DLC speculations

[Indoraptor27]

North America I would speculate this (somewhat influenced by my wishlist for NA):

American Alligator
Cougar
Moose
Raccoon

Exhibit species could be anything but love to see : San Francisco garter snake
Building Pieces: Wild West mixed with Native American scenery items

Europe same approach (somewhat influenced by my wishlist for NA)

Badger/Wolverine/Red Fox (can't pick)
Alpine Ibex
Saiga Antelope/Red deer
Iberian or Eurasian Lynx

Exhibit species could be anything but love to see: European yellow-tailed scorpion
Building pieces; I think this is where Europe DLC will shine - a lot of great architecture styles to pick from.
Personally think that one of the Eastern Europe styles will even help the people who are asking for "basic building pieces".

Those are really good choices for animals. I hope we can get more than four (or five with an exhibit) animals for Europe. Western Europe may have lots of large cities, but that doesn't mean Europe is devoid of wildlife. Hopefully we'll get more animals than usual. Besides the flamingo, Europe doesn't have a single animal (I think the generic timber wolf was confirmed somewhere as being American).

And I really hope we get the North American ones too. Especially gators. They may not be as big as salties or other crocodiles, but they can still be dangerous. A raccoon would be a great choice. They could easily reuse the red panda rig and a lot of its animations for a racoon.

I aslo wonder what will happen when they've gotten NA and Europe. Maybe they could start doing sequels to existing packs, with creatures people wanted. They could probably do two for Australia, emu, wombats, wallabies, grey kangaroos, quolls, gonna, freshwater crocs, and a plethora of exhibit animals could still be added.

 

[NZFanatic]

(I think the generic timber wolf was confirmed somewhere as being American).

It wasn't. People are just getting too hung up on the common name ("timber wolf"). The name "timber wolf" is generally used to refer to the Northwestern wolf, a North American subspecies. It's been out of common usage for all wolves for a long time now. However, the scientific name they've used is just Canis lupus, which covers every subspecies within that umbrella (including the Eurasian wolf). The other confusing factor is the inclusion of the Arctic wolf (Canis lupus arctos) and now the dingo (Canis lupus dingo), both of which are also within the Canis lupus umbrella.

 

[NL_Mutso]

I aslo wonder what will happen when they've gotten NA and Europe. Maybe they could start doing sequels to existing packs, with creatures people wanted. They could probably do two for Australia, emu, wombats, wallabies, grey kangaroos, quolls, gonna, freshwater crocs, and a plethora of exhibit animals could still be added.

Hopefully Africa and Asia.
Would be a bad move to have continent DLC and decide to ignore people from those continents or people who love animals from that continent. For example: There are a lot of missing animals from Africa - in most wishlists there are a lot of African animals.

Not directed at you but: I don't think the "We've got enough animals from that continent" reasoning that some people use should a reason to skip those continents. I never got that argument and somewhat "hate" to Africa.

Sequels to existing packs, really don't like it. 2 sequels just for Australia would even be worse.

 

[NZFanatic]

Sequels to existing packs, really don't like it. 2 sequels just for Australia would even be worse.

There's no denying that we're still severely lacking in South American and Australian animals, though. I don't think they should wash their hands of those areas just yet.

 

[NL_Mutso]

There's no denying that we're still severely lacking in South American and Australian animals, though. I don't think they should wash their hands of those areas just yet.

Tbh, we are lacking in animals in general
Severely lacking is a bit personal. The best way to get some sense of this, is looking at the animal lists in the upcoming months.
Mainly the reason why I think Africa shouldn't be skipped - you can easily make 4-5 packs just focused on Africa. 1 Africa pack is the least they could do (same applies to Asia ofc)

Like I said earlier in a different post. After the continents I like a shift to other themes. With some smart choices you can add some popular missing animals in a different way.
The overall idea of a "part 2" doesn't get me excited. Instead of SA DLC part 2, they can go with Tropical and get animals from 3 continents. Or a Critically Endangered one - which is an open canvas.

I mentioned this a while ago but I think a 1-time opportunity for a vote DLC could work. After all continents are done - a chance to vote for 2 missing animals from a previous DLC theme. I know there could be some issues with this as well - but a great way to get the community involved with some choices. If your personal favorite doesn't make the cut, that's a shame but imo voting in the proper way is the most fair way of adding missing animals.

 

[NZFanatic]

Tbh, we are lacking in animals in general
Severely lacking is a bit personal. The best way to get some sense of this, is looking at the animal lists in the upcoming months.
Mainly the reason why I think Africa shouldn't be skipped - you can easily make 4-5 packs just focused on Africa. 1 Africa pack is the least they could do (same applies to Asia ofc)

Africa is neither here nor there. I'm saying that regardless of what comes next or even two years down the line, I don't think Australia and South America are finished (or, I don't think they should be finished). It's kind of the same thing that you're saying about Africa - one of the biggest points people make is that Africa is already fleshed out in the game, so they'd rather Frontier worked on areas that are still lacking. It's a fair enough point to make, even though there are key African species still missing. I'm basically saying the same thing about Australia and South America - I don't think that just because we've had a DLC for each area that we shouldn't still ask for more species from those areas.

Personally I'm also against the idea of a "voting" system.

In any case, I've said in the past that I'm sure Frontier has a roadmap and that they already know exactly what content they're going to add to the game in terms of animals and theming. I think our requests and suggestions and wishlists help with regards to foliage, scenery, and building pieces, but IMO any animals that line up with popular demand are purely coincidental. The polar bear, jaguar, capuchin, kangaroo, and koala were all fairly obvious when you think about it - the others have had more of a mixed reception (or in some cases a downright negative one). If our wishlists really impacted what animals end up in future DLC, then I'm sure we wouldn't have received the Arctic wolf, for example. People like it now - after the fact - but when it was announced the mood was pretty low around it.

 

[NL_Mutso]

I don't think that just because we've had a DLC for each area that we shouldn't still ask for more species from those areas

Ofc, not. If they did all continents - we wouldn't be getting any DLC anymore
Imo there are just better ways than a "Part 2"

one of the biggest points people make is that Africa is already fleshed out in the game, so they'd rather Frontier worked on areas that are still lacking

That's because (at least in Europe) a lot of zoos have +50% of animal selection from Africa. Most zoos have very strong connection to African animals.
I disagree with Africa being fleshed out in PZ.

The polar bear, jaguar, capuchin, kangaroo, and koala were all fairly obvious when you think about it - the others have had more of a mixed reception

Oh yeah, those were pretty obvious. Capuchin not sure - if they added a different monkey - people would still be happy.

In any case, I've said in the past that I'm sure Frontier has a roadmap and that they already know exactly what content they're going to add to the game in terms of animals and theming

I think for the first year at least and use the suggestions to have a theme that matches their own roadmap for year 2 as well.

 

[jcp011c]

Gonna throw my 2 cents in here on African animals. The game is absolutely lopsided in terms of African Animals, but I think that's probably representative of real life zoos. African animals tend to be what most of what most people think of when they think of zoos. If you looked at the "big" animals, Elephants, Lions, Giraffes, Chimpanzees, Gorillas, Rhinos, Hippos, Zebras, Ostriches, Cheetahs, they're all African (I know the rhino we have in the game is not and of course Indian Elephants are popular too), Compare that with the remainder of "big name" animals, you've got Pandas (both Giant and Red), Tigers, Bears, and Wolves. I'm trying not to put my own opinion of big animals here, trying to keep it as objective as possible, maybe I'm failing though. Anyways, the game is on point with being overbalanced. And there's still just as many smaller name species yet to make an appearance that are from Africa.

I think that puts the need for more African animals at about the same level as what other areas of the world with less representation in game would need. So I think we still need a pack for Africa. Maybe another 5 animals will at least help fill in some of those major missing animals. Whereas SA, Australia, NA, Europe, two packs may work because they have less representation in game upfront. I do want a second pack for Australia and South America for sure.

To be honest I'm having a harder time defending an additional pack for Asia. Sure I can think of a handful of animals I'd like to see, but more than that I just can't see it.

Also going to add the thought for North America, we've got 4 from the base game and 4 for Arctic, it definitely needs a pack if not 2 packs. I think it's a given that Moose and Cougar (Puma/Mountain Lion) would be included at some point, beyond that I know I have my preferences - Otters, Wolverine, Coyote, Mountain Goat, Big Horn Sheep -but I'd say they are less obvious choices.

 

[Swjosdotschka]

Of course Frontier has a road map. For a year. But I don't think that they have every animal planned out for 2021 or beyond. That would be not really wise. I'm sure our feedback is heard and popular animals have a chance to get added some day.

 

[RabidOkapi]

North America I would speculate this (somewhat influenced by my wishlist for NA):

American Alligator
Cougar
Moose
Raccoon

Exhibit species could be anything but love to see : San Francisco garter snake
Building Pieces: Wild West mixed with Native American scenery items.

Love your First three animal choices and personally believe NA will be the Next continent based DLC (if that is the route the continue on) Perhaps, it is Europe however. Wouldn’t be overly thrilled for either as I was for SA or Australia.

A few people have brought up a raccoon as being included in a North American DLC, but I find this unbelievably strange. Most large zoos (at least the ones I have been to) do not contain a raccoon, and most of my friends would say a zoo having an American raccoon exhibit would be incredibly strange and of little to no interest to most. They are mostly viewed as pests and annoyances than an animal you go into the wild searching for. just a personal take, but there are perhaps a dozen or so animals more appealing in NA.

 

[NZFanatic]

Love your First three animal choices and personally believe NA will be the Next continent based DLC (if that is the route the continue on) Perhaps, it is Europe however. Wouldn’t be overly thrilled for either as I was for SA or Australia.

A few people have brought up a raccoon as being included in a North American DLC, but I find this unbelievably strange. Most large zoos (at least the ones I have been to) do not contain a raccoon, and most of my friends would say a zoo having an American raccoon exhibit would be incredibly strange and of little to no interest to most. They are mostly viewed as pests and annoyances than an animal you go into the wild searching for. just a personal take, but there are perhaps a dozen or so animals more appealing in NA.

I know they aren't the same, but Edinburgh Zoo has a pretty popular exhibit for the striped skunk, which I would think was of a similar "appeal" to the raccoon for American audiences. Personally I'm not bothered by the raccoon, I think there are other species more worthy of inclusion, but at least it isn't unheard of for "common" animals to be put into foreign zoos. Here in New Zealand, for example, a raccoon would be pretty damn exotic and their cuteness and intelligence would be a draw for zoo visitors. We'll never get them though - our government would have looked at the damage they've done in Europe and Japan and decided they're too great a risk (same as they did with red foxes).

 

[NL_Mutso]

And there's still just as many smaller name species yet to make an appearance that are from Africa.

Oh I agree with that one. In RL zoos I stick around the smaller species more often. And I really think some smaller species could help creating smaller exhibits for my zoo.
Sometimes the zoo just looks too big - just because you need big habitats. Some balance would be nice.

I think that puts the need for more African animals at about the same level as what other areas of the world with less representation in game would need. So I think we still need a pack for Africa. Maybe another 5 animals will at least help fill in some of those major missing animals. Whereas SA, Australia, NA, Europe, two because they have less representation in game upfront.

To be honest I'm having a harder time defending an additional pack for Asia. Sure I can think of a handful of animals I'd like to see, but more than that I just can't see it.

Asia does have some nice smaller animals for PZ.
I have similar thought about Australia - I think 2 or 3 species would be nice: T. Devil/Wombat/Emu (with the cassowary this became less interesting) but that's it. I don't feel that PZ would be missing any more Australian animals after adding these. Exhibit animals are much more interesting for Australia.

A few people have brought up a raccoon as being included in a North American DLC, but I find this unbelievably strange. Most large zoos (at least the ones I have been to) do not contain a raccoon, and most of my friends would say a zoo having an American raccoon exhibit would be incredibly strange and of little to no interest to most. They are mostly viewed as pests and annoyances than an animal you go into the wild searching for. just a personal take, but there are perhaps a dozen or so animals more appealing in NA.

I went with appeal on that one . My personal choice would've been Prairie Dogs. Always interesting to watch but don't expect such small animals in PZ (even though I even prefer them over the other ones actually). and another favorite would be the American Beaver . Again don't expect this to happen - if they figured out proper diving for animals - among my first picks

 

[NL_Mutso]

Of course Frontier has a road map. For a year. But I don't think that they have every animal planned out for 2021 or beyond. That would be not really wise. I'm sure our feedback is heard and popular animals have a chance to get added some day.

Even if they didn't, at least we need to believe that.. Or this forum would be very boring

 

[markun]

A few people have brought up a raccoon as being included in a North American DLC, but I find this unbelievably strange. Most large zoos (at least the ones I have been to) do not contain a raccoon, and most of my friends would say a zoo having an American raccoon exhibit would be incredibly strange and of little to no interest to most. They are mostly viewed as pests and annoyances than an animal you go into the wild searching for. just a personal take, but there are perhaps a dozen or so animals more appealing in NA.

I appreciate your perspective but in Europe it’s quite different. Raccoons are actually the 12th most common species and they are found in all kinds of zoos from small petting zoo type places to major city zoos. This will change as they are on the invasive species list and cannot be bred in captivity anymore. But nonetheless they are a common and popular species in zoos.

 

[Indoraptor27]

Love your First three animal choices and personally believe NA will be the Next continent based DLC (if that is the route the continue on) Perhaps, it is Europe however. Wouldn’t be overly thrilled for either as I was for SA or Australia.

A few people have brought up a raccoon as being included in a North American DLC, but I find this unbelievably strange. Most large zoos (at least the ones I have been to) do not contain a raccoon, and most of my friends would say a zoo having an American raccoon exhibit would be incredibly strange and of little to no interest to most. They are mostly viewed as pests and annoyances than an animal you go into the wild searching for. just a personal take, but there are perhaps a dozen or so animals more appealing in NA.

All sorts of things can be pests depending on where you live. Racoons are very intelligent and fun to watch. I'm assuming you live somewhere where racoons are native or invasive, but keep in mind that pest is a relative term. Peafowl have been introduced to many areas, and people who have them living nearby consider them pests due to their extremely loud squaking, and the fact that they'll attack shiny things. What are the large zoos that you've been to, anyway?

 

[Aramar]

A few people have brought up a raccoon as being included in a North American DLC, but I find this unbelievably strange. Most large zoos (at least the ones I have been to) do not contain a raccoon, and most of my friends would say a zoo having an American raccoon exhibit would be incredibly strange and of little to no interest to most. They are mostly viewed as pests and annoyances than an animal you go into the wild searching for. just a personal take, but there are perhaps a dozen or so animals more appealing in NA.

In Europe you can find them in many zoos, from Madrid Zoo to Helsinki Zoo. Also during my visit to Canada, there were some local animal parks which had them too. I checked San Diego Zoo website and they also have them. People like watching them because they are usually moving and doing things. We need small animals that can fill some small places in our game zoos, so I would like them to be added to the game.

 

[RabidOkapi]

All sorts of things can be pests depending on where you live. Racoons are very intelligent and fun to watch. I'm assuming you live somewhere where racoons are native or invasive, but keep in mind that pest is a relative term. Peafowl have been introduced to many areas, and people who have them living nearby consider them pests due to their extremely loud squaking, and the fact that they'll attack shiny things. What are the large zoos that you've been to, anyway?

True, many things can be pests, but across their home range raccoons are not really considered to be interesting animals worthy of note. At least in the Midwest and the South(two places I have lived). Some may have them as pets here and there, and many sanctuaries may have them as rescues. Still, they are by no means iconic of NA wildlife.

I mean, if you want to hear of my personal travels: Henry Doorly in Omaha, Columbus Zoo, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the DC zoo, St. Louis Zoo, Indianapolis Zoo, and the Bronx zoo would be the largest, most well known zoos I have been to. None had a raccoon exhibit that I was aware of.

I was unaware of its popularity in Europe and maybe for that reason is enough to warrant a roster spot. One reason for such a high number may be the ease of access to the animal as it can be easily obtained due to its conservation status and easily managed life style/ lack of space needed to house the animal. I don’t have a real issue with the raccoon; personally, I just feel it would be a rather strange choice with many more iconic animals of NA: Prairie dogs, wolverines, beaver, otter, black bear, deer, elk, armadillo, caribou, or coyote.

The raccoon is just more in line with opossums and squirrels in many places in America. Not really an animal people would stop and see if they saw it on a hike or in their trash scavenging for some left overs.

 

[nutrit]

I hope they will make a special DLC for Christmas with animals included in the famous species protection programs. Like wisent or florida Panther.

 

[Indoraptor27]

True, many things can be pests, but across their home range raccoons are not really considered to be interesting animals worthy of note. At least in the Midwest and the South(two places I have lived). Some may have them as pets here and there, and many sanctuaries may have them as rescues. Still, they are by no means iconic of NA wildlife.

I mean, if you want to hear of my personal travels: Henry Doorly in Omaha, Columbus Zoo, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the DC zoo, St. Louis Zoo, Indianapolis Zoo, and the Bronx zoo would be the largest, most well known zoos I have been to. None had a raccoon exhibit that I was aware of.

I was unaware of its popularity in Europe and maybe for that reason is enough to warrant a roster spot. One reason for such a high number may be the ease of access to the animal as it can be easily obtained due to its conservation status and easily managed life style/ lack of space needed to house the animal. I don’t have a real issue with the raccoon; personally, I just feel it would be a rather strange choice with many more iconic animals of NA: Prairie dogs, wolverines, beaver, otter, black bear, deer, elk, armadillo, caribou, or coyote.

The raccoon is just more in line with opossums and squirrels in many places in America. Not really an animal people would stop and see if they saw it on a hike or in their trash scavenging for some left overs.

I mean, I live in North America and find them fairly iconic, I also wouldn't mind an opossum.

 

[SotF]

With North America, it might work to split it up...

It's far to easy to fill a list with, largely, florida alone there.

American Alligator
Cougar
Key Deer
Manatee
and an exhibit of one of the alligator snapping turtle

Could even, also, add the American Crocodile to the list as well with little issue. Possibly up the exhibits with the pile of venomous snakes.

Perhaps do a slightly bigger one and oppose it with several of the invasive species Florida is dealing with. Iguanas, Tegu, constrictors, monitors, and others

A full Invasive Species pack could be interesting on its own