Mythical and prehistoric dlc packs?

[NL_Mutso]

I was just going to say I’ll take a whales and dolphins pack over mythical creatures. And like NZFanatic stated that’s probably not going to happen

Recent events in France most likely cross over to other European Countries on some level, so chances are slim (and maybe worse than ever).
Some minor rules apply in other European countries before this, but I'm guessing this will put more pressure on laws regarding marineparks.
(if it weren't a European based game dev, I think chances would be slightly better)

To me it’s like choosing a unicorn over one of the African rhinos(just a example).

Same here. That basically sums it up. Btw the "don't buy it - if you don't like it" wouldn't work for me, for also this reason.

I do think there would be a fairly strong interest in introducing more recently extinct animals and a couple of fantasy animals

There's a topic about "what animals you don't want in PZ", extinct and fantasy were very popular in that thread. It's an interesting read no matter what side you are on.

The thing a few people can't seem to quite grasp is that companies do not cater to minority voices, because there's little to no profit in it.

Even if I don't like the idea of adding these type of animals, I think it's important that people who prefer this - should speak up.
Just like many have done with not preferring this.

 

[Kaitrosebd]

Again, this is not the issue (seriously can't understand why people think it's that simple). It's not a case of "oh, if they do create this, I just won't spend any money on it". It's a case of most players not wanting a "mythical animals pack". As evidenced by the countless other threads over the past year where the same idea has been raised, it seems like the majority of people would prefer Frontier not to waste their precious resources on animals that don't exist anymore, let alone animals that have never existed in all of history like dragons and unicorns.

The thing a few people can't seem to quite grasp is that companies do not cater to minority voices, because there's little to no profit in it. You say that "not everyone wants 100% realism" but the fact is that most people do, or at least most people want as close to 100% realism as Frontier can manage, ergo it's unlikely that they'll go for this idea. Not to mention that even if they did throw you a bone and release a DLC full of magic or whatever, there would be a significant uproar demanding to know exactly what we didn't get instead that more people might have liked. That's grief that I don't think Frontier wants or needs (it's also why they don't reveal their roadmaps, I suspect).

Anyway, I'm not saying you aren't free to want or discuss such a pack, but when I see people saying "I've been excitedly waiting for..." with regards to a pack they're probably never going to see, I feel that it's important to point out the drawbacks.

There's a higher chance of Frontier releasing killer whales and such over mythical creatures, and I don't even think that's very likely, either.

I think you missed my point though, I am a player (with 1,233 hours on record playing Planet Zoo and almost as much time playing both Planet Coaster and Jurassic World) and I have an opinion... I get it, a lot of people have strong opinions on it but also keep in mind the people in this forum are the minority of active players. So "minority voices" is a pretty inaccurate term when you are referring to opinions captures from one source. Many, if not most, players do not bother with forums (I rarely had after 20 years of gaming and only after beginning work in product development did I start using forums). I understand how important feedback can be to developers working on a project but this is a pretty skewed source of feedback and it's stupid to think the forums are their ONLY source of feedback. Based on the posts in many of these forum threads I would also venture to guess many people here also either dabble in or work in some form of tech/development/coding. So this isn't a great control group for ideas or testing. I am also a pretty active user, long hours played, I own every expansion of most of their games, I am effectively their ideal financially supporting user, so my opinion has as much weight as anyone else's here... which is minimal at best.

But ultimately MOST of the players of this game are not people in these forums, the fantasy expansion was one of the most popular expansions in Zoo Tycoon showing there is indeed an interest in that type of content related to this type of content. It's also one of the most popular expansions among other simulation games and a staple in many sim/builder games. I really do understand the purist mentality here but also that may be a little short-sighted and an opinion gathered from a pretty small focus group of people (active forum users). So I am adding my voice to the group that actually supports the idea of fantasy content. Now I am not saying it should be the next expansion or even one of the next few expansions since I agree there are a lot of animals that still need to be added to the game in general first.... but I am saying it would be financially dumb not to consider it, plus it would be a hell of a lot of fun for a dev to build and appeals to the general userbase of this type of game (outside high-level users and forum participants). It's also pretty low hanging fruit development-wise since many fantasy creatures are basically reskinned standard creatures, so it also allows them to reuse resources and behaviors of other animals. So while it may not be a popular forum idea, it's worth adding another voice in support of the idea.

 

[Firestar97]

the fantasy expansion was one of the most popular expansions in Zoo Tycoon

There wasn't a Fantasy Expansion. Neither for Zoo Tycoon nor for Zoo Tycoon 2. Are you sure, you don't mean Mods?

many fantasy creatures are basically reskinned standard creatures

Name at least 3 that would just need a Reskin instead of a new Model please

 

[Kaitrosebd]

There wasn't a Fantasy Expansion. Neither for Zoo Tycoon nor for Zoo Tycoon 2. Are you sure, you don't mean Mods?



Name at least 3 that would just need a Reskin instead of a new Model please

You are right it doesn't look like it was a specific expansion with Zoo Tycoon, it was embedded into the game as an easter egg that could be unlocked. But we are still talking about a game where mods were able to add fantasy content users wanted (and made themselves) while in this case, that function doesn't really exist. So I'd still argue there is interest illustrated by other games and even the large about of modded content made by users. You don't have to agree but I think people should still be able to say it would be a fun idea. Clearly the OP and those who liked their post would agree on some level, so why is it worth spending so much time trying to shoot them down?

Also: Manticore, Centicore, Karkadann, Unicorn, Pegasus, Phoenix, and I could name others requiring minimal changes and the same general behaviors already developed. Plus the more natural animals added the more options open up to reuse content for unnatural or extinct ones.

 

[NL_Mutso]

But ultimately MOST of the players of this game are not people in these forums, the fantasy expansion was one of the most popular expansions in Zoo Tycoon showing there is indeed an interest in that type of content related to this type of content

Back then, you didn't have any choice to get another game with a mix building/dinos/extinct, so yeah it was the only opportunity get this.
With fantasy you are reffering to the extinct and dino ones right ? - because there weren't any fantasy packs. They added 2-3 (?) fantasy animals per game in a random download or to the complete collection.
You can call those packs "one of the most" everything, because there weren't that many packs. Especially for the original Zoo Tycoon.

I really do understand the purist mentality here but also that may be a little short-sighted and an opinion gathered from a pretty small focus group of people (active forum users). So I am adding my voice to the group that actually supports the idea of fantasy content

A lot of people bought the game for the realistic approach to this game and still people complain about the unrealistic looks of some animals.
Seen some people wanting dinos, but for a lot of people it's because they don't like JWE or don't want to pay for another game.
I always felt those request were similar for fantasy/future weapons for battlefield because they don't want to buy the Star Wars ones.

If you call it a pretty small focus group, we can safely say the pro-mythical/fantasy is basically non-existent.
You're right - most players aren't on this forum/steam/reddit/discord groups, so we'll never find out what their opinion is or what appeals to the general userbase.
None of us do, so we just have to go with what we know: most people who comment on these platforms don't like it.

but I am saying it would be financially dumb not to consider it

I think a lot of people will quit/uninstall the game for waiting 3-4 months for Mythical/Fantasy DLC. Because that would mean waiting 6-8 months for hopefully interesting DLC for those people. I would and maybe buying some DLC after a year or 2 with 70-80% discount.

You don't have to agree but I think people should still be able to say it would be a fun idea. Clearly the OP and those who liked their post would agree on some level, so why is it worth spending so much time trying to shoot them down?

And they are allowed to? Just like people who don't like it?
If you post a thread on a forum, you always get pros and cons for an idea. That's one of main reasons for a forum - to discuss things.
Has been the same for at least 20-25 years.

 

[Firestar97]

Also: Manticore, Centicore, Karkadann, Unicorn, Pegasus, Phoenix, and I could name others requiring minimal changes and the same general behaviors already developed. Plus the more natural animals added the more options open up to reuse content for unnatural or extinct ones.

They would need a changed Model and not just a Reskin. The second and the third one look interesting. Even though I wouldn't really want such a DLC (at least not early in the Games Lifetime), I do still want a Unicorn that is just a white Zebra with a Ice Cream Cone on the Forehead and a pink Spot around it from the Strawberry Ice Cream that was inside

I think a separate Game would be interesting where you build a Zoo in a Fantasy World with Fantasy Creatures. Of course with one way Glass for Basilisks and Fireproof extra strong Glass Barriers for Dragons. You could buy Animals from a Merchant (extremely expensive but relatively safe) or you could send some People to capture them (but don't forget Armor and Weapons or there might be a high Chance that they won't survive) I wonder if anyone else already had this Idea

Which Variation of Manticore did you mean? The one with Bat Wings and a Scorpion Tail or the one without Wings and a Human like Face (if I remember Correctly with multiple Rows of Teeth and the Ability to shoot poisonous Quills from their Tail). I would love to see both of them in that Game if it gets ever made

 

[Kaitrosebd]

They would need a changed Model and not just a Reskin. The second and the third one look interesting. Even though I wouldn't really want such a DLC (at least not early in the Games Lifetime), I do still want a Unicorn that is just a white Zebra with a Ice Cream Cone on the Forehead and a pink Spot around it from the Strawberry Ice Cream that was inside

I think a separate Game would be interesting where you build a Zoo in a Fantasy World with Fantasy Creatures. Of course with one way Glass for Basilisks and Fireproof extra strong Glass Barriers for Dragons. You could buy Animals from a Merchant (extremely expensive but relatively safe) or you could send some People to capture them (but don't forget Armor and Weapons or there might be a high Chance that they won't survive) I wonder if anyone else already had this Idea

Which Variation of Manticore did you mean? The one with Bat Wings and a Scorpion Tail or the one without Wings and a Human like Face (if I remember Correctly with multiple Rows of Teeth and the Ability to shoot poisonous Quills from their Tail). I would love to see both of them in that Game if it gets ever made

Yeah I would agree with that, separate game might be more fitting I just don't know if I have faith that would ever happen. But who knows! Overall I don't really disagree with anything you guys are saying, but I still think it's worth considering. If for no other reason than a game like Planet Zoo is geared towards a few things, players who like sim games, players who like animal games, players who like genetics/breeding games, players who like builders. These are the same themes that attract a heavier female audience, a heavier younger audience, and a heavier casual play audience. The people in these kinds of forums are much more hardcore about their game interest. So saying there would be an interest comes from, this game is not targeting people who play Call of Duty... it is targeting people who play The Sims.

So there is merit in considering things like fantasy, extinct, or aquatic packs. I think for me I just feel a little protective of those who do like the idea since who wants to post "Oh I think that sounds cool" on a forum where three people jump down their throat for saying so, like I kinda want to stop posting here and I'm engaged in the conversation. Give them a break, clearly there is some interest even if you think there is more disinterest. You have a right to reply but maybe leave it alone sometimes, just being louder doesn't negate those who are interested, but being louder about your disinterest will discourage people who are interested from posting. That's all.

I was imagining more the scorpion tail but I think any of them could be kinda cool.

 

[FoxyDee]

Fortunately, I think mythical animals has even less chance of appearing in PZ than extinct animals. I would really hate to see them in PZ. I do not want to see dinos/extinct animals either, but at least they existed at some point (and I love Prehistoric Kingdom so far, but please keep PZ a modern zoo game), while mythical animals...yea do not want to see peoples made up crazy imaginations in PZ.

 

[shirandhak]

So why not demanding a fantasy-style update with unicorns etc. animatronics for PC or even JWE, which would be more fitting the theme?

You would need all new meshes for your fantasy animals, no reskins, because everything that flies.... well.... do we have big winged creatures in PZ? Didn't find any yet, do you?

Best way to implement those creatures in PZ would be with mods. Mods are not encouraged or supported, but are possible, as a glance on https://www.nexusmods.com/planetzoo shows. Yes, you have to sacrifice an animal per modded animal, but if you truely want a unicorn, I think you could do without the zebra, don't you?

It's not about "shooting people down", it's a discussion here: There are pros and cons (as everywhere else in life) and everyone has to stand the exchange of arguments. "Shooting down" would be calling names and offend other people, which is clearly not happening here (I'm very thankful for that, because I saw that kind of thing happen in other forums too often).


Edit/supplement:
You could use the argument, that PZ is launched as a family game and that (maybe) many kids would be happy to have fantasy animals or at least perhaps many grandparents or parents would think about giving PZ to their kids even if they themselves don't play it. Perhaps as a kids-update together with more prefab buildings and habitats or even prebuild maps.

 

[ElectricMonk]

.... You don't have to agree but I think people should still be able to say it would be a fun idea....

I don't think anyone has tried to ban or otherwise prevent you or anyone else from saying it would be a fun idea - They've (we've) just said we don't think it would be.

 

[NL_Mutso]

(and I love Prehistoric Kingdom so far, but please keep PZ a modern zoo game

Similar thoughts as well. I understand some people want to mix current with extinct animals but from my understanding:
A lot of people who dislike the idea of extinct animals in PZ, do like PK.
With fantasy animals, i've seen a lot of pro-extinct/dino also "hating" the idea of fantasy animals in PZ.

I think for me I just feel a little protective of those who do like the idea since who wants to post "Oh I think that sounds cool" on a forum where three people jump down their throat for saying so, like I kinda want to stop posting here and I'm engaged in the conversation

Should've seen the comments on the Star Wars DLC for Sims4. I think it would be a discussion for most games when the dev distances itself too much from their target audience or advertised vision of their game.

 

[Firestar97]

Should've seen the comments on the Star Wars DLC for Sims4

It's good that the People react like that. EA even asked which Expansion Pack they should make next and Star Wars was on the last Place. It also absolutely doesn't fit into the Game like they implemented it

 

[Danny_zoo]

I would like to add my two cents to this thread since I already answered a similar thread asking for a marine expansion. Planet Zoo is a beautifully designed zoo simulation game, and I think that at times players confused its playful and often fictional style with a game that can include anything and everything. Instead of just blowing off this players, how about we dedicate a few minutes to show them why this beautiful zoo game should stay true to its origins? Instead of raging, try to get your point across without blowing someone off. Many of you here, are exceptional, friendly and courteous, but some really need to take a step back. The irony is that way too often the ones coming across as highly dismissive of others opinions and wishes are the first ones to complain when they feel the roles are reversed.

Back to the topic, Planet Zoo has a limited time frame for long term release, and honestly none of us know how long that might be, it could even be possible that Frontier itself has not decided this yet. But one thing is clear, within this few years (hopefully) of support the content will be limited and there thousands of building components, scenery, foliage, props etc in addition to thousands of animals found in zoos that will more than likely never make it into the game, so adding a DLC that has no relation or point of reference to a zoo, is just not only a bad idea, but it would only cripple the game even further. This game has all the makings to become something special, (it already is) and to dilute it with fantasy/underdeveloped Aquarium Expansions/and so on would be to destroy its legacy.

On the flip side, as I have mention many times before, there seems to be a world of video games out there dedicated to fantasy/monsters/dragons etc, there is even a piece by piece modular construction game just like Planet Zoo dedicated to Prehistoric Fauna releasing soon next year. Maybe in the future there will be an game dedicated to aquariums, fantasy is already there in the thousands, but there is only one zoo simulation game in the market, and that is Planet Zoo. Please respect and try to understand that.

 

[NL_Mutso]

It's good that the People react like that. EA even asked which Expansion Pack they should make next and Star Wars was on the last Place. It also absolutely doesn't fit into the Game like they implemented it

I think similar reactions would happen with PZ with unpopular DLC (the "which animals you don't want" was pretty consistent on that one)

The forum seems pretty positive about it but Reddit, YT and Twitter are just bashing that DLC.
The trailer for the SW DLC had double the amount of dislikes.

Didn't know that EA asked this themselves, seems like a low blow to the community if they picked the last place. Why bother asking?

 

[Firestar97]

I think similar reactions would happen with PZ with unpopular DLC (the "which animals you don't want" was pretty consistent on that one)

The forum seems pretty positive about it but Reddit, YT and Twitter are just bashing that DLC.
The trailer for the SW DLC had double the amount of dislikes.

Didn't know that EA asked this themselves, seems like a low blow to the community if they picked the last place. Why bother asking?

I don't think the Reactions for Planet Zoo Packs would be that bad. Maybe with a Fantasy Pack if they should decide to make one but I can't imagine such a Reaction with another Pack. It just is nearly impossible to create a Pack for Planet Zoo that gets so much Hate.

I'm proud to say that I've also immediately disliked the Trailer. EA doesn't listen to their Community (at least now they add a few Things that Players wanted but only because they are getting so much Hate for the Pack). I don't understand why they even made a Star Wars Expansion for The Sims 4 (especially in the Way that they combine both Universes). It's just a Decision they've made because they are so greedy. But they've already made a few real Star Wars Games as far as I know, so I don't understand why it wasn't just possible to make that. I'm pretty sure they've made it just because Disney said they'll pay them a lot of Money or something similar.
They are even getting greedy with their old Games and Expansion Packs. I've really wanted to finally get the Battle of the Gods Expansion Pack for Black & White 2 and it costs 80€ on Amazon (sold directly by EA). That Game was made when it was normal for Games to cost between 10-20€ so I can't really imagine that the Expansion was always that expensive

 

[HeatherG]

Please do not discuss members within the thread. Please don’t state your opinions on them. That you will have to keep to yourself.

Everyone is welcome on the forum.

 

[shirandhak]

I would like to add my two cents to this thread since I already answered a similar thread asking for a marine expansion. Planet Zoo is a beautifully designed zoo simulation game, and I think that at times players confused its playful and often fictional style with a game that can include anything and everything. Instead of just blowing off this players, how about we dedicate a few minutes to show them why this beautiful zoo game should stay true to its origins? Instead of raging, try to get your point across without blowing someone off. Many of you here, are exceptional, friendly and courteous, but some really need to take a step back. The irony is that way too often the ones coming across as highly dismissive of others opinions and wishes are the first ones to complain when they feel the roles are reversed.

Back to the topic, Planet Zoo has a limited time frame for long term release, and honestly none of us know how long that might be, it could even be possible that Frontier itself has not decided this yet. But one thing is clear, within this few years (hopefully) of support the content will be limited and there thousands of building components, scenery, foliage, props etc in addition to thousands of animals found in zoos that will more than likely never make it into the game, so adding a DLC that has no relation or point of reference to a zoo, is just not only a bad idea, but it would only cripple the game even further. This game has all the makings to become something special, (it already is) and to dilute it with fantasy/underdeveloped Aquarium Expansions/and so on would be to destroy its legacy.

On the flip side, as I have mention many times before, there seems to be a world of video games out there dedicated to fantasy/monsters/dragons etc, there is even a piece by piece modular construction game just like Planet Zoo dedicated to Prehistoric Fauna releasing soon next year. Maybe in the future there will be an game dedicated to aquariums, fantasy is already there in the thousands, but there is only one zoo simulation game in the market, and that is Planet Zoo. Please respect and try to understand that.

Very nicely put

 

[NL_Mutso]

I don't think the Reactions for Planet Zoo Packs would be that bad.

Tbh, you could be right. Some Sims players have been passionate about the game for 20 years and EA doesn't have the best reputation out there.

They are even getting greedy with their old Games and Expansion Packs. I've really wanted to finally get the Battle of the Gods Expansion Pack for Black & White 2 and it costs 80€ on Amazon (sold directly by EA). That Game was made when it was normal for Games to cost between 10-20€ so I can't really imagine that the Expansion was always that expensive

I think highly popular games were € 40-50.
In old Dutch currency I remember paying ƒ 100,- (x 2,20) for a lot of early 2000s games (before 2002).
I think expansion packs were mostly € 20-30,-. ZT/ZT2 expansions packs were a bit more expensive (looked this up a while ago) but they did deliver on bringing something new.

I think € 80,- is a ridiculous price for a 15 year old game
Bought BW2 back in those days because they promised an improved version of BW1. Peter Molyneux was the king of broken promises back then

If you really want to buy it - there was a EA strategy collection years ago. Maybe that one is cheaper on amazon/ebay ?

 

[Firestar97]

If you really want to buy it - there was a EA strategy collection years ago. Maybe that one is cheaper on amazon/ebay ?

Someone else sold it too on Amazon for way less Money. But it still isn't here. It needs to be imported, so I can imagine what could be the Reason. I just hope they don't forget about it

 

[Bearcat9948]

I'll just say my own opinions on this.

I would be very, very upset with Frontier if they ever made a pack with prehistoric animals, and especially one with "fantasy" creatures. There are quite literally thousands of real life animals I'd rather have in PZ. I'd be especially peeved off if we got a fantasy pack, but not aquariums/aquatic and aviary/flighted bird dlc respectively. Those things are much better suited for the modding community, which hopefully, in few years from now after Frontier has stopped making dlc packs, will be fully supported.