Educational Billboards

[Rug1]

Hiya, I would really like the option to have custom billboards in the game. At the least to the same level as planet coaster did.

I feel they fit the planet series even more since zoos carry so much more information.

One thing that would be good is if you added a tick box to make them count as educational (to have the same in game impact as educational boards) Or you could link them to certain animals (like you did with signs in planco?)

I do like the education idea in the game and this would just be a way to evolve that.

 

[Rug1]

Just to add to that. Perhaps some smaller and less curved educational screens too? Something we can integrate into builds easier.

 

[NZFanatic]

In general people seem to want more variety to the education and conservation boards. I don't think billboards is the answer, but that's just my opinion. I never played PlanCo.

I'd like to see some unpowered options, since zoos don't tend to have a bunch of electronic monitors spread all over the place (or speakers, for that matter, but in Sandbox it's simply a case of not using them). Some plain laminated posters would be good, for both the education and conservation boards, simple sheets that can be slapped against a wall or a post and don't require any kind of power grid.

 

[Rug1]

I absolutely would like some more variety regarding the education and conservation boards. In planet coaster a lot of the builders would use billboards to portray those less electronic things. As you use imported pictures you get to choose if they look electronic or not and you can surround a screen SUPER easily to do what you are talking about.

I guess there are two levels to the request because at a basic/average player level we would just like variety as you said and maybe some non electronic options.

As a detail orientated player having the billboards opens up an entire WORLD of creativity and allowing those to be linked to animals and education makes the simulation side of the game even better.

 

[NZFanatic]

As a detail orientated player having the billboards opens up an entire WORLD of creativity and allowing those to be linked to animals and education makes the simulation side of the game even better.

uit

To be the contrary one, I watched a few videos of Planet Coaster where people used the billboard to make their own textures and such, and personally I'm still not a huge fan. Of course that is just my opinion, but importing images and whatnot adds something 'real' to a simulation, which to me breaks a lot of the immersion. Before we get that kind of thing, I think it's important that we get more content that fits in with the game, i.e. I'd rather Frontier did the work themselves before they pass the buck onto me.

It all boils down to how different people prefer to play the game. In any case I don't object to new features on principle (except in certain special cases) so it isn't as though I'm against the idea of billboards, it's just not something I rank highly on my own priority list.

 

[onk]

Before we get that kind of thing, I think it's important that we get more content that fits in with the game, i.e. I'd rather Frontier did the work themselves before they pass the buck onto me.

I guess those request have their origin in a long term realationship with developer......and what you believe they will do or what you don't believe.
Like:
He Frontier, we would be happy with xy...but as we know it's unlikely that we get this or that, just give us a simple workaround that does not really need a lot of effort for you.

 

[NZFanatic]

I guess those request have their origin in a long term realationship with developer......and what you believe they will do or what you don't believe.
Like:
He Frontier, we would be happy with xy...but as we know it's unlikely that we get this or that, just give us a simple workaround that does not really need a lot of effort for you.

Yeah, but I think in this case it isn't so unlikely that we'll get more education/conservation boards. Just about everyone seems to want them. I think the biggest part of the job would be the art design, since in theory the programming is already there if they are able to overlay the new objects with the same functions as the ones already in the game. So if they can devote resources to the design of these new objects, getting them to work shouldn't be as big a hurdle.

 

[Danny_zoo]

uit

To be the contrary one, I watched a few videos of Planet Coaster where people used the billboard to make their own textures and such, and personally I'm still not a huge fan. Of course that is just my opinion, but importing images and whatnot adds something 'real' to a simulation, which to me breaks a lot of the immersion. Before we get that kind of thing, I think it's important that we get more content that fits in with the game, i.e. I'd rather Frontier did the work themselves before they pass the buck onto me.

It all boils down to how different people prefer to play the game. In any case I don't object to new features on principle (except in certain special cases) so it isn't as though I'm against the idea of billboards, it's just not something I rank highly on my own priority list.

Try looking at it from this angle, as you know Frontier seems to be very limited when it comes to creating additional material, it would be unrealistic to think that they would be able to create any substantial amount of zoo signs/posters/billboards/interpretive information panels/banners etc. If we look at what is already included in the base game (almost non existing) I think we can agree that there is a countless number of them needed in the game. I do agree with you on one thing, it does come down to what the players is going after. I'm particularly interested in building realistic zoos and exhibits and this is very difficult with what is currently provided within the game in relation to all those items already referenced. If you browse thru the workshops, you will find a limited number of player created signs and maps, most are not very realistic and none are rich in detail since the ability to upload images is currently non existent in the game.

By adding this feature we will have millions of images, that could be included in the game in an unlimited capacity, think big now, from realistic info panels that tell a particular story (your story) that can be found throughout an exhibit, to even a restaurant menu, that looks like an actual menu and not just some black lines over a black canvas. Everything in between could be automatically updated with this inclusion, entrances, every single amenity. Now in order for this to work properly the black canvases (billboards) should be able to be resize by us, since obviously a zoo billboard or poster would be much bigger than an exhibit interpretive panel or feeding schedule sign. In short, I have lost count of how many times i have made reference to how the addition of this feature will forever change this game. At the end it would come down to the player, it all comes down to how realistic you want it to look, and your personal taste, as with Planet Coaster some players with make it look tacky, but you could select only images that fit in with the game style.

 

[Danny_zoo]

uit

To be the contrary one, I watched a few videos of Planet Coaster where people used the billboard to make their own textures and such, and personally I'm still not a huge fan. Of course that is just my opinion, but importing images and whatnot adds something 'real' to a simulation, which to me breaks a lot of the immersion. Before we get that kind of thing, I think it's important that we get more content that fits in with the game, i.e. I'd rather Frontier did the work themselves before they pass the buck onto me.

It all boils down to how different people prefer to play the game. In any case I don't object to new features on principle (except in certain special cases) so it isn't as though I'm against the idea of billboards, it's just not something I rank highly on my own priority list.

The other day you and I had a somewhat brief discussion about bird exhibits etc, within the discussion I made reference to the already existing exhibits and how they quite limited in design. It does not necessarily have to be so, even with the current one size fits all, you can still cut the exhibits, place several together or do both while disguising their original design to create distinct exhibits that are not repetitive and take away from the game's realism. I mention all of this, because during my many experimental trials with this, I realized that by Frontier simply enabling this feature withing the game, it could take it to a whole different level, we could add backgrounds, as many zoos do in real life to a black canvas wall, and the interpretive design would take a whole new meaning. I'm attaching below a pic of a North African experimental theme area I have worked on, to further illustrate this idea. As you can see the background wall is extremely bare, as i tried minimizing the chances of obstructing the animals visibility. Had this feature being available that bare wall would look like an expansive North African Desert. The key here would be using a 3d virtual image of a desert that fits the style of Planet Zoo, as a real life image of a desert could potentially make it look tacky and out of place. If the picture however however fits the Planet Zoo style it could even further expand on the games realism, below I will provide a few examples of what I'm talking about, one picture is computer generated, the other is a real life image, and both would be fit nicely within the game. Furthermore instead of being limited to place the interpretive story of the exhibit in a ridiculously large font, realistic panels showcasing the exhibit's narrative could easily be created elevating the designs realism. This is just one small example of countless others can be made reference to.

 

[Danny_zoo]

Hiya, I would really like the option to have custom billboards in the game. At the least to the same level as planet coaster did.

I feel they fit the planet series even more since zoos carry so much more information.

One thing that would be good is if you added a tick box to make them count as educational (to have the same in game impact as educational boards) Or you could link them to certain animals (like you did with signs in planco?)

I do like the education idea in the game and this would just be a way to evolve that.

It was mention by developers before the game came out that this was a feature that they wanted included but ran out of time. Surprisingly after so many updates and two DLCs it has not been added. My best guess would be that when the feature rolls out, it would be of a higher quality and detail than that of Planet Coaster as many other features in this game have been. It would not surprise me that the reason behind them holding back on it, is because further work to improve it and to specifically pair it with what is required in a zoo simulation game has been going on behind the scenes. The game could certainly benefit from more animals, foliage and building pieces. And there are a number of features that can could be implemented to add to its realism, but none of what has been mention would have the ability to change the game in the way this feature could if properly implemented.

A key element in my opinion of this feature working at its maximum potential would be the ability for players to resize the billboards/blank canvas/sings. While I'm no expert in this area I would assume that this would be tricky while maintaining a high level of quality in whatever image it is you are uploading. It would be up to the players to determine what looks good for them or does not, possibilities would only be limited by the players own imagination or lack of. In any case it would certainly change the game for good. Many players have already designed their own zoo logos etc. I myself have purchased during this Pandemic every major available design tool available to create my own unique backgrounds that fit the game, and would be happy to upload them to the Steam Workshop once this feature is available to aid other players.

 

[Rug1]

I am not sure I believe that resizing will ever be a thing in this game. Not even for just a few things. It isn't how they ever planned to do it.

So there are two things to respond to everything said above. Firstly, I asked for some more of their own designs too. So yeah I want custom billboards but I want some more options for the players that don't want to add in their own. I agree that means some artwork and research for them but I feel it is something worth letting them know that people want. Especially if it was in their initial plans. Like I trust Frontier to go back and add in what they intended to. Like they did with picnic benches and security guards in planco.

Then there is the second part is why I brought it up when I think Frontier have planned to do it. Apart from just letting them know what I want I wanted to add the idea of linking these screens to either an exhibit/animal or marking it as educational. I would love to hear what the devs/community managers actually think about this and the above idea. Would be cool to see whether they are like "we will look into it" or "This isn't something we will consider".

I also want to be clear it is not a criticism of the game. I have played it a lot and I love it. They have provided this for such a reasonable price in my opinion. I just want to augment the thing that I already love. I do feel bad sometimes cause like...as a community we probably are like WANT WANT WANT a lot. So I just wanted to be clear I am thankful for what I already have.

 

[Firestar97]

I really hope they will add them in a Update. I do have so many Ideas, especially if they can show Animations like it is possible in Planet Coaster

 

[Ulysse]

So much possibilities!
I also want (and need) this custom billboards, it would be a very good option for creation.

Can we have an answer about this subject @Bo Marit or @Chante Goodman, is it under study?

 

[Danny_zoo]

I am not sure I believe that resizing will ever be a thing in this game. Not even for just a few things. It isn't how they ever planned to do it.

So there are two things to respond to everything said above. Firstly, I asked for some more of their own designs too. So yeah I want custom billboards but I want some more options for the players that don't want to add in their own. I agree that means some artwork and research for them but I feel it is something worth letting them know that people want. Especially if it was in their initial plans. Like I trust Frontier to go back and add in what they intended to. Like they did with picnic benches and security guards in planco.

Then there is the second part is why I brought it up when I think Frontier have planned to do it. Apart from just letting them know what I want I wanted to add the idea of linking these screens to either an exhibit/animal or marking it as educational. I would love to hear what the devs/community managers actually think about this and the above idea. Would be cool to see whether they are like "we will look into it" or "This isn't something we will consider".

I also want to be clear it is not a criticism of the game. I have played it a lot and I love it. They have provided this for such a reasonable price in my opinion. I just want to augment the thing that I already love. I do feel bad sometimes cause like...as a community we probably are like WANT WANT WANT a lot. So I just wanted to be clear I am thankful for what I already have.

I understand what you mean, and agree that if they would be willing to add official content in the form of these items it would always be welcomed as I'm sure it would be fantastic. The issue here remains that with the constrains of what can be packed into the DLCs it would be very difficult to add any substantial amount of content. The option to upload user content would remedy this. Imagine they create a beautiful panel for the next DLC that showcases Koalas with written text and images/drawings, excellent but what about the remaining animals in the game? Another example, we already have a couple of banners they can be changed to any color you want, but it stops there, you can not add any text or images to it, see where I'm getting at. Now it all boils to what is possible and what is unlikely within this game, at least that is the way some veterans of this video game forums have explained to me in the past, history even here tends to repeat itself. So while all official content would be highly anticipated and embraced, the reality is that our best bet is user uploaded content, than can if I might add look just as good, depending on the personal taste and level of skill of the player. And with the steam workshop all of you can benefit at the end.

Furthermore, I'm of the same mindset as you that we should be grateful for everything we have gotten and the level of dedication that its developers show to the game. As far as price go, I really need to keep silent about this, because in the past when I have voiced my opinion and thoughts about this, it seems to either come out as the greatest offense to some within this forum or be a taboo area that is to never be spoken of again, it is quite funny really. I had to scratch my head so many times about this, and came to the conclusion that the majority of the forum members that took offence had to have some really good reasons to get into panic mode. But I will say it here one more time, this game is completely under priced for the joy it brings, and I have no clue as to why would anyone complain about the price of a DLC being 10 usd, it is ridiculous in this day and age to say the least.

I do take issue with this because when someone complains about spending 10 dollars on a DLC, the price of a coffee and a pastry in numerous cities across the world, it is detrimental to any hopes that the rest of us might have of Frontier finally saying, you know what, we get it, here is the next DLC, priced at 27 dollars, still the price of two adults going to a movie theater and that is just to sit and watch the movie, forget popcorn and drinks. By the way how long is your average movie and how much entertainment can you get out of it? Balance that with the countless hours of joy and happiness this games provides. And before the penny pinchers of the world come and take offence, and say i refuse to buy the DLC because it did give me the right amount of content, and I have not gotten that much out of this game, the fact alone that you are in these forums for countless of hours expressing your discontent should be worth 10 dollars right there. I'm extremely grateful for this game, and think it is the deal of the century for the value it provides, my only wish is that the DLC will double up in content for triple the price.

 

[NZFanatic]

Imagine they create a beautiful panel for the next DLC that showcases Koalas with written text and images/drawings, excellent but what about the remaining animals in the game?

I think this is a moot point, since already we can customise education boards to all animals in the game. The coding is already there, and in my limited knowledge of such things, I would assume it is separate from the design/functionality of the item itself. In theory, drawing a new design for a new education board (such as a plain laminated, unpowered poster) shouldn't require rewriting the code for customising it to any animal. Granted, new art would need to be created for each animal in the game, which would take a considerable amount of work, but they could reuse the image from the current board and simply add a few more lines of fake text, and make the background flexicolour. That would probably be enough to satisfy most people.

I'm not saying it's easy, just that it's possible within the current parameters of the game.

(As for the pricing issue, I am with you completely - even in NZD the price is entirely reasonable and less than I was expecting to pay for what we got).

 

[Danny_zoo]

I think this is a moot point, since already we can customise education boards to all animals in the game. The coding is already there, and in my limited knowledge of such things, I would assume it is separate from the design/functionality of the item itself. In theory, drawing a new design for a new education board (such as a plain laminated, unpowered poster) shouldn't require rewriting the code for customising it to any animal. Granted, new art would need to be created for each animal in the game, which would take a considerable amount of work, but they could reuse the image from the current board and simply add a few more lines of fake text, and make the background flexicolour. That would probably be enough to satisfy most people.

I'm not saying it's easy, just that it's possible within the current parameters of the game.

(As for the pricing issue, I am with you completely - even in NZD the price is entirely reasonable and less than I was expecting to pay for what we got).

It seems we are unable to find true common ground on this one. I do agree it is a moot point, as the ability for players to upload media into the game (images/videos) will come definitely come, I just hope it is sooner than later. Once it is here, it will be easier for me to validate my point. The pieces are already there for us to build an endless amount of billboards, signs, banners, panels you name it, as long as we are talking about the structure. But now we need the second part to this equation, to be able to add the graphic content. I'm sorry but a few black lines, circles and squares with the same genetic picture of an in game animal is not only boring and repetitive, but it looks quite out of place and poor when we look at the detail of animals, foliage and building pieces within the game.