The Art of making Farming Simulator maps v1.0.0.0

The Art of making Farming Simulator maps.

I just listened today's interview with Florian Busse in which he explains both the method and the idea of ​​finding a location for a new map, in this case Riverbend Springs for the upcoming FS25 but also for the Elmcreek map in FS22.

He says, among other things, and with which I fully agree, that it is very difficult to find a location on a map, especially in America where all things, facilities, sales points and production can be found on an area of ​​2 kilometers.

He also mentions how completely flat maps can be quite boring after a short time of playing. I totally agree with that, and as people who follow my work know, the maps I made are not completely flat. Take for example the Alma, Missouri map which, not to be too modest, is quite a successful American map.

Why Alma is successful? Here we come to the conclusion that for a map you must design feeling of the landscape, combine a real location with imaginary things, which, like any art, is created in the artist's mind.

Of course, don't get me wrong, I'm not saying I'm better than any other map maker, there are even many of them from whom I still learn things and apply them on my maps.

I was just lucky to find Alma town when I was looking for a location for new map. This area already had a great layout (real) for the Train Station and the track that fit perfectly into the terrain, but even after that I had to add those imaginary things as production and sales points and so on.

Also, the total area of ​​the Alma map was a little over 3x3 kilometers and it was necessary to "squeeze" that area into a 2x2 map to arrange all the things and also to connect all the roads so that there is an accessible road on every part of the map.

I must also mention that one of the things that help in creating a quality map is creating your own 3D models and objects, and for that you need at least basic knowledge of 3D modeling in some 3d software, in my case it was Blender and Substance Painter. So, for Alma, I made over 30 unique objects that were modeled after real objects that are located in that place. Furthermore, i will try to implement all of the above in the map that you have already chosen and voted for, Murray, Iowa, which will be my first "new" map in FS25. I'll stick to the real terrain with a lot of new things that will give the map good playability but, for me, the most important thing, a nice look.

After all, we all have our own tastes in things, including maps for Farming Simulator. For me, the most important thing is that the map looks nice. Other things come later.

For example, if you can have a beautiful map and soybeans sown in rows that's great, but if you, in any circumstance, have to choose between the two I would always choose the map look. But that's just me as i said.

OK. FS25. Plan?

The plan for FS25, if there are no unforeseen changes, is to convert my maps to FS25 including the two base Giant maps, Goldcrest Valley and Ravenport since I already have everything done for them in blender, I just need to add the new textures that come with Fs25, and as i mentioned the first new map in FS25 will be Murray. After that, who knows.

Finally, I would like to say that I am delighted with what I saw today in the videos and presentations from FarmCon. (Thanks to Farmer Cop and  Djgoham Gaming) Farming Simulator 25 looks fantastic!

What are your impressions after seeing the new FS25 stuff?