Thoughts on the Future of Planet Zoo Support/DLC Themes

IndianRhino19

I
I believe that Planet Zoo will release two more DLCs this year (likely Islands and Highlands) and an anniversary animal but that will likely be it. Yes, there are several other DLC ideas out there besides these two but there are a number of reasons against them being added as well. Although I would like to see some of the pack ideas listed below get added to the game, I just don’t see them happening unless Planet Zoo 2 ends up happening in the future. Those ideas/reasons are listed below.

Aquarium-too controversial in terms of cetaceans; even with just fish, sharks, and sea turtles at least 20 species would be needed to make this pack work
Aviary-let’s be honest it’s not going to happen; it would need at least 10 species to work and would likely take longer that 3-4 months to make (same can be said for aquariums)
Extinct Animals-I personally would like to see some animals that went extinct since the ice age added since humans hunted many of them to extinction, but Frontier likely won’t add them due to realism
Farewell Pack-if Planet Coaster didn’t have a farewell pack, then there’s a pretty good chance that Planet Zoo won’t either. It seems like they are just adding in more highly requested animals in each pack
Mythical/Fantasy Creatures- obviously never going to happen
Petting Zoo/Farm-too boring in my opinion; I don’t think many people want a pack with 5-8 domestic animals
Primate/Arboreal-I personally just don’t see Frontier ever adding a pack with animals that are genetically related or have a certain behavior
Safari-we have enough African representation already, especially with the recent Arid Animal Pack, and there are few non-African animals that would work for this
Temperature/Woodlands-there’s already enough representation of this in-game and a potential Highland DLC can add to it as well
Tundra-we already have the Arctic Pack of course, and some Highlands animals could add to this representation as well

Disclaimer: In no way am I trying to sound negative about PZ’s future, I’m just trying to be realistic.
Let me know your thoughts below
 

The Carcharodontogenius

The Carcharodontogenius
IndianRhino19 said:
Aquarium-too controversial in terms of cetaceans; even with just fish, sharks, and sea turtles at least 20 species would be needed to make this pack work
Aviary-let’s be honest it’s not going to happen; it would need at least 10 species to work and would likely take longer that 3-4 months to make (same can be said for aquariums)
Extinct Animals-I personally would like to see some animals that went extinct since the ice age added since humans hunted many of them to extinction, but Frontier likely won’t add them due to realism
Farewell Pack-if Planet Coaster didn’t have a farewell pack, then there’s a pretty good chance that Planet Zoo won’t either. It seems like they are just adding in more highly requested animals in each pack
Mythical/Fantasy Creatures- obviously never going to happen
Petting Zoo/Farm-too boring in my opinion; I don’t think many people want a pack with 5-8 domestic animals
Primate/Arboreal-I personally just don’t see Frontier ever adding a pack with animals that are genetically related or have a certain behavior
Safari-we have enough African representation already, especially with the recent Arid Animal Pack, and there are few non-African animals that would work for this
Temperature/Woodlands-there’s already enough representation of this in-game and a potential Highland DLC can add to it as well
Tundra-we already have the Arctic Pack of course, and some Highlands animals could add to this representation as well
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For the extinct animals one, Frontier might actually do it because you said that it could serve as a message to us to not make the same mistakes that we did in the past which drove many animals to extinction.
But I would prefer the recently extinct ones.
 

NachoB

NachoB
The Carcharodontogenius said:
For the extinct animals one, Frontier might actually do it because you said that it could serve as a message to us to not make the same mistakes that we did in the past which drove many animals to extinction.
But I would prefer the recently extinct ones.
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If we have 2/3 more packs left and one of them is for extinct animals i will scream and not of joy.

Fortunally i don't think is even on the table for them. JWE and PK already covers that.

And if none of the remaining packs have a heavy South america focus or at least contribute to the SA roster i will be very sad. And i'm not even expecting more than 1 primate and birds other than the rhea. But Mara, coati, spectacled bear, ocelot and at leas one NW monkey are needed.
 

Iben

Iben
NachoB said:
Fortunally i don't think is even on the table for them. JWE and PK already covers that.
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And more likely than not, Frontier signed a contract with Universal that prohibits them from doing another extinct animal based zoo game. Which is a pretty standard thing, if you make something for someone else in the software/gaming industry, you can't just then use the knowledge and experience you gained to then make your own version of it to directly compete with the company you made it for.

So it's pretty safe to say that Frontier has signed such a contract and that that also stops them from adding extinct animals to PZ.
 

oca2074

O
There are literally a gazillion DLC ideas that Frontier could implement if they wanted.

Of course, everyone talks about aviaries and aquariums, the latter I think is quite unlikely.

But a quick scan of my brain

-building themes: probably a Spanish colonial/Latin American architecture theme is missing. This can be paired with Central America/Caribbean animals.
-a nocturnal animal pack that provides pieces for a nocturnal house and implements circadian rhythms for more realistic animal behaviour
-a highland animal pack
-a Polar Pack (Walrus, Musk Ox, Wolverine, Arctic Hare, Snowy Owl, Lemmings)
-a Reptile Pack (that introduces different size exhibits) (with iconic missing reptiles: Chameleon, Frilled Lizard, King Cobra)
-a Primates Pack (with better climbing/arboreal mechanisms)
-farm animals/petting mechanics
-woodland animal pack
-introducing theatres/animal shows, playgrounds
-introducing hotels + a transportation system of organising how visitors can arrive at the zoo + city skyscraper building theme for more realistic urban zoo surroundings

Sky is literally the limit.
 
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jcp011c

jcp011c
NachoB said:
If we have 2/3 more packs left and one of them is for extinct animals i will scream and not of joy.

Fortunally i don't think is even on the table for them. JWE and PK already covers that.

And if none of the remaining packs have a heavy South america focus or at least contribute to the SA roster i will be very sad. And i'm not even expecting more than 1 primate and birds other than the rhea. But Mara, coati, spectacled bear, ocelot and at leas one NW monkey are needed.
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Agree with all of this, especially the part of about screaming and not out of joy if we got extinct animals of one of our few packs left.

I'd say that some form of general colder environment theme is likely, be it temperate, taiga, tundra, or Highlands. Temperate could knock out several animals - kiwi, Tasmanian Devil and Wolverine could all feature into that making a big dent into the Meta-list top 10.

Thinking islands is possible, but I would not want it as second of 2 packs left. If we're not getting an avian focused pack, then I'd strongly prefer the other pack be something that can inlcude New World primates. Even though I'm not personally desperate for any particular species I absolutely see the need for more than the one we have now. I'd say that the near lack of New World primates is the only real problem with our mammal roster. A finale pack could pull those in, and fill in some other missing spots (Asian Antelopes, African Crocodile) but I'd also be quite happy with an Amazon focused pack for our last pack, even if we do have just 2 packs left.

But...we could get an island pack next year. Even if we got the Tassie or Kiwi in a temperate pack, I still think either one could headline an island pack. But if both of them are used elsewhere I feel that the chances of an island pack goes way down. Sure, the Tree Kangaroo could fit in their slot but I don't see it having the same impact.

A Children's Zoo/Petting Zoo would be great options if we have another 4 or 6 packs. Don't want it a one of the last two that we may be looking at. Getting a third equid kind of mitigated the need for a Shetland Pony - not specifically species wise, but just overall representations of equines. For me now, the biggest potential animal they could put in this pack is the Patagonian Mara, since I suspect we won't see another dry/hot-climate themed pack given we already had two (three if you count the Africa pack).

ETA: from the original post. I wouldn't completely count out an Arboreal pack. I'm sure it wouldn't be all monkeys, but the point about a pack with animals with a certain behavior...that's sort of covered by the Twilight pack.
 
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NachoB

NachoB
The Carcharodontogenius said:
Never heard of a Mara before.
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Patagonian mara or patagonian cavy

mara-2.jpg
 

Fallax

Fallax
Honestly I think the trend this year is climate themed packs.

So far our two packs are Tropical and Arid, both of these represent climates and also fit with the seasons they released in. Tropical released in Spring, the season where plants bloom again and are full of life just like the Tropics... Meanwhile Arid released in Summer which is the driest and hottest season.

I think the next two packs are going to be Temperate and Polar to follow up with this. Temperate will come out in Autumn, which makes sense since this season is most associated with the temperate regions and deciduous forests. I think Temperate is likely to be a scenery pack with scenery based on log cabins, Native American architecture, etc... to follow up the North America Animal Pack similar to what Tropical did for Southeast Asia. Polar will be an animal pack and release in winter, because it's the coldest month...

I know people say the seasons don't line up with DLC before but this year has been pretty consistent with it and this just makes the most sense to me. With the first half of the year front loaded with warm climate animals it makes sense for the cold climate ones to have their time next.
 

jcp011c

jcp011c
Mayki said:
Honestly I think the trend this year is climate themed packs.

So far our two packs are Tropical and Arid, both of these represent climates and also fit with the seasons they released in. Tropical released in Spring, the season where plants bloom again and are full of life just like the Tropics... Meanwhile Arid released in Summer which is the driest and hottest season.

I think the next two packs are going to be Temperate and Polar to follow up with this. Temperate will come out in Autumn, which makes sense since this season is most associated with the temperate regions and deciduous forests. I think Temperate is likely to be a scenery pack with scenery based on log cabins, Native American architecture, etc... to follow up the North America Animal Pack similar to what Tropical did for Southeast Asia. Polar will be an animal pack and release in winter, because it's the coldest month...

I know people say the seasons don't line up with DLC before but this year has been pretty consistent with it and this just makes the most sense to me. With the first half of the year front loaded with warm climate animals it makes sense for the cold climate ones to have their time next.
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Temperate or Taiga/Highlands would definitely make sense for a scenery pack. There are a lot of good themes they could go with, as you mentioned, or even another European type of style - Bavarian perhaps, even though we can make that ourselves now. If it was Temperate I think the Tasmanian Devil would almost certainly be included - especially if we are down to just two packs.

Tundra biome as an animal pack is more difficult. I could definitely come up with a scenery pack's roster count, but harder to find those extra 3 animals. But I also don't really think we need any kind of scenery here beyond what we got in the Arctic Pack. That's why I'd honestly be fine with a finale/wrap up pack for December instead - that is assuming of course it's the last pack. Muskox and Walrus would be great additions, but instead of additional New World Monkeys? Not so much.
 

NachoB

NachoB
Yeah i think the same. But i hope at least one more DLC for spring because if this is the case then we are done with the tropical rainforests and honestly other than SEA they are so under represented, specially the Amazon.

And if Temperate and Polar are the last DLC that means basically all cold weather animals which is not the most exciting thing for me 😅
 

Pentoleaf

Pentoleaf
I'm still expecting highlands, children's zoo, islands and treetops (the latter would probably not be primate focused, maybe one species + other climbing species like black bear, NA porcupine, or coati). After that? Who knows.

There are dozen of must have species still without including birds. Or plants (I would love some flexi color lillies and tulips...)

I know there's a lot of gloom and doom, but also... making a zoo sim does seem to be a passion project for Frontier's CEO. I think that, as long as some profit is being made and a sequel isn't immediately in the works, it is likely that the game will continue getting support for years.
 

FlameWizard492

FlameWizard492
jcp011c said:
Tundra biome as an animal pack is more difficult. I could definitely come up with a scenery pack's roster count, but harder to find those extra 3 animals. But I also don't really think we need any kind of scenery here beyond what we got in the Arctic Pack. That's why I'd honestly be fine with a finale/wrap up pack for December instead - that is assuming of course it's the last pack. Muskox and Walrus would be great additions, but instead of additional New World Monkeys? Not so much.
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Here's what I'd do for a Tundra Animal Pack:
  • Pacific Walrus
  • Musk Ox
  • Wolverine
  • Some type of penguin: Adéle, Chinstrap, Rockhopper, or Gentoo
  • Wild Yak
  • Stoat
  • Alpine Marmot
  • Exhibit: Siberian Newt
 

SuzieSky

SuzieSky
I still see a lot of potential packs. I would want 2 animals packs for every scenery though. I bolded some popular/important animals. Most post-Europe packs only have about a third to half of their animals in this category.
  • Temperate: ABB, Wild Boar, Tasmanian Devil, Pudu, Cabins/Camping
  • Alpine: Spectacled Bear, Bighorn Sheep, Chamois, Rock Wallaby, Hamadryas Baboon, Marmot/Pine Marten, Guanaco
  • Rainforest Animal: Golden Lion Tamarin, Howler Monkey, Colobus Monkey, Tree Kangaroo, Roseate Spoonbill, South American Coati, Fishing Cat
  • Coastal: Manatee, Sea Turtle, Pelican, Blue Penguin, Native American NW Coast
  • Scrub Animal: Rhea, Mara, Perentie, Echidna, Honey Badger, Spurred Tortoise, Brushtail Possum
  • Central America: Spider Monkey, Northern Tamandua, Ocelot, Peccary
  • South Asian Animal: Blackbuck, Sloth Bear, Markhor, Fishing Cat, Nilgai, Grey Langur, Lion Tailed Macaque, Bar Headed Goose
  • Safari Animal: De Brazza's Guenon, Serval, Grey Crowned Crane, Hornbill, Eland/Kudu, Black Backed Jackal, Nile Crocodile
  • Islands: Tanuki, American Flamingo, Spotted Cuscus, Kiwi
  • East Asian Animal: Reeves's Muntjac, Mandarin Duck, Golden Pheasant, Chinese Alligator, Pere David's Deer, Golden Takin, Snub Nosed Monkey
  • Tundra Animal: Walrus, Wolverine, Sea Otter, Musk Ox, Rockhopper Penguin, Canadian Lynx, Snowshoe Hare
  • Himalayas: Tahr, Pallas's Cat, Yellow Throated Marten, Monal
And I've probably forgotten a bunch of animals, and I haven't even gotten into potential avairy/WE bird, domestic, or aquatic expansions. I think there is still money to be made. I would buy all of these packs, the hypothetical expansions, and probably more.
 

jcp011c

jcp011c
FlameWizard492 said:
Here's what I'd do for a Tundra Animal Pack:
  • Pacific Walrus
  • Musk Ox
  • Wolverine
  • Some type of penguin: Adéle, Chinstrap, Rockhopper, or Gentoo
  • Wild Yak
  • Stoat
  • Alpine Marmot
  • Exhibit: Siberian Newt
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That's a decent list. It would depend what animals were pulled into the temperate pack, and if it was more of a Woodlands/Tagia/Temperate mix. I do think though, that the Walrus would fill the spot for the "recognizable" animal your pick. Every pack excepting the SEA pack has had at least one animal that's generally well known and would be well known by more casual players. Not necessarily the animal they would choose to headline the pack, but they'd be in there somewhere, such as the Sloth or Porcupine.

I feel that they're getting to the point that there's not that many of that high profile of animals left, without running into other species very similar or of the same grouping. And I also feel like their packs are likely to have something of that nature to do the heavy lifting sales wise, again, even if it's not the headliner of the pack.
 
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