Planet Zoo 2.0

[Danny_zoo]

Since the launch of Planet Zoo, the game has become Frontier's biggest PC launch to date, when taking into account how long the game has been in the market. In under 6 months, Planet Zoo generated over a million sales, none of the other company les can claim such success in so little time. It has become an extraordinary game for so many, as YouTube content creators the world over continue pushing the series into stardom, giving Planet Zoo an unparalleled marketing platform paired with endless possibilities for its future. The question remains however, what happens next?

Other company les like Elite Dangerous (3.5 million units as of April 2020), Jurassic World Evolution ( 3 million units as of March 2020) and Planet Coaster (2.5 million units as of January 2020) have all more than likely hit their ceiling caps. Planet Zoo however is just getting started, since there is an infinite amount of content that can be added to this game, and more importantly some of the current gaps are quite visible and have gathered a fair amount of push-back by large groups of players. The biggest criticism, comes in the form of the amount of content being released on each DLC by the company (three of them so far) where less than a handful of animals seems to have become the norm for the company. It does not have to be so, if fact it would be highly profitable for Frontier to dedicate a large number of resources to finally giving players what they have been screaming for, a sequel add on.

By no means, this is to be considered a replacement for the current DLC format of the game, since quick content turnaround is something that keeps this game alive, neither can this task be accomplish by treading such a project as just a larger DLC, the approach to follow needs to be that of a whole new game, same amount of resources as the base game, but this time around, already having a foundation and platform that should virtually make things a lot easier. Every single DLC that Planet Zoo has released has elevated the quality of content, as an artist I can tell that the experience of the team behind this game is really starting to pay off, and they have already become fully immerse in the art of bringing a zoo to life. It has been said that Planet Zoo took a little over two years to come to life, such a project, if enough resources are poured into it could take half that time frame, just in time for a December 2021 release.

Just imagine the waves that such a move would generate for Frontier and their Planet Zoo franchise, it would be a game changer, and without a dough elevate this game to new heights. Frontier should just take one look at the movie industry, and how successful sequels and franchises become when the right project is tackled. Why divert extensive resources towards new projects that not only have not already proven successful, but have been done redundantly by other gaming companies, even with a different approach (I'm looking at you F1 game) do the market really need more racing car games? It is already flooded with such content, and how many other zoo simulation games are there?

In any case I present to you, my proposal, PLANET ZOO 2.0 or any other name they want to give it. If such game was released today, be honest to yourself, would you buy it?

Planet Zoo 2.0 will include a variety of groundbreaking content, including flight animations, diving and swimming animations, and full swinging animations for primates (The Orangutan will be updated to fully benefit from this new behavior) There will be new barrier systems, a large number of enrichment items and improvements to existing animal behaviors and group interactions. Players will now be able to fully customize their zoos as user images, videos and soundtrack media are now able to be uploaded to a variety of zoo signs and other content. The human elements of the game have been completely redesign and are now on par with the quality and realism of the animals.

Full habitat animal roster for the game. (58 new animals)

1. African Leopard
2. Hoffmann's Two-Toed Sloth
3. Lar Gibbon (new mechanics)
4. Harbor Seal (new mechanics)
5. Meerkat
6. Giant Eland
7. California Sea Lion (new mechanics)
8. White Rhinocerous
9. Black Howler Monkey
10. Scimitar-Horned Oryx
11. American Beaver (new mechanics)
12. Indian Gaur
13. Iberian Lynx
14. Hamadryas baboon
15. African Penguin (new mechanics)
16. Cougar
17. Clouded Leopard
18. White Faced-Saki
19. Red Deer
20. Przewalski's Horse
21. Sacred Ibis (new mechanics)
22. Marabou stork (new mechanics)
23. Asian small-clawed otter (new mechanics)
24. Greater Kudu
25. King Penguin (new mechanics)
26. Chital
27. Gelada Baboon
28. Wood Stork (new mechanics)
29. White Backed Vulture (new mechanics)
30. Helmeted guineafowl (new mechanics)
31. Black-Headed Spider Monkey (new mechanics)
32. Ocelot
33. West Indian Manatee (new mechanics)
34. Gerenuk
35. King Colobus Monkey
36. Dromedary
37. Chamois
38. Madagascar Teal Duck (new mechanics)
39. Black Rhinoceros
40. Secretary Bird (new mechanics)
45. Grey crowned crane (new mechanics)
46. American Alligator
47. Southern Ground Hornbill
48. De Brazza's monkey
49. Giant River Otter (new mechanics)
50. Capybara (new mechanics)
51. Black-Backed Jackal
52. Marabou stork
53. Great White Pelican (new mechanics)
54. White-faced whistling duck (new mechanics)
55. Roseate spoonbill (new mechanics)
56. Malayan Tapir
57. Red-Shanked Douc
58. African Crested Porcupine
59. American Flamingo


Exhibit animals (Planet Zoo 2.0 will introduced an improved version of exhibits, featuring three enclosure size options, small, medium (size currently found in game) and large. The newly revamp exhibits will allow for greater player customization with a much broader selection of plants/branches/enrichment items/backgrounds etc. It will be possible for players to upload custom background images, using the newly introduced feature to the exhibit walls.

1. Spectacled Caiman
2. Madagascar Tomato Frog
3. African Rock Python
4. Indian Star Tortoise
5. Central American River Turtle
6. Tarzan Chameleon
7. Madagascar Day Gecko
8. Blue Poison Dart Frog
9. King Cobra
10. Radiated Tortoise
11. Madagascar hissing cockroach
12. Alligator snapping turtle
13. South American bushmaster
14. Chinese crocodile lizard
16. African Spurred Tortoise


Alongside the newly introduced flight mechanics, a selection of small and medium size birds has been added to the game. These species can only be displayed in the newly introduced aviaries (new barrier system) There are three different aviary barrier systems, ( wood and mesh ) ( steel mesh ) as well as ( Glass jewel aviaries for colder climate zoos and indoor exhibitions )



Aviary Birds

1. Emerald Toucanet
2. Bearded Barbet
3. Victoria Crowned Pigeon
4. Great Indian Hornbill
5. Toco Toucan
6. White Fronted Bee Eater
7. Hyacinth Macaw
8. Military Macaw
9. Northern Spotted Owl
10. Spectacled Owl
11. King Vulture
12. Bald Eagle
13. Harpy Eagle
14. Eurasian Eagle-Owl
15. Snowy Owl
16. Bali myna
17. Raggiana Bird-of-Paradise
18. Helmet Vanga
19. Palm cockatoo
20. Black-and-white-casqued hornbill
22. Green Aracari
23. Eclectus parrot
24. Rhinoceros Hornbill


As diving and swimming mechanics are introduced to Planet Zoo, players will have the option of adding a small selection of fish species to their aquatic enclosures. The fish will not be habitat animals and instead will have a full selection of looping animations that players will be able to choose from. The fish will be available as special effects.

1. Cichlid Fish
2. Koi Fish
3. Piranha fish

Butterfly special effects, with a variety of species on interchangeable looping animations will be available.

Budgerigar special effects will be available in looping animations, allowing players to create walk thru aviaries.

Loriini special effects will be available in looping animations, allowing players to create walk thru aviaries.



Three new staff members will be introduced in Planet Zoo 2.0

Zoo Educator Volunteers (This new staff addition will be ideal to supervise walk thru exhibits and could engage zoo visitors in educational talks)

Zoo Curators (a specialist that will bring superior training and expertise but will simultaneously command higher compensation)

Trainers will be featured alongside animal ambassadors, this new exiting addition to the game can be partially customized. Animal Ambassador species not currently found within the zoo roster will be featured alongside enrichment items, that will be fully interactive.

1. Western Long-Beaked Echidna
2. Black-and-white ruffed lemur
3. Burmese python (albino)
4. Scarlet Macaw
5. Northern Tamandua
6. Grey parrot
7. Nine-Banded Armadillo
8. Serval
9. Sulphur-crested cockatoo
10. Striped Skunk

There will be three new building sets, that will bring the tropical forests of South East Asia, Colonial Madagascar and an urban zoo theme to life within Planet Zoo, allowing for further player creativity as over 550 new construction assets are added to the game.

In addition the foliage and scenery department of the game will get a complete makeover, as new plants and trees from all over the world join the roster, allowing for entire ecosystems and landscapes to be reproduced in detail. (There will be a substantial amount of fallen tree trunks, branches and other complementary scenery added) Three new rock sets will be added to the game.

New challenge scenarios will be a part of the expansion.

The zoo visitors have been completely revamp, and in their place we now have, much more realistic looking human models. The management section of the game has been re-calibrated, as the number of visitors to a zoo has been reduced to allow for improved game optimization.

New and improved maps have been added to Sandbox and Career, there is an urban city map and a coastal map that are half the size of the current standard maps. These highly requested maps will push player creativity while allowing for better game performance.

four new rides will be added to the current lineup.

Zoo Zip-line adventure tour, that will have visitors soar thru and over your dream parks.

Safari Cycle tour that the whole family can take part of (Bicycles that can accommodate either two or four visitors)

Hot Air balloon that will allow visitors to take in a bird-view of the park.

A Wildlife inspired Carousel that will complement the Urban City Zoo theme being introduced with the release.


Certain Zoo Staff will now be able to move thru the park via golf carts, a much needed feature for larger parks, allowing for a much more realistic player experience.


Images of concept art found in another Frontier game, showcasing what realistic human visitors and staff could look like and how well they would complement the animals and scenery available. The current cartoons from the early Planet Coaster days found within the game are a poor representation and reflection on an otherwise incredible game. It is understandable that when the game was first released, Frontier did not want to spend additional time and resources that would have further delayed launch into this, but it needs to be address. I play with a close zoo all the time, since just the sight of one the cartoons, kills the vibe of the game for me.

The cost of Planet Zoo 2.0 is 65 euros.

 

[AndyZoos]

I mean, I would definitely pay the equivalent of the base game for this (and arguably more). If for no other reason than this would allow for many of the most in-demand features and animals. Beyond that, it would expand the capacity for further DLC (I'm definitely in the "shut up and take my money" camp when it comes to this game, though).

This is incredibly well-thought out and I would be all for an update like this. That said, I'm hoping we see some of these features (e.g., more customization with signs and exhibit backgrounds by being able to upload our own, maybe new exhibit sizes and additional diving animations) within the current game before all is said and done.

 

[reignyoma]

you SOB you got me!!!! take my money nao

 

[Swjosdotschka]

I doubt the market is big for such big DLCs, though I definately would buy it. I mean, looking at my Sims stuff, I have paid way more for less content already. As as stand alone game I would miss too much. But yes, I still would support bigger DLCs.

 

[paul78]

I would definitely buy it for sure. I like the way you think this would make for a dream game for me. Honestly I’d be happy if frontier included a fraction of this with the new game mechanics and 20-30 more animals when it’s all said and done. If planet zoo does indeed get a sequel someday I think frontier would definitively have to consider these great ideas and look these over. Now that’s nothing to take away from the current game but these ideas would definitely put the game on the cutting edge of any fan’s dream zoo game.

 

[Danny_zoo]

I doubt the market is big for such big DLCs, though I definately would buy it. I mean, looking at my Sims stuff, I have paid way more for less content already. As as stand alone game I would miss too much. But yes, I still would support bigger DLCs.

The market is absolutely large enough to support a project of this scale. Planet Zoo sold over 1 million units within the first 6 months of being introduced withing the PC gaming market, by far making it more successful than any other Frontier project up to date within the same time-frame. The game is definitely trending to become their biggest ever in number of sales. Now, even with an all hands on deck project like this, by no means, given the amount of content included, could Planet Zoo 2.0 be something is release any time soon, in which case, the financial stakes tilt even more in favor of Frontier, since market forecasting will tell you that this game will keep on growing in audience.

Frontier's overhead when it comes to marketing, and overall strategy is any company's dream, as most of it is done via the players, and virtual streams that cost close to nothing. In any other field, the amount of awareness and purchasing appeal for this game that YouTubers and Players are generating would definitely come at a high cost, in this industry however that is not the case. Now if Frontier was to slightly change or adjust their approach for this project, and create a broad public awareness of what is coming, meaning, regular blogs, streams, etc about the development of Planet Zoo 2.0, can you imagine the hype that this massive enterprise will earn?

When you place all of these variables together, it is an absolute recipe for success, at a scale that this game has yet to see. We are now entering a complete different spectrum in sales, since one of the largest complaints (besides game optimization) that are labeled upon this game is the limited amount of content offered on each DLC, specifically animals. A third complaint by many players is the absence of fundamental key components of zoo life (flying birds and swimming/diving animals. This is something that puts off quite a large number of players and an update of such magnitude would address each of this issues. I would like to assume that improved game-play would be address as well, this however is not my area of expertise, and there is a lot said on this and other forums about Frontier's limitations when it comes to their world building hardware (Their Cobra Engine) I do however have my reservations about any true crippling limitations, since they are quite proud of their hardware and the company keeps on expanding their horizons based on it, so that remains to be seen.

So there you have it, the current market is definitely big enough already, and by adding such such a project to the Planet Zoo ranks, it would only exponentially grow it to new heights. They would of course in the short term have to make concessions and significantly increase their spending, since the current DLC format will have to continue until such a project could be introduced to the market. Their long tern profitability however will be sky high, with the possibility of hundreds of millions in added revenue, not something to dismiss or walk away from, without given it due consideration.

 

[HeatherG]

Moved to Suggestions

 

[Danny_zoo]

Hi Heather, the thread was meant as an open discussion to be had in the general forum, while gauging everyones disposition to such possibilities. It is not necessarily a direct suggestion or feedback to Frontier, and I'm sure they are quite aware of the benefits and added rewards of such endeavor.

 

[Swjosdotschka]

The market is absolutely large enough to support a project of this scale.

I wasn't talking about another stand alone zoo game. I'm pretty sure that a sequel would sell well. However, looking at the animal rooster, this would much rather be an add on to Planet Zoo. As a stand alone game. big ticket animals are missing and therefore this can not be a stand alone zoo game. As I said, as an add on, I would appreciate. However, the add on market or dlc market, whatever you might call it, did change over the last decades. You can't take the success of a base game to calculate numbres for a DLC. Just doesn't work that way. Logical or not, people will complain that the price is high when you add it to the base game. They already do so with their lousy 10 bucks, which gives me a headache very time.

Again, I would happily pay that amount of money for that amount of content, but unfortunately I am pretty sure I am part of a minority.

 

[marcnesiumHH]

Though it's repeated on this forum quite often, there's is no 'one strategy' in the gaming industry. There have been quite many established and still many of them are pursued atm. Among those reasons for smaller content packs is to have a quite frequent, more stabilized cash flow and to mitigate the risk of a larger additional content offer to fail - thus for some games this strategy is pursued. If you look at Frontier's current portfolio the most successful game, Elite, still pursues the strategy of large new content offers every 2-3 years. This is also due to the underlying programming effort and the type of the game (open world, mostly multiplayer).

3 of the most largest (and long-time) content creators (YT and streaming) for Frontier games have recently critized the quite small additional content the DLCs so far have brought for PZ; 2 of them already stopped creating content for PZ. The other one said some days ago that the game clearly needs an 'huge' addition to the game mechanics/ gameplay, like diving, that the game will be sustainably successful.

TLDR: imo, I'd rather and happily pay 70 EUR for such a huge additional content pack than the same amount over 2 years for a fraction of content (sum of small DLCs). However, I don't think that Frontier will change the strategy for PZ to a large extent.

I'm still optimistic that we will see a larger aquatic and/ or flying 'content pack' at 14.99-19.99 with new game mechanics, which are also reflected for the base game, i.e. bears will finally be able to dive.

The suggestion of the OP is still very good imo, and covers a good part of which could bring the game forward.

 

[Danny_zoo]

I wasn't talking about another stand alone zoo game. I'm pretty sure that a sequel would sell well. However, looking at the animal rooster, this would much rather be an add on to Planet Zoo. As a stand alone game. big ticket animals are missing and therefore this can not be a stand alone zoo game. As I said, as an add on, I would appreciate. However, the add on market or dlc market, whatever you might call it, did change over the last decades. You can't take the success of a base game to calculate numbres for a DLC. Just doesn't work that way. Logical or not, people will complain that the price is high when you add it to the base game. They already do so with their lousy 10 bucks, which gives me a headache very time.

Again, I would happily pay that amount of money for that amount of content, but unfortunately I am pretty sure I am part of a minority.

I think you have misunderstood the whole thread. This is by no means a stand alone game, as its content is obviously meant to complement the already existing lineup found within Planet Zoo. My suggestion is neither a DLC that fits the current parameters or a stand alone game, it is meant to be an extension of what we already have, while opening completely new possibilities. When you take into account what is being offered in Planet Zoo 2.0 the monetary exchange is more than fair, since most players are already emotionally invested in the game. Measuring the success of the primary product (base game) is exactly how it is done in the business world, and how fortune 500 companies assess future market forecasting.

In reference to your point about the usual complaints found within forum about the price of the DLCs, you will always have that, it changes nothing, it is a small number of customers that might have either limited financial means, or are truly unsatisfied with the lack of content offered in comparison to the base game. As I mention before, the game has sold over 1 million units within the first 6 months of launch, we can only assume what the numbers look like right now, and those individuals complaining are a very small fraction of that number. However by no means, am i saying that the voices heard within this forum or other platforms should be ignored, as they are a certain indicative of what the silent majority might be thinking. The biggest point of contention however is not the cost of the product but the volume of content being offered.

As I mention before, here in North America, within the zoo community back on April when the game had already sold over a million units, outside of the San Diego Zoo, there was not much chatter or buzz about Planet Zoo. In recent times, there has been a surge on knowledge and excitement about this game within this same market. Many have expressed to me their intent in upgrading extremely expensive computer equipment just to be able to play this game (as it was the case with me) This is exactly the kind of market you want to tap into and the feedback you want to be hearing if you are Frontier.

 

[starman]

Following the Planet Coaster model . More DLC needs will be released. Then a console port either to the existing ps4/xbox x or more likely wait for the ps5 xbox series x.

 

[Danny_zoo]

Though it's repeated on this forum quite often, there's is no 'one strategy' in the gaming industry. There have been quite many established and still many of them are pursued atm. Among those reasons for smaller content packs is to have a quite frequent, more stabilized cash flow and to mitigate the risk of a larger additional content offer to fail - thus for some games this strategy is pursued. If you look at Frontier's current portfolio the most successful game, Elite, still pursues the strategy of large new content offers every 2-3 years. This is also due to the underlying programming effort and the type of the game (open world, mostly mulitplayer).

3 of the most largest (and long-time) content creators (YT and streaming) for Frontier games have recently critized the quite small additional content the DLCs so far have brought for PZ; 2 of them already stopped creating content for PZ. The other one said some days ago that the game clearly needs an 'huge' addition to the game mechanics/ gameplay, like diving, that the game will be sustainably successful.

TLDR: imo, I'd rather and happily pay 70 EUR for such a huge additional content pack than the same amount over 2 years for a fraction of content (sum of small DLCs). However, I don't think that Frontier will change the strategy for PZ to a large extent.

I'm still optimistic that we will see a larger aquatic and/ or flying 'content pack' at 14.99-19.99 with new game mechanics, which are also reflected for the base game, i.e. bears will finally be able to dive.

Again this suggestion up for debate is not about Frontier changing anything within their current model. I do understand, love and need for DLCs to be release as often as possible, and in all honesty is what keeps this game engaging and relevant. This idea is based on the premise that Frontier would simply work on an add on game that instead of being anything else within the computer game universe will just link up with the existing content and fill in some much needed gaps.

The current model of DLCs is fantastic, sadly even with long term game support it will not address a large number of missing areas currently found within the game. Even when you look at the list I provided, there are twenty or thirty other alternative lists that would be just as welcomed. Nature is abundant, and so is the selection of it offered in zoos across the world. Planet Coaster as an example had no visible gaps when it stopped releasing DLCs, because virtually everything but (functioning and realistic water parks) is possible within that game, the same can not, and will not be said about Planet Zoo at the current content release format, without exploring alternative options.

 

[Swjosdotschka]

I think you have misunderstood the whole thread. This is by no means a stand alone game, as its content is obviously meant to complement the already existing lineup found within Planet Zoo.

Yeah, "complement the already existing line up" is indeed a DLC. Downloadable Content. If you wish, you can call it expansion pack, but it's the same. An addition to the main game. That said, again, while I support larger DLCs, the selling numbres of the main game do not really say anything. It would be an experiment for Frontier and I'd be happy if they make it. So far, with previous titles, they didn't make it.

 

[Danny_zoo]

I added a few features to Planet Zoo 2.0, there are now four new rides, a new way for staff members to move around and I have expanded the suggestion that all human figures within the game are completely overhauled and revised to complement the existing animals and scenery (both of superior quality and exceeding realism )

 

[shirandhak]

I would love it! (Especially the realistic looking guests!)

But I hope, PZ 1 will be supported for another 2 to 5 years and all your ideas will come true in PZ 2, launching in 2025.
(Good things need a good amount of time to grow and become great)

 

[Danny_zoo]

Yeah, "complement the already existing line up" is indeed a DLC. Downloadable Content. If you wish, you can call it expansion pack, but it's the same. An addition to the main game. That said, again, while I support larger DLCs, the selling numbres of the main game do not really say anything. It would be an experiment for Frontier and I'd be happy if they make it. So far, with previous titles, they didn't make it.

The only reason why I have called a 2.0 instead of the traditional DLC is because it does depart significantly from their current model. Also it emphasizes the point that it not only offers an additional abundance of content for players, but it does enhances the game-play experience and revamps many existing features.

By your logic, everything in life would then be an experiment, and more relevant to our discussion, anything that Frontier currently works on or for that matter any gaming company would be an experiment. In truth this is mostly far from marketing reality, these decisions are often carefully examined, analyzed and based on previous product history, trends, market forecasting etc. If you do not understand it, I can live with that, but it is exactly how it is done in every single industry out here, once they have an establish product.

As an example, the movie Avatar, breaking all records within that industry premiered in 2009, ever since a sequence of high budget sequels have been in production, that is a long investment, for just an experiment, do you honestly think that the companies behind this project do not have absolute certainty that when their long haul project is released it will blow away all the charts again? You are damn Skippy they are. I offer this particular example, as that movie projects have some similarities to the project I have proposed, the technology is not quite there yet, it is a long term investment, and the only thing the have to gauge their chances of success is their previous le offering and public demand. You yourself already admitted that you would shell out the 65 euros, so as far I'm concern, everything else based on who might or might not want to spend the money, is all baseless speculations. You do understand that the vast majority of all the people complaining about cost, do purchase the game, otherwise they would not waste so much time complaining. It is often laughable to be honest, when someone complaints about spending 10 dollars on a DLC, yet spends countless hours in this forum ranting, it just makes no sense whatsoever.

 

[Danny_zoo]

I would love it! (Especially the realistic looking guests!)

But I hope, PZ 1 will be supported for another 2 to 5 years and all your ideas will come true in PZ 2, launching in 2025.
(Good things need a good amount of time to grow and become great)

I absolutely agree, we need long term support for this game, however instead of PZ2 being an stand alone game or a sequel that never meets PZ1, what Planet Zoo 2.0 proposes is just a bigger and finally at least partially complete zoo building world. Otherwise when we do get PZ 2 in 2025, we would more than likely end up with a limited game once more, missing a large volume of content in one area or the other, as most of this sequel projects end up being. Not to say that when the technology is there, a completely new game would not be warranted, I would love more realism, but for the years to come I do not think that is the case, unless there is some sort of technological massive breakthrough.

 

[Swjosdotschka]

The only reason why I have called a 2.0 instead of the traditional DLC is because it does depart significantly from their current model. Also it emphasizes the point that it not only offers an additional abundance of content for players, but it does enhances the game-play experience and revamps many existing features.

By your logic, everything in life would then be an experiment, and more relevant to our discussion, anything that Frontier currently works on or for that matter any gaming company would be an experiment. In truth this is mostly far from marketing reality, these decisions are often carefully examined, analyzed and based on previous product history, trends, market forecasting etc. If you do not understand it, I can live with that, but it is exactly how it is done in every single industry out here, once they have an establish product.

I'm a marketing journalist and there is absolutely no need to be that disrespectful. Just because I don't applaud you for everything doesn't mean I don't get it. So, name a previous product that has a 65 € DLC, please. Now I'm curious, really, because even EA isn't brave enough to go that way with one single DLC. Tell me where in gaming history did this ever happen? Where are your marketing proofs that this is not an experiment?

 

[shirandhak]

I'm afraid, your vision of PZ 2.0 won't run very well on our PCs.
So we've got to wait a few years for better PCs and an improved cobra-engine.