SOUTH AMERICA PACK PROS AND CONS

[Danny_zoo]

I would like to start this thread by thanking Frontier and the Planet Zoo team for being willing and able to still provide us with new game content during such adverse circumstances. And I would like to ask the community to join in this thread and provide your feedback as to what aspects of this upcoming DLC you are happy or unhappy with in the form of PROS and CONS. If we all do this exercise together, we might persuade Frontier to listen to what the majority of their clients want out of this game, as we know that they have done successfully in many occasions. Since not every detail of the DLC is available and all we have is a general picture, we have to use the information that has been revealed and base our opinions and feedback on that.

PROS

1. THE AMAZING ANIMALS. The quality of the animal models is superb, as always the Planet Zoo team has done an incredible job, their animal models are second to none in the market and for that this game deserves all the praise it gets. The picture of the upcoming Jaguar is breathtaking and could easily be mistaken for the real thing. It is amazing what has been accomplish with this animals.

2. A RELEVANT THEME. The South America Pack has been a fantastic choice by Frontier, unlike the Arctic Pack that featured some really nice construction pieces, that ultimately had little or not much relation to zoos. Exhibits featuring South American architecture and landscape are extremely popular amongst zoos and in recent decades some of the best zoological Institutions in the planet have either already built exhibits around this theme or currently find themselves in the planning stages. Since the concept is about South America there are many possibilities that this pack offers players, and all of them relevant to zoos.

3. CONSTRUCTION AND PIECES. The inclusion of yet another theme that will add over 250 additional pieces to the game. The piece by piece construction system is an amazing one, but it really means nothing without the actual pieces, and Planet Zoo since the release of the game has kept their word of supporting this game with new additional pieces in every DLC. Judging by the thousands of videos uploaded to YouTube and social media platforms as well as the many discussions, the subject of Planet Zoo's infinite world of possibilities and the game's creative element seems by far to be its most popular feature. The amazing pieces that are part of this DLC and have been shown this far will add so much more depth to the most interesting element of this game.

4. PRACTICAL AND DIVERSE SCENERY. The diversity of scenery in the pack looks amazing. Based on what we can see, there will be temple ruin sections and individual pieces, thematic decoration, a new thatch roof theme that looks phenomenal, bamboo individual pieces, tropical tree roots that will add character to the theme areas, and many new plants and trees, plus anything else we have not seen already in the pics and video provided. All of the pieces shown fit incredible well with the South American theme and the team behind Planet Zoo did an outstanding job choosing them.

5. FINALLY MORE FOLIAGE. The last DLC was a bit of a letdown as far as foliage, but this one seems to make up for it, since the plant selection in this region of the world is extremely rich and diverse and based on the pictures provided it looks like we will get many of them. The quality of the plant models being shown in pictures and video promo is superb, excellent and consistent job in the foliage department Frontier. There is also a variety of species shown, from large trees to medium and small size plants, all needed to create different layers within the landscape. Tropical plants were an area within the game that severely lacked diversity and one that most players agreed needed additional models, it seems that Frontier will start to road to change on April7th.

CONS

1. LACK OF ANIMAL DIVERSITY. The chief complain amongst most members of this community and others where Planet Zoo is being talked about, when in reference to this DLC is the same, the unfortunate lack of animal diversity. South America offered more wildlife possibilities to frontier than any other continent or region on earth, yet we received the same quantity of animals that the arctic pack featured plus one exhibit amphibian.

2. CHOICE OF SPECIES. With so few animals being released with the DLC the choice of species seems a bit odd, while llamas are beautiful animals and welcomed additions, they took the place of so many other amazing and key stone species of this continent that simply might not ever make it into the game at the pace we are going. The same can be said about the capuchin species, what this specific primate over highlight species like spider monkeys or howlers?

3. WHAT AND WHERE IS THE AMAZON? Nine South American countries play host to the richest and most important rainforest in the planet the Amazon. When anyone that has even the most minimal knowledge of zoos and nature thinks of South America they think of the Amazon. This rainforest, with its complex and diverse ecosystems is currently facing the fight of its life if it is going to survive. Between forest fires and man made destruction and deforestation the hour is critical. My believe is that unless there is an additional Amazonian DLC in the future, Frontier missed a golden opportunity here to highlight this area.

4. THE UNSEEN MULTITUDE. Any zoo exhibit theme area that is based on South America will always feature a diverse amount of amphibians, reptiles, and insects. There were so many incredible, unique and beautiful possibilities here. When I thought of Planet Zoo adding a significant number of reptile, amphibian and insect small exhibits to their roster I could have placed my hands on the fire that they would come in a DLC from this region, I'm in shock that only one frog species was added. The same can be said for birds, but I will try to remain hopeful that Frontier will somehow still correct this in the future.

5. STILL NO ANSWERS. The last point of negative feedback touches on Frontier's lack of a meaningful response or even commenting on the small number of animals being featured on DLCs, either I have missed something or this is the big elephant on the room that never gets addressed. I have seen Bo, Chante and others address many issues, feedback and complaints of players in reference to all aspects of the game, some in my estimation were even insignificant or trivial, nevertheless they were important to at least one player and Frontier had an explanation or a fix. When it comes to the severe lack of quantity of animals in each DLC, there is not a single community manager on sight, no one makes a single comment. In the past, my thoughts were that they did not want to reveal and spoil any big surprises that were coming in future DLCs and that the Arctic pack was a single isolated event. After the disclosure of what animals were included in the South American Pack I have no further thoughts or explanations, what is going on?

 

[VioletGrey]

For me ....
Pros: Amazeballs
Cons: Where be my sloths?!?!



Seriously, I expect they'll come out with a second South American pack at some point, but I hope we don't have to wait a full year for it.

 

[Danny_zoo]

For me ....
Pros: Amazeballs
Cons: Where be my sloths?!?!



Seriously, I expect they'll come out with a second South American pack at some point, but I hope we don't have to wait a full year for it.

I seriously would not expect it. The game was released on November 5th, 2019, since then two packs have been released. In the best case scenario we would get two or three more packs before this year is over. It has been said that the long tern support for this game will be similar to Planet Coaster, that is a little over two years correct? So we are looking at around 12 packs, and way too many regions of the world and popular animals, never mind the entire world of birds that are still pending. A second trip to South America is not likely, but there is hope for a sloth in either a Central America pack or a pack that just focuses on animals left behind. The main problem here is that 4 animals a pack is not enough, it never was.

 

[AndyZoos]

2. A RELEVANT THEME. The South America Pack has been a fantastic choice by Frontier, unlike the Arctic Pack that featured some really nice construction pieces, that ultimately had little or not much relation to zoos. Exhibits featuring South American architecture and landscape are extremely popular amongst zoos and in recent decades some of the best zoological Institutions in the planet have either already built exhibits around this theme or currently find themselves in the planning stages. Since the concept is about South America there are many possibilities that this pack offers players, and all of them relevant to zoos.

3. CONSTRUCTION AND PIECES. The inclusion of yet another theme that will add over 250 additional pieces to the game. The piece by piece construction system is an amazing one, but it really means nothing without the actual pieces, and Planet Zoo since the release of the game has kept their word of supporting this game with new additional pieces in every DLC. Judging by the thousands of videos uploaded to YouTube and social media platforms as well as the many discussions, the subject of Planet Zoo's infinite world of possibilities and the game's creative element seems by far to be its most popular feature. The amazing pieces that are part of this DLC and have been shown this far will add so much more depth to the most interesting element of this game.

4. PRACTICAL AND DIVERSE SCENERY. The diversity of scenery in the pack looks amazing. Based on what we can see, there will be temple ruin sections and individual pieces, thematic decoration, a new thatch roof theme that looks phenomenal, bamboo individual pieces, tropical tree roots that will add character to the theme areas, and many new plants and trees, plus anything else we have not seen already in the pics and video provided. All of the pieces shown fit incredible well with the South American theme and the team behind Planet Zoo did an outstanding job choosing them.

5. FINALLY MORE FOLIAGE. The last DLC was a bit of a letdown as far as foliage, but this one seems to make up for it, since the plant selection in this region of the world is extremely rich and diverse and based on the pictures provided it looks like we will get many of them. The quality of the plant models being shown in pictures and video promo is superb, excellent and consistent job in the foliage department Frontier. There is also a variety of species shown, from large trees to medium and small size plants, all needed to create different layers within the landscape. Tropical plants were an area within the game that severely lacked diversity and one that most players agreed needed additional models, it seems that Frontier will start to road to change on April7th.

I am way more excited about these new building pieces than I was with the Arctic Pack. I can find some alternate uses for some of the realistic building pieces but the ice block bits that came out as part of it? I just have zero use for. And ultimately, much of the "foliage" that came along with that free update is proving to be pretty useless and I'm wishing I could filter it out until late November rolls around.

However, this Amazon pack has me all sorts of excited! Those bamboo pieces can be used in a variety of ways and the temple bits (while I doubt I will ever actually use them to build a temple, perse) will come in handy, I'm sure...

Just thinking about some of these new pieces -- and the foliage -- has me far more inspired about the game than I have been in quite a while.

That and while I was wishing for more animals? I got some of my favorites! With the exception of the tree frog, I can't think of a single one I'd trade out of this pack. I suppose I would be more excited about an ocelot or capybara over the capuchin monkey, but... It's our first new world monkey so I guess I can't complain too much.

1. LACK OF ANIMAL DIVERSITY. The chief complain amongst most members of this community and others where Planet Zoo is being talked about, when in reference to this DLC is the same, the unfortunate lack of animal diversity. South America offered more wildlife possibilities to frontier than any other continent or region on earth, yet we received the same quantity of animals that the arctic pack featured plus one exhibit amphibian.

2. CHOICE OF SPECIES. With so few animals being released with the DLC the choice of species seems a bit odd, while llamas are beautiful animals and welcomed additions, they took the place of so many other amazing and key stone species of this continent that simply might not ever make it into the game at the pace we are going. The same can be said about the capuchin species, what this specific primate over highlight species like spider monkeys or howlers?

3. WHAT AND WHERE IS THE AMAZON? Nine South American countries play host to the richest and most important rainforest in the planet the Amazon. When anyone that has even the most minimal knowledge of zoos and nature thinks of South America they think of the Amazon. This rainforest, with its complex and diverse ecosystems is currently facing the fight of its life if it is going to survive. Between forest fires and man made destruction and deforestation the hour is critical. My believe is that unless there is an additional Amazonian DLC in the future, Frontier missed a golden opportunity here to highlight this area.

4. THE UNSEEN MULTITUDE. Any zoo exhibit theme area that is based on South America will always feature a diverse amount of amphibians, reptiles, and insects. There were so many incredible, unique and beautiful possibilities here. When I thought of Planet Zoo adding a significant number of reptile, amphibian and insect small exhibits to their roster I could have placed my hands on the fire that they would come in a DLC from this region, I'm in shock that only one frog species was added. The same can be said for birds, but I will try to remain hopeful that Frontier will somehow still correct this in the future.

5. STILL NO ANSWERS. The last point of negative feedback touches on Frontier's lack of a meaningful response or even commenting on the small number of animals being featured on DLCs, either I have missed something or this is the big elephant on the room that never gets addressed. I have seen Bo, Chante and others address many issues, feedback and complaints of players in reference to all aspects of the game, some in my estimation were even insignificant or trivial, nevertheless they were important to at least one player and Frontier had an explanation or a fix. When it comes to the severe lack of quantity of animals in each DLC, there is not a single community manager on sight, no one makes a single comment. In the past, my thoughts were that they did not want to reveal and spoil any big surprises that were coming in future DLCs and that the Arctic pack was a single isolated event. After the disclosure of what animals were included in the South American Pack I have no further thoughts or explanations, what is going on?

To be fair, this is only the second DLC pack and the Frontier team didn't really receive this sort of feedback when they released the Arctic Pack. Much of what I saw then was people griping about the cost/value. Now, there's a bit of that... But the focus is more on the size of the pack rather than the value.

And that's probably because, as you've stated, South America is so diverse! And has more than a few iconic species. I do think the ones they included are among the most iconic (particularly, the jaguar) but there's a few slightly lesser-known but still pretty common animals that they excluded. And some rarer ones that would help add some variety to the zoo (e.g., maned wolf, ocelot).

It just makes the "issue" pop a bit more when it's so glaring. We would probably have the same thing if they released an Australian DLC pack that had a red kangaroo, wallabies, wombats, and a tree kangaroo. Or a North American pack with a bobcat, skunk, moose, and white-tailed deer. Those are great, and people would be excited about it but there would be some glaring omissions (e.g., dingo and mountain lion, respectively, among others).

Part of me feels like the lack of response at the current time is probably them digesting the feedback. It hasn't even been 24 hours yet! I'm guessing the plan for DLC packs was put in place a long while back based on the staff on-hand, new projects, projected revenue it would accrue, etc. If they are going to adjust their approach we aren't going to be made aware of it for quite some time because it would require some adjustments on their end.

That being said, I think it's good that people are talking about it. If there's enough demand demonstrated for it ad people are purchasing the dlC they release that means packs will keep coming and coming (potentially more frequently--and potentially longer than PlanCo).

And hey, as far as birds go? If that doesn't wind up being a feature in Planet Zoo? I'm sure when Planet Zoo 2 rolls around in 5 or so years that will be something they can build into the engine... I'm in this for the long-haul. I supported and played Zoo Tycoon 2 for 10+ years after its release... And I'm hoping that, with time, Planet Zoo can achieve a similar level of diversity in its flora and fauna (without the fan modding). But maybe I'm too optimistic? I dunno.

 

[Danny_zoo]

I am way more excited about these new building pieces than I was with the Arctic Pack. I can find some alternate uses for some of the realistic building pieces but the ice block bits that came out as part of it? I just have zero use for. And ultimately, much of the "foliage" that came along with that free update is proving to be pretty useless and I'm wishing I could filter it out until late November rolls around.

However, this Amazon pack has me all sorts of excited! Those bamboo pieces can be used in a variety of ways and the temple bits (while I doubt I will ever actually use them to build a temple, perse) will come in handy, I'm sure...

Just thinking about some of these new pieces -- and the foliage -- has me far more inspired about the game than I have been in quite a while.

That and while I was wishing for more animals? I got some of my favorites! With the exception of the tree frog, I can't think of a single one I'd trade out of this pack. I suppose I would be more excited about an ocelot or capybara over the capuchin monkey, but... It's our first new world monkey so I guess I can't complain too much.



To be fair, this is only the second DLC pack and the Frontier team didn't really receive this sort of feedback when they released the Arctic Pack. Much of what I saw then was people griping about the cost/value. Now, there's a bit of that... But the focus is more on the size of the pack rather than the value.

And that's probably because, as you've stated, South America is so diverse! And has more than a few iconic species. I do think the ones they included are among the most iconic (particularly, the jaguar) but there's a few slightly lesser-known but still pretty common animals that they excluded. And some rarer ones that would help add some variety to the zoo (e.g., maned wolf, ocelot).

It just makes the "issue" pop a bit more when it's so glaring. We would probably have the same thing if they released an Australian DLC pack that had a red kangaroo, wallabies, wombats, and a tree kangaroo. Or a North American pack with a bobcat, skunk, moose, and white-tailed deer. Those are great, and people would be excited about it but there would be some glaring omissions (e.g., dingo and mountain lion, respectively, among others).

Part of me feels like the lack of response at the current time is probably them digesting the feedback. It hasn't even been 24 hours yet! I'm guessing the plan for DLC packs was put in place a long while back based on the staff on-hand, new projects, projected revenue it would accrue, etc. If they are going to adjust their approach we aren't going to be made aware of it for quite some time because it would require some adjustments on their end.

That being said, I think it's good that people are talking about it. If there's enough demand demonstrated for it ad people are purchasing the dlC they release that means packs will keep coming and coming (potentially more frequently--and potentially longer than PlanCo).

And hey, as far as birds go? If that doesn't wind up being a feature in Planet Zoo? I'm sure when Planet Zoo 2 rolls around in 5 or so years that will be something they can build into the engine... I'm in this for the long-haul. I supported and played Zoo Tycoon 2 for 10+ years after its release... And I'm hoping that, with time, Planet Zoo can achieve a similar level of diversity in its flora and fauna (without the fan modding). But maybe I'm too optimistic? I dunno.

Andy, excellent feedback, exactly what I was looking for, very constructive and you offered some very fine points. I especially like the fact that you have been around this type of games for a very long time, as I'm sure you have a lot of insightful information. Unlike you I have very little knowledge about this sort of games, the last game I played before this one was on an Atari Platform in the 80's believe it or not.

Agree with everything you said about the excitement about the new building and foliage pieces. May I suggest that you examine some of the amazing real life zoo exhibits that have been planned and designed with the South American/Central American temple ruins concept, you might find some inspiration there. As you well said the pieces can provide many options besides building a temple, they can be used in a number of ways to create intricate exhibits. The foliage has me very exited, as far as I know, the Arctic pack only had the Christmas trees correct? Nothing else shows up for me when I search for it in the game. I agree with you on the ICE rocks, never really found a purpose for them. And the North European construction pieces were beautiful, just the wrong game if you ask me, they always had either a Frozen or Vikings vibe for me.

I'm in agreement that the lack of animals is an issue that does stand out in this pack, and not so much in the Arctic, even though a case can be made for that one as well. My concern here is that Frontier will just continue business as usual, and will not address this issue. As a fan of the zoo simulation games, I think you are in agreement that this would be a tragedy for this game. There is just so many animals, incredible and beautiful species and so little time. Do not get me wrong, I love the llama and the capuchin, my issue is that because there were only four animal slots available other species would have been a better fit. Definitely grateful that at least we got one primate species, even if there were others with more striking features and distinctive movements.

The issue about the monetary cost of the game does have me scratching my head, and it is very concerning that frontier might not be marketing this game to its fullest potential. Specifically, their target audience might not necessarily be the best clients for this game. I do not know your location, but for me the cost of the DLC is 10 dollars, that is the cost of a coffee and a bagel here in the U.S. However I do understand that frontier is a European Company, and having been in Europe many times, I perfectly understand that it is a very different crowd when it comes to spending their money, they are somewhat more reserve in my opinion. How many parents in the U.S and adults would easily pay 25 to 30 usd for a DLC of this game, if they only knew about the game that is. I visit a large number of zoos every year, and most of the people that I spoke to, had never even heard of this game, with the exception of San Diego and the Bronx Zoo. That is a massive oversight in my opinion. Imagine if Frontier partnered with the AZA, and targeted millions of households here in the U.S, could they not afford to expand their staff then. In my limited understanding of the video game industry, most of the les cater mostly to a target audience that plays video games, since most games are not considered educational as an example. In the case of Planet Zoo they have the perfect recipe for not only success but to become a household name.

Their previous roster of games, was so different, you had Elite Dangerous, you have to be a gamer to be into that, besides the le I do not even know or care about its content. Planet Coaster, lots of fun, but not something you can make a case for parents to buy for their children unless they are into roller coasters and theme parks. JWE, similar to Planet Coaster an acquired taste, or a love for dinosaurs. Still this game offers little as far as education and conservation. With Planet Zoo, you can have this, again if marketed correctly. How many hundreds of families and in some cases thousands pass thru zoo gift shops and gates, why is this game not being advertise there?

 

[VetGirl330]

Central America pack

You are predicting a Central American pack in the future? We now have Baird's tapir, Red-eyed green tree frog, and White-headed capuchin. We don't know which capuchin species: Cebus imitator (Panamanian) or Cebus capucinus (Colombian) they've included, but even if it is the Columbian sp. it is only present in a small strip of forest along the Pacific coast. Neither of these capuchin species are Amazon natives. While I don't mind the White-headed Capuchin, I think it is a bizarre choice to be the only New World monkey in the game. The White-headed capuchin may be familiar to many due to exploitation in the pet trade, but is actually not that commonly represented in zoos. The Tufted capuchin (Sapajus apella) is far more commonly represented in zoos, and is a true Amazon species.
What happened to the black howler monkey that was teased in the hidden game files? Other iconic Amazon primates include the spider monkey, squirrel monkey, tamarins, and marmosets.
The jaguar is a great addition, but is found throughout Central America and South America. The Giant Anteater range overlaps the Amazon, but is more of a grassland species. I would argue that we do not currently have any habitat animals unique to the Amazon rainforest. Picking the Baird's tapir, exclusive to Central America, was another weird Frontier choice, in the first place. The Brazilian tapir is far more commonly represented in zoos.

Based on the species line-up we have so far I think what we actually need is an Amazon pack. Of course any South American pack will always be incomplete until we get birds. What's an Amazon pack without macaws?

 

[Danny_zoo]

You are predicting a Central American pack in the future? We now have Baird's tapir, Red-eyed green tree frog, and White-headed capuchin. We don't know which capuchin species: Cebus imitator (Panamanian) or Cebus capucinus (Colombian) they've included, but even if it is the Columbian sp. it is only present in a small strip of forest along the Pacific coast. Neither of these capuchin species are Amazon natives. While I don't mind the White-headed Capuchin, I think it is a bizarre choice to be the only New World monkey in the game. The White-headed capuchin may be familiar to many due to exploitation in the pet trade, but is actually not that commonly represented in zoos. The Tufted capuchin (Sapajus apella) is far more commonly represented in zoos, and is a true Amazon species.
What happened to the black howler monkey that was teased in the hidden game files? Other iconic Amazon primates include the spider monkey, squirrel monkey, tamarins, and marmosets.
The jaguar is a great addition, but is found throughout Central America and South America. The Giant Anteater range overlaps the Amazon, but is more of a grassland species. I would argue that we do not currently have any habitat animals unique to the Amazon rainforest. Picking the Baird's tapir, exclusive to Central America, was another weird Frontier choice, in the first place. The Brazilian tapir is far more commonly represented in zoos.

Based on the species line-up we have so far I think what we actually need is an Amazon pack. Of course any South American pack will always be incomplete until we get birds. What's an Amazon pack without macaws?

Thank you for your elaborate and well thought out reply. You might very well be correct, my logic of reasoning behind a Central American Pack is the fact that the Amazon is in South America. Central America has other ecosystems as the Yucatan Rainforest, The Belizean Pine Forest, The Talamancan montane forests, and so many others. But my prediction is that we will get more than likely get none of these or a future revisiting of South America. We can however push Frontier in the direction of giving us more animals. I have started a petition about it, and if you agree, your help would mean a lot.

 

[VetGirl330]

There are certainly some unique small ecoregions in Central America that haven't been covered, Baja, Yucatan, Cloud forests, jump to mind. But in light of the number of much larger regions unrepresented in the rest of the world I think they should leave Central America alone. At the current rate it seems we see very few additional animals ever added to the game (maybe 40 animals in the next 2 years) we need to realistically limit our expectations to the most important missing animals. Although the occellated turkey from the Yucatan would be a beautiful addition ;-)
I do fully expect (hope) to see a North American deserts (Sonoran, Mojave, Chihuahuan) pack one day. I think to do South America justice it really needed to be divided into at least three packs, for example Andes (llama, spectacled bear, puma, Andean condor, Humboldt penguin), Amazon (jaguar, howler monkey, white-faced saki, capybara, caiman), and Cerrado (giant anteater, maned wolf, Jabiru stork, brocket deer, red-footed tortoise).

Totally off topic here, but Frontier could provide actual modder support and allow modders to provide the demanded biodiversity, and Frontier itself just focus on providing the truly unique new animal rigs, mechanics and behaviors. For example, they provide a siamang complete with brachiation, and then modders can give a dozen different gibbon species. People pay for the new features, we still get diversity, and no one ends up complaining about paying for "just reskins". With the ungulate rigs already in the game it should be able to make most of the hoofstock on people's wish lists. It's amazing to see what modders have already accomplished in a few months with no support.
I have heard the argument against modding that it will take away from Frontier profits but I don't think that is true if Frontier continues to set new standards. They have shown that excel at certain aspects, like providing animals that climb and freely interact with custom-made scenery. Free-form climbing was a first in the industry. Now we need them to turn those great engineering minds to perfecting truly arboreal behavior, and then to free-flight avaries, and aquatic animals. They could sell a DLC with aviary mechanics and only a half dozen birds for $20-30 easy. Provide modders with a base for a macaw, a raptor, a hornbill, a small songbird, a crane and they could create 100s of species. Frontier doesn't have the man power to provide 100s of animals, but most respectable zoos hold 100s of species, especially birds.
We also still need an Oceania pack. Many of those rigs, especially kangaroos and tree kangaroos, would be unique. If they make Aviary and Aquatic, they could move on to make more flexible exhibits. Maybe a whole DLC allowing us to truly customize a Reptile house/ Insectarium with multiple size enclosures. A nocturnal DLC focused on caves and special lighting. There would be plenty of ideas for them to still generate income.
Frontier has shown that they are weak at research (like being able to tell the difference between Central and South America on a map). They don't pay attention to what species are or are not held in captivity. They have repeatedly made bizarre selections on what species to include (Himalayan brown bear, Formosan black, Lehmann's frog, Brazilian wandering spider, West African Lion, Lesser Antillean iguana), randomly specify subspecies for some species and not others (Canis lupus and Canis lupus arctos are now both in the game), and use outdated naming schemes (West African lion). Modding would fix so many of these problems.

 

[Barje]

I'm personally pleased by choice of animals, although I'm worried what's gonna happen with rest of south american animals we haven't now.
I mean, amazon has still so much to offer (capybara,howler monkey, spider monkey, sloth, birds, green anaconda, mata-mata turtle etc.)
There's also Andean and grassland region (armadillo, chinchilla, condor, andean bear, maned wolf) and of course Humboldt Penguin.

 

[NL_Mutso]

If we get 40 animals in 2 years.. Tbh, that would be great. We would have a lot of species in the game.

I disagree with the whole mods comment. I think it will most definately will influence sales.
I think this whole comment is based of the fact that you want them to focus on aviaries/marine/reptile house/insectivarium DLC and not on (somewhat) similar looking animals.
I do appreciate this approach more than one user asking for Frontier to hire more people to get bigger DLC
At this moment PZ is uncracked (DRM), so providing tools will allow people to crack the game easier. That's the negative side of modding.

Judging from PC and JWE, i don't think modding will ever happen. Or a very slight chance when the games doesn't get any support/DLC anymore.

 

[Swjosdotschka]

5. STILL NO ANSWERS. The last point of negative feedback touches on Frontier's lack of a meaningful response or even commenting on the small number of animals being featured on DLCs, either I have missed something or this is the big elephant on the room that never gets addressed. I have seen Bo, Chante and others address many issues, feedback and complaints of players in reference to all aspects of the game, some in my estimation were even insignificant or trivial, nevertheless they were important to at least one player and Frontier had an explanation or a fix. When it comes to the severe lack of quantity of animals in each DLC, there is not a single community manager on sight, no one makes a single comment. In the past, my thoughts were that they did not want to reveal and spoil any big surprises that were coming in future DLCs and that the Arctic pack was a single isolated event. After the disclosure of what animals were included in the South American Pack I have no further thoughts or explanations, what is going on?

Okay, while I agree with most of your post, I definately have to say something on this one: It is, indeed, the first time the lack of animals are brought up by players to this extend. I myself was fine with the small arctic pack, but am not with the theming of the Soutz america pack. It's simply too generic for such a huge continent and therefore too small. While I wouldn't mind an anden pack with 5 animals, I do mind a whole-contintent pack with 5.

However, what are the community managers supposed to do at this point? They could not forsee such a reaction and the game is finished, so neither they nor the devs can change anything. And they won't be able to change anything for the next two dlcs at least as well, as they are probably already in developement, the business-plan for the year is set in stone.
They just had a few days by now to discuss how dlcs might look after this. IF they had time. We still have corona, the world is going crazy, communicating new business solutions are quite hard right now. They currently don't even know if the DLC will sell worse than the arctic because people are loosing their jobs. Maybe not at Frontier, but elsewhere. Money is tight. Which also means, by now they don't know how much money they'll have in 2021 to develop future dlcs. Will they have more? Can they hire more?

The silence now and careful reaction to feedback is also PR-based. PR decissions. communications, de-escalation plans etc. all take time. And the ablity to communicate. They don't have that currently, because all are working from home and the situation is somewhat weird.

Bo and Chanté already said that the feedback has been heard.I doubt anyone at Frontier already has a plan on what to change, they only know that some players want a change. But it is WAY too early to react to the feedback in a more broader manner. We might ask politely ask at the end of the year, maybe. But not three days after announcement.

 

[LN]

Pro's:
Good pack.

Cons:
People complain anyways about a lack of....

 

[marcnesiumHH]

What I have learnt from owning this game since the Beta phase the DLC should be judged when it's released. It's still amazing to see how many people assess things solely based on 3-4 prepared pictures and 20 secs short clips of an animal.
The base game had and still has many bugs and major issues, which certainly affects the joy of playing. The Deluxe edition had a major bug (not being able to filter for its animals) and the Arctic pack as well (not being able to satisfy its animals' plant coverage need). The latter one being eliminated out two months after the release.
The good thing is that nowadays there are enough streams and videos around to watch and determine if the DLC is worth or not.

 

[raf8655]

I think, and it is quite normal, that they planned DLC releases and game development long time ago.

It has been understood that the policy is to release small packages with few animals instead of large expansions.

But I hope, as it has been partially answered to my question about another tread, that there are many small DLCs, (for example "South America Vol.2"), because otherwise it would really be a pity and an incredible lost opportunity from Frontier...