A team of developers visited a real-world construction site to study the machines in action and then transfer the machines’ real-life movements into the virtual sphere. In doing so that they were able to map out a digital version as close as possible to the original.

The most exciting aspect of gaming is that players can do things they generally do not get to do otherwise. So for Volvo CE, it is a chance to introduce operator skills to an audience who may not have been able to access them before.

With this latest version of Farming Simulator, players can add additional levels of complexity – so whether they are a younger player who wants to simply drive a Volvo L200H High Lift wheel loader or a more strategic player looking to create their own unique farming production chain from logging through to market, there is something for everyone. And family-friendly Farming Simulator, which also includes Volvo Trucks in the game, stands out against other popular fantasy games by providing a true-to-life education into the agriculture industry and a unique space for unlimited creativity.

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Michelin Agricultural Tyres Available in Farming Simulator 22

Michele Catinari — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 18:00:56 +0000

Michelin has become an official partner of Farming Simulator 22. The partnership allows all players to take advantage of the environmental and product performance benefits of the Michelin agricultural tire range when this new release in the multi-million selling video game series is launched later this month.

As a technology leader in the agricultural tire market, Michelin has a complete range of products to support farmers all year round, regardless of the vehicle type or application, and this extensive offer will now be available in the digital world.

In addition to offering players access to Michelin’s wide range of innovative agricultural tires, this new launch of Farming Simulator 22 offers many new features and technical improvements. Developed and published by GIANTS Software, Farming Simulator was introduced in 2008 and more than 25 million copies have been sold worldwide since – this is the eighth evolution of the popular farming simulation game.

Speaking about the partnership, Bastien Nourisson, Agriculture Communication Manager at Michelin, says:

“Since 1935, Michelin has been helping farmers to equip their vehicles with tires that have constantly evolved in terms of sizing and technology. Michelin has always been committed to advising farmers on the optimum choice of tires for their vehicles and activities to ensure the best possible performance. As a natural evolution, we are pleased to continue in this direction by offering millions of Farming Simulator players our complete range of tire solutions. From tractors and sprayers to the harvesting equipment and back to the trailer, all our ranges, sizes, and technologies available in real life will now be available in the virtual world.”

Farming Simulator 22 will release on 22 November for PC, Mac, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Stadia.

The post Michelin Agricultural Tyres Available in Farming Simulator 22 appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Deere Brings the Farm Home with New Minecraft World

newsroom — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 15:00:54 +0000

FarmCraft provides families an introduction to modern agriculture

Deere is bringing the farm to young game enthusiasts with the latest version of FarmCraft, a Minecraft experience. Created by Blockworks, in collaboration with John Deere, the Minecraft experience gives players an introduction to modern agriculture through the virtual use of machines, processes, and decisions that go into farming today.

The FarmCraft experience, within Minecraft, is intended to educate young people on the importance of agriculture using a familiar, interactive platform. Within the FarmCraft world, players will undertake and complete unique farming missions, including planting and growing crops and then harvesting them.

Lauren Willis, Global Manager Brand Licensing, said:

“John Deere places a significant focus on youth education as a means to increase the number of students interested in pursuing college degrees and careers in agriculture. Our team sees FarmCraft as a fun and unique way to introduce the industry to a whole new generation of young people.”

Available now within the Minecraft Marketplace, FarmCraft provides an added educational benefit of player interaction with an automated researcher who explains the FarmCraft world and scenarios as players explore and complete activities.

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Valtra Enters Esports with Own Farming Simulator League Team

Michele Catinari — Tue, 03 Nov 2020 18:00:23 +0000

Valtra steps into the world of esports by entering its own team in the upcoming FSL Season 3 kicking off in late November 2020.

The team consists of six players that have already proven themselves at the highest level of competition, three of whom ranked second in the last FSL Season finals.

Courtesy of valtra.com

Valtra has had a strong presence in the Farming Simulator game since 2015 and most recently introduced its new G Series simultaneously in a “real-life” public launch event and inside the game.

“Farming Simulator has been an important platform for Valtra as it has allowed us to reach our fans and audiences beyond the agricultural sector. Sending a dedicated Valtra team into the FSL race is the next logical step for us. Esports is clearly on the rise and gaming brings with it interesting perspectives on how virtual experience can benefit challenges in the real world. Valtra definitely wants to be at the forefront of exploring these opportunities”,

says Pamela Engels, Senior Manager Communications & Digital Marketing, Valtra EME.

Courtesy of valtra.com

The gamers signed to Team Valtra have experienced Farming Simulator League players with the potential to compete for a place on the podium of FSL as well as the prize pool.

“We are excited to continue our journey in the Farming Simulator League with Valtra for Season 3. The team is made up of players with a wide variety of background knowledge and skill, each of whom will contribute to the success of the team this season. We might even show some unique techniques in our matches, so the audience should watch out for those”,

comments Marcel Renke.

Professional coaching

Valtra is managing the FSL Team in cooperation with Finnish esports organization Kova Esports. Based in Central Finland, KOVA currently manages teams in seven different games including CS:GO, League of Legends, and Starcraft 2.

“Farming Simulator League is a new challenge for us and we are really looking forward to the start of the new season. Even though Farming Simulator is not the biggest esports game, it has a stable player and fan base. Managing a team together with Valtra in this game creates interesting new opportunities. This type of cooperation is actually something brand-new in the Finnish and probably even global esports scene”,

says Timo Tarvainen, General Manager of KOVA Esports.

Courtesy of valtra.com

Source: Valtra

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Caterpillar revives Trial series with new video

Michele Catinari — Tue, 27 Oct 2020 17:00:56 +0000

Larger-than-life gameboard highlights Cat products, technology, and services

Continuing the company’s successful Cat Trials series, a total of eight videos that have logged more than 18 million views, Caterpillar released its first new Cat Trial video in four years. The Cat Trial #9: Pac-Man takes on the video-gaming world to celebrate Caterpillar’s 95^th anniversary, while Pac-Man celebrates its 40^th anniversary, by showcasing Cat products, technology, and services

Victoria Keese Morrissey, global marketing and brand director for Caterpillar, says:

“These trials are designed to surprise and delight our customers and prospects, as well as people outside our industry. Challenges the ghosts pose to Pac-Man strike a unique metaphor for obstacles lurking around each corner of the job site. Power Pellets represent the role Cat dealer services play in helping our customers overcome these challenges.”

The Cat Trial #9: Pac-Man plays out on a 162.4-ft x 180.4-ft (49.5- x 55-m) version of the iconic Pac-Man gameboard— 19,040 percent larger than the original scale of the maze on the classic arcade screen— and was built and played using the latest Cat equipment as well as grade and remote technology.

Commenting on the collaboration, Yutaka Fuse, Head of Pac-Man Licensing & Branding team for Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc., owners of the Pac-Man brand, said,

“We appreciate Caterpillar approaching us and giving a nod to Pac-Man’s 40^th Anniversary in a truly unique way, and we were excited to work with them. It’s amazing how Caterpillar’s equipment was able to precisely recreate the iconic Pac-Man maze in the real world on such a grand scale. We were astonished by the final product.”

Gameboard construction

The original Pac-Man gameboard design was loaded into the Cat GRADE with a 3D system on the 336 Next Gen excavator, eliminating the need for stakes and grade checkers, saving time in the construction. In total, 70 labor hours were required for the 336 to create the life-size gameboard. Roughly 6,880 yd³ (195 m³) of cut/fill dirt was removed to build the maze that was comprised of 151 corners and 4-ft-tall (1.2-m) walls.

Support equipment to construct the gameboard, also using Cat GRADE with 3D to ensure they followed the same plan, included multiple field prep Cat dozers, Cat wheel loaders, a 323 excavator, trucks, and water wagons.

J. Archie Lyons, creative director, global brand strategy and activation for Caterpillar, explains:

“Cat GRADE with 3D enabled the workers to only handle material one time for digging, loading, hauling, and dumping. Reducing material handling is just one of the challenges our customers face, and Cat Grade technology greatly enhances job site efficiency.”

Five Cat 236D3 remote-controlled skid steer loaders, rented from The Cat Rental Store, were used for play to represent Pac-Man and the four ghosts – Blinky, Inky, Clyde, and Pinky. Pac-Man and ghost avatars placed atop the Cat loaders could be seen above the maze walls.

The four corner Power Pellets that put Pac-Man on the offensive represent Cat dealer services— Customer Value Agreements, Repair Options, Cat Financial, and Cat App. Helping with fleet management, financing, and maintenance, Cat Services gives customers an extra efficiency boost in the field.

Caterpillar also stayed true to the original game by including fruit bonuses, represented by Cat parts boxes. The fruit is how Pac-Man earns points, which in turn helps to earn additional lives, like how Genuine Cat Parts allow customers to get more life out of their machines to get the job done.

J. Archie Lyons, creative director, global brand strategy, and activation for Caterpillar, says:

“As a unique surprise at the end, we wanted to pay homage to the original game, in a way only Caterpillar could. Due to available memory at the time, level 256 experiences an integer overflow, and the right side of the board can’t be rendered. We have duplicated the original screen’s look of level 256 with our real-life Pac-Man game, using four Cat dozers to create the effect.”

The Pac-Man game players

In addition to the internal team members and collaborative partner Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc., Caterpillar thanks the players, who brought to life the Pac-Man video game experience. The participants controlling the Cat 236D3 skid steers using line-of-sight remote control systems were:

Pac-Man – Jim Kosner of JIMAX Landscaping & Demolition, Peoria, Ill.
Blinky – Joey Stone, Nascar/Richard Childress Racing (RCR) eSports driver of the #8 Virtual Cat car
Inky – Alfonso Fajardo of Horsepower Site Services, Charlotte, N.C., a Caterpillar Global Operator Challenge regional finalist
Clyde – Tom Gardocki, The Dirt Ninja, social media influencer, a professional heavy equipment operator in landscaping and construction
Pinky – Blitz, social media influencer, YouTube gaming content creator, and civil engineer

Customers continue to view the Cat Trial series, the most popular of which have received Guinness World Records for playing the largest game of Jenga and building the tallest sandcastle.

Source: Caterpillar

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Vicon joins Farming Simulator

newsroom — Tue, 07 Jul 2020 16:00:48 +0000

Since June 16^th2020, Farming Simulator released the Vicon extension package for the video game Farming Simulator. A total of five Vicon implements are part of the equipment package.

Farming Simulator is a farming simulation video game played by millions of fans worldwide. It has its own gaming communities and e-sport league with tournaments across Europe. Highly engaged fans play the game to run and develop farms by growing crops and breeding livestock.

The following Vicon implements will be part of the extension package:

• Vicon FastBale
• Vicon Andex 1304 PRO Rake
• Vicon EXTRA 7100T Disc Mower
• Vicon EXTRA 732FT Disc Mower
• Vicon BW 2850 Bale Wrapper

Source: Vicon

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