A Future-Proof Strategy for Planet Zoo: Expansion Pack [Please come support folks]

[premierfong]

Dear Planet Zoo Community,

Folks, I think at this point we all have to get together to let Frontier know what we want. Seem to be a critical point for Frontier and our favorite game Planet Zoo. Please Folk, please push this post like the Meta Wish List, we need more people to get Frontier's attention. At this can be one of their ideas. We know that PZ is performing well financially, I think its a good idea to keep it going, there are still a lot of content we want and willing to pay for it.

Our shared passion for Planet Zoo has inspired a vision for its future - a strategy not just to enhance the game but to ensure its longevity and appeal to a broader audience. By adopting a model of major expansions, akin to "Marine Mania" in Zoo Tycoon, interspersed with regular DLCs, we can significantly extend the life of the game while attracting both current and new players. Rather than starting over with Planet Zoo 2, we should focus on enriching our existing game with major expansions and interspersed with regular, scheduled DLCs. I understand this might be unpopular to one but we need to suggest and make Frontier do something.

Major Expansions: A Renewed Experience
These expansions will offer deep, immersive experiences, introducing new realms like aquatic and aerial habitats. They will rejuvenate the game for existing players and have the potential to attract new audiences looking for a rich, evolving simulation. Also able to charge a premium, enables Frontier to have increase in revenue, this up drive their stock price up. Envision an expansion on the scale of "Marine Mania" from Zoo Tycoon, transforming Planet Zoo with the addition of aquatic and aerial habitats. This major expansion, which could be priced at a premium due to its substantial content, would offer a fresh and immersive experience, akin to a new game built on the existing foundation.

Regular DLCs: Keeping the Momentum
Scheduled DLCs, released between expansions, will maintain player interest and engagement. These smaller updates, featuring a variety of animals and features, ensure that there's always something new to explore in Planet Zoo. Also for Frontier to continue with cash flow to maintain their financial health.

Extending Game Life and Player Base:

1. Longevity: This approach keeps Planet Zoo fresh and exciting, encouraging players to continue their zoo-building journeys over a longer period. Each expansion add another two years of life. Such a comprehensive content plan benefits both the players and Frontier Developments. It offers us a richer gaming experience with a variety of new challenges and discoveries. For Frontier, it represents a sustainable revenue model that balances the financial requirements of game development with the delivery of consistent, high-quality content. means more revenue for Frontier AND more content for fans, this is a win-win situation.
2. New Audiences: Regular updates and substantial expansions make the game appealing to new players, constantly bringing fresh perspectives to our community. Like for bird lovers they can just get the base game and aviary expansion, maybe as a package on Steam. Don't need to get the DLCs if they don't want to.
3. Community Engagement: A game that continuously evolves and grows helps maintain a vibrant and active player base, fostering a strong community around Planet Zoo.
4. Resource Efficiency: For Frontier Developments, this model focuses resources on creating new experiences within the existing framework, maximizing the impact of their efforts.
5. Modder's Heaven: With all the new rigs modders can create more new animals of land, sea and air.

Learning from Proven Successes:
Just as "Marine Mania" added a new layer to Zoo Tycoon and World of Warcraft evolved through expansions, Planet Zoo can follow a similar path. This approach has proven successful in keeping games alive and relevant for years, a goal we all share for Planet Zoo.

Potential Expansion Ideas:

A. Aviary - This MUST be the most wanted. Amount of roster determine by Frontier but 30 should probably make sense.​

B. Aquarium - This would be the most obvious after the Aviary Expansion. Maybe more focus on many different size of exhibit.​

C. Animal Hospital - Add an vet hospital into your zoo like most zoo do. Pretty much brand new gameplay.​

D. The Animal Kingdom - Wrap the game up finally in Dec 2029, marks ten years of support. Add hotel features and add some rides too.​

Honestly by this time, I think we can play PZ for another 20 years.​

Cons:

• Graphics will remain similar, I do not mind, it is pretty good for me already.
• Path system might not change. (actually this might be the worst part)

Your Contribution Really Really Matters:
How do you feel about this strategy to extend the life of Planet Zoo and attract new players? What kinds of expansions and DLCs would you be excited to see? Your ideas and support are crucial in shaping the direction of our beloved game.

Let's collaborate to present a unified vision to Frontier Developments, showing our commitment to a Planet Zoo that continues to grow, innovate, and captivate both current and future generations of zoo curator.

 

[Orkan]

Dear Planet Zoo Community,

Folks, I think at this point we all have to get together to let Frontier know what we want. Seem to be a critical point for Frontier and our favorite game Planet Zoo. Please Folk, please push this post like the Meta Wish List, we need more people to get Frontier's attention. At this can be one of their ideas. We know that PZ is performing well financially, I think its a good idea to keep it going, there are still a lot of content we want and willing to pay for it.

Our shared passion for Planet Zoo has inspired a vision for its future - a strategy not just to enhance the game but to ensure its longevity and appeal to a broader audience. By adopting a model of major expansions, akin to "Marine Mania" in Zoo Tycoon, interspersed with regular DLCs, we can significantly extend the life of the game while attracting both current and new players. Rather than starting over with Planet Zoo 2, we should focus on enriching our existing game with major expansions and interspersed with regular, scheduled DLCs. I understand this might be unpopular to one but we need to suggest and make Frontier do something.

Major Expansions: A Renewed Experience
These expansions will offer deep, immersive experiences, introducing new realms like aquatic and aerial habitats. They will rejuvenate the game for existing players and have the potential to attract new audiences looking for a rich, evolving simulation. Also able to charge a premium, enables Frontier to have increase in revenue, this up drive their stock price up. Envision an expansion on the scale of "Marine Mania" from Zoo Tycoon, transforming Planet Zoo with the addition of aquatic and aerial habitats. This major expansion, which could be priced at a premium due to its substantial content, would offer a fresh and immersive experience, akin to a new game built on the existing foundation.

Regular DLCs: Keeping the Momentum
Scheduled DLCs, released between expansions, will maintain player interest and engagement. These smaller updates, featuring a variety of animals and features, ensure that there's always something new to explore in Planet Zoo. Also for Frontier to continue with cash flow to maintain their financial health.

Extending Game Life and Player Base:

1. Longevity: This approach keeps Planet Zoo fresh and exciting, encouraging players to continue their zoo-building journeys over a longer period. Each expansion add another two years of life. Such a comprehensive content plan benefits both the players and Frontier Developments. It offers us a richer gaming experience with a variety of new challenges and discoveries. For Frontier, it represents a sustainable revenue model that balances the financial requirements of game development with the delivery of consistent, high-quality content. means more revenue for Frontier AND more content for fans, this is a win-win situation.
2. New Audiences: Regular updates and substantial expansions make the game appealing to new players, constantly bringing fresh perspectives to our community. Like for bird lovers they can just get the base game and aviary expansion, maybe as a package on Steam. Don't need to get the DLCs if they don't want to.
3. Community Engagement: A game that continuously evolves and grows helps maintain a vibrant and active player base, fostering a strong community around Planet Zoo.
4. Resource Efficiency: For Frontier Developments, this model focuses resources on creating new experiences within the existing framework, maximizing the impact of their efforts.
5. Modder's Heaven: With all the new rigs modders can create more new animals of land, sea and air.

Learning from Proven Successes:
Just as "Marine Mania" added a new layer to Zoo Tycoon and World of Warcraft evolved through expansions, Planet Zoo can follow a similar path. This approach has proven successful in keeping games alive and relevant for years, a goal we all share for Planet Zoo.

Potential Expansion Ideas:

A. Aviary - This MUST be the most wanted. Amount of roster determine by Frontier but 30 should probably make sense.​

B. Aquarium - This would be the most obvious after the Aviary Expansion. Maybe more focus on many different size of exhibit.​

C. Animal Hospital - Add an vet hospital into your zoo like most zoo do. Pretty much brand new gameplay.​

D. The Animal Kingdom - Wrap the game up finally in Dec 2029, marks ten years of support. Add hotel features and add some rides too.​

Honestly by this time, I think we can play PZ for another 20 years.​

Cons:

• Graphics will remain similar, I do not mind, it is pretty good for me already.
• Path system might not change. (actually this might be the worst part)

Your Contribution Really Really Matters:
How do you feel about this strategy to extend the life of Planet Zoo and attract new players? What kinds of expansions and DLCs would you be excited to see? Your ideas and support are crucial in shaping the direction of our beloved game.

Let's collaborate to present a unified vision to Frontier Developments, showing our commitment to a Planet Zoo that continues to grow, innovate, and captivate both current and future generations of zoo curator.

I love all of these ideas! I think anyone with the game would absolutely love the idea of bigger expansions. It very well may be the key to keeping support alive.

 

[FlameWizard492]

Dear Planet Zoo Community,

Folks, I think at this point we all have to get together to let Frontier know what we want. Seem to be a critical point for Frontier and our favorite game Planet Zoo. Please Folk, please push this post like the Meta Wish List, we need more people to get Frontier's attention. At this can be one of their ideas. We know that PZ is performing well financially, I think its a good idea to keep it going, there are still a lot of content we want and willing to pay for it.

Our shared passion for Planet Zoo has inspired a vision for its future - a strategy not just to enhance the game but to ensure its longevity and appeal to a broader audience. By adopting a model of major expansions, akin to "Marine Mania" in Zoo Tycoon, interspersed with regular DLCs, we can significantly extend the life of the game while attracting both current and new players. Rather than starting over with Planet Zoo 2, we should focus on enriching our existing game with major expansions and interspersed with regular, scheduled DLCs. I understand this might be unpopular to one but we need to suggest and make Frontier do something.

Major Expansions: A Renewed Experience
These expansions will offer deep, immersive experiences, introducing new realms like aquatic and aerial habitats. They will rejuvenate the game for existing players and have the potential to attract new audiences looking for a rich, evolving simulation. Also able to charge a premium, enables Frontier to have increase in revenue, this up drive their stock price up. Envision an expansion on the scale of "Marine Mania" from Zoo Tycoon, transforming Planet Zoo with the addition of aquatic and aerial habitats. This major expansion, which could be priced at a premium due to its substantial content, would offer a fresh and immersive experience, akin to a new game built on the existing foundation.

Regular DLCs: Keeping the Momentum
Scheduled DLCs, released between expansions, will maintain player interest and engagement. These smaller updates, featuring a variety of animals and features, ensure that there's always something new to explore in Planet Zoo. Also for Frontier to continue with cash flow to maintain their financial health.

Extending Game Life and Player Base:

1. Longevity: This approach keeps Planet Zoo fresh and exciting, encouraging players to continue their zoo-building journeys over a longer period. Each expansion add another two years of life. Such a comprehensive content plan benefits both the players and Frontier Developments. It offers us a richer gaming experience with a variety of new challenges and discoveries. For Frontier, it represents a sustainable revenue model that balances the financial requirements of game development with the delivery of consistent, high-quality content. means more revenue for Frontier AND more content for fans, this is a win-win situation.
2. New Audiences: Regular updates and substantial expansions make the game appealing to new players, constantly bringing fresh perspectives to our community. Like for bird lovers they can just get the base game and aviary expansion, maybe as a package on Steam. Don't need to get the DLCs if they don't want to.
3. Community Engagement: A game that continuously evolves and grows helps maintain a vibrant and active player base, fostering a strong community around Planet Zoo.
4. Resource Efficiency: For Frontier Developments, this model focuses resources on creating new experiences within the existing framework, maximizing the impact of their efforts.
5. Modder's Heaven: With all the new rigs modders can create more new animals of land, sea and air.

Learning from Proven Successes:
Just as "Marine Mania" added a new layer to Zoo Tycoon and World of Warcraft evolved through expansions, Planet Zoo can follow a similar path. This approach has proven successful in keeping games alive and relevant for years, a goal we all share for Planet Zoo.

Potential Expansion Ideas:

A. Aviary - This MUST be the most wanted. Amount of roster determine by Frontier but 30 should probably make sense.​

B. Aquarium - This would be the most obvious after the Aviary Expansion. Maybe more focus on many different size of exhibit.​

C. Animal Hospital - Add an vet hospital into your zoo like most zoo do. Pretty much brand new gameplay.​

D. The Animal Kingdom - Wrap the game up finally in Dec 2029, marks ten years of support. Add hotel features and add some rides too.​

Honestly by this time, I think we can play PZ for another 20 years.​

Cons:

• Graphics will remain similar, I do not mind, it is pretty good for me already.
• Path system might not change. (actually this might be the worst part)

Your Contribution Really Really Matters:
How do you feel about this strategy to extend the life of Planet Zoo and attract new players? What kinds of expansions and DLCs would you be excited to see? Your ideas and support are crucial in shaping the direction of our beloved game.

Let's collaborate to present a unified vision to Frontier Developments, showing our commitment to a Planet Zoo that continues to grow, innovate, and captivate both current and future generations of zoo curator.

I’m in! We’d better start a petition!

 

[Spiderhawk]

I’ve mentioned the need for proper expansions in the past, count me in.
Aviaries would work as an expansion, as a bird person I will get behind this. I like the animal hospital idea. Sorry but I would prefer a planet aquarium instead of aquarium expansion. Heck cities skylines made it to 7 years of support.

 

[Pers]

vastly preferable over a sequel game.

 

[premierfong]

I’m in! We’d better start a petition!

This is what I am trying to get to but no body is reading this thread. Guys we gotta do something.

 

[premierfong]

I’ve mentioned the need for proper expansions in the past, count me in.
Aviaries would work as an expansion, as a bird person I will get behind this. I like the animal hospital idea. Sorry but I would prefer a planet aquarium instead of aquarium expansion. Heck cities skylines made it to 7 years of support.

Guy can you guys do something to get this thread being seen by more?

 

[premierfong]

vastly preferable over a sequel game.

me too, I dont wanna wait for all over again.

 

[CharlieXGaming]

This is a good idea, I never understand the actual want for a PZ sequel, it feels like just a reason for people to say "dang guess we're not getting aquatics or birds in PZ, they'll probably save them for a sequel." I don't feel like there is enough to sell a PZ2. What are the 2 big sellers of PZ2? Birds and Aquatics, what happens when someone doesn't want to make an aquarium or is making a regular land enclosure? its probably gonna feel pretty much the same as PZ1. Plus spending hundreds of money on this game just for it to be wasted on a sequel feels stupid to me, I only did it for JWE2 cause that game is actually so much better than its original, but this I can't see it.

I love the concept, but a couple things:

• You would need a lot more support than a forum post for frontier to actually consider this, because when they look at the comments on their social media posts and see things like "ADD BIRDS" they immediately dismiss it, we need more people outside of this forum to suggest this so that they can actually see that it has merrit behind it.
• I can't see them doing these big expansions alongside normal packs, it takes them 3 months alone to make regular packs, it just seems like way too much work unless their team grows again which I don't see happening. I would think if they get a team increase, we could have 1 of these each year and 2 normal packs, for example: Spring: Regular DLC, Summer: Regular DLC, Fall: Nothing Winter: Expansion Pack

Overall great idea, great execution, but is it probable for frontier at this point in time (especially with the financial report that we just got that throw DLC support for PZ in general into the air)? I dont know.

 

[premierfong]

This is a good idea, I never understand the actual want for a PZ sequel, it feels like just a reason for people to say "dang guess we're not getting aquatics or birds in PZ, they'll probably save them for a sequel." I don't feel like there is enough to sell a PZ2. What are the 2 big sellers of PZ2? Birds and Aquatics, what happens when someone doesn't want to make an aquarium or is making a regular land enclosure? its probably gonna feel pretty much the same as PZ1. Plus spending hundreds of money on this game just for it to be wasted on a sequel feels stupid to me, I only did it for JWE2 cause that game is actually so much better than its original, but this I can't see it.

I love the concept, but a couple things:

• You would need a lot more support than a forum post for frontier to actually consider this, because when they look at the comments on their social media posts and see things like "ADD BIRDS" they immediately dismiss it, we need more people outside of this forum to suggest this so that they can actually see that it has merrit behind it.
• I can't see them doing these big expansions alongside normal packs, it takes them 3 months alone to make regular packs, it just seems like way too much work unless their team grows again which I don't see happening. I would think if they get a team increase, we could have 1 of these each year and 2 normal packs, for example: Spring: Regular DLC, Summer: Regular DLC, Fall: Nothing Winter: Expansion Pack

Overall great idea, great execution, but is it probable for frontier at this point in time (especially with the financial report that we just got that throw DLC support for PZ in general into the air)? I dont know.

I was thinking something like a expansion every two Christmas then 7 DLCs in between then another Christmas season expansion. I guess I am not in the game development industry. Maybe it is a lot of resource and UK salary ain't cheap.

I was thinking this would help their financial situation by increase revenue or at least give Frontier the consistent golden goose cash flow.

 

[Xificayd]

I think the animal hospital is unnecessary next to the veterinary station which does the same job, I would instead much rather see a petting zoo and a functional playground, those two are actually needed, while a hotel in a zoo seems to be a north american thing, I have never seen this before in europe and I don't see the point of it, but if we get the petting zoo and playground then I don't mind the hotel addition later on.

 

[Captain Callum]

while a hotel in a zoo seems to be a north american thing

Seems to be a european thing in my experience I've toured quite a few north american zoos and the only hotel of sorts i encountered was at disney world. I've heard lots of mainland europeans (germany and benelux regions) say hotels in zoos are common.

 

[premierfong]

Seems to be a european thing in my experience I've toured quite a few north american zoos and the only hotel of sorts i encountered was at disney world. I've heard lots of mainland europeans (germany and benelux regions) say hotels in zoos are common.

Its a niche thing but there are something like this around the world.

 

[ilo]

I was thinking something like a expansion every two Christmas then 7 DLCs in between then another Christmas season expansion. I guess I am not in the game development industry. Maybe it is a lot of resource and UK salary ain't cheap.

I was thinking this would help their financial situation by increase revenue or at least give Frontier the consistent golden goose cash flow.

Is there anything you can provide to proof this is the 'golden goose' you mention, or this is just your pure speculation at this point?

Do you realize that everything you highlighted (they are all good ideas by the way) requires an initial massive investment before it starts bearing economical fruits? Expansions are massive in terms of resources required, and you seem to understimate the effort required to make just a single new animal.

Maybe, instead of writing: "Community Engagement: A game that continuously evolves and grows helps maintain a vibrant and active player base, fostering a strong community around Planet Zoo.", you might want to start elaborating this idea. Because there is community engagement (or there has been), just not to the level of other games. This is like writing: "Make the game better: A game that is better is allways a good game". Specific ideas are definitely better than general statements.

One would think, by this time, Planet Zoo has attracted the vast majority of its players, considering there is no other similar alternative for a niche game: management and zoo.

I love your enthusiasm, but I've seen individual point requests way more elaborated than this still being ignored/rejected by Frontier. You somehow managed to have found the problems in Planet Zoo are the game strategy plan and game design (the points you made relevant for change in your initial request). You are basically saying: to the game direction in Planet Zoo, you are doing it wrong in their own forum.

 

[Tinou97]

I'm totally in too! I don't understand why some people would want a PZ2 when we have a strong basis on which it's possible to work in PZ1. A bird expansion is the thing we need the most at this point. I can understand why people would want aquatic species too even though I'm not much interested by that.
Let's give visibility to this thread.

 

[NZFanatic]

No thanks, I'd rather wait and see if a sequel will be better. Watching the massive drop in quality from a lack of financial support and lack of staff that this idea would exacerbate would just be depressing. Better to end things on a high note and see what the future holds.

 

[premierfong]

No thanks, I'd rather wait and see if a sequel will be better. Watching the massive drop in quality from a lack of financial support and lack of staff that this idea would exacerbate would just be depressing. Better to end things on a high note and see what the future holds.

Who know, maybe Frontier is going up hill again, this idea can wait till other fiscal year. Sequel? honestly probably 12 years from now when all the DLCs released for the sequel.

 

[premierfong]

Is there anything you can provide to proof this is the 'golden goose' you mention, or this is just your pure speculation at this point?

Do you realize that everything you highlighted (they are all good ideas by the way) requires an initial massive investment before it starts bearing economical fruits? Expansions are massive in terms of resources required, and you seem to understimate the effort required to make just a single new animal.

Maybe, instead of writing: "Community Engagement: A game that continuously evolves and grows helps maintain a vibrant and active player base, fostering a strong community around Planet Zoo.", you might want to start elaborating this idea. Because there is community engagement (or there has been), just not to the level of other games. This is like writing: "Make the game better: A game that is better is allways a good game". Specific ideas are definitely better than general statements.

One would think, by this time, Planet Zoo has attracted the vast majority of its players, considering there is no other similar alternative for a niche game: management and zoo.

I love your enthusiasm, but I've seen individual point requests way more elaborated than this still being ignored/rejected by Frontier. You somehow managed to have found the problems in Planet Zoo are the game strategy plan and game design (the points you made relevant for change in your initial request). You are basically saying: to the game direction in Planet Zoo, you are doing it wrong in their own forum.

Hey Ilo,

Thanks for you fair reply, I am just trying here. I guess I don't know the industry well enough to comment. Golden Goose is my speculation base on PZ's consistent performance. Thanks！

 

[RightWhale]

Going off I post I made on another thread, I don’t think we will keep getting full DLCs. I think we could possibly get mini-DLCs, with no fanfare or updates. But even then Frontier might think it’s better to just keep things for a sequel.

 

[premierfong]

i guess no one cares anymore or PZ is too broken to keep on. For who that supports the pz2 idea, look at City Skyline 2, there are more hate and like. They so called upgraded everything.