It’s not everyday the worlds of video gaming and agriculture collide, but one new video game is doing just that, sort of.
Behold: Goat Simulator.
Ever wanted to immerse yourself in the world of a goat trapped in a small suburban neighborhood? Want to climb ladders, chase cars and headbutt unsuspecting citizens?
If it sounds like a joke, that’s because it started as one. Now, however, the game studio behind the project is releasing the game to satisfy ravenous gamers around the world.
Goat Simulator went viral
Coffee Stain Studios, the developer behind Goat Simulator, uploaded a video demonstrating the game to YouTube on Feb 3. Ten days later the video had over 2.5 million views.
Related: Farming Simulator 2013, redefining farming video games
The video description reads:
“Goat Simulator brings next gen goat simulation to a whole new level. You no longer have to fantasize about being a goat, your dreams have finally come true.”
The video shows a goat jaunting through town, then suddenly, it hits a car head-on. It’s all fun and games, though. After the impact, the goat simply gets up and continues on its journey. The goat then climbs a ladder, knocks into things and launches a bucket into the head of an innocent bystander.
Watch the video
The game was never intended to be released. In an interview with Modern Farmer, game developer Armin Ibrisagic admitted that the game was a silly side project to “blow off steam.” He never intended the project to become such a big deal.
Ibrisagic never anticipated the internet would demand a game, even if the entire premise of it was ridiculous.
How the game works
The game itself is less of a goat simulator and more like skateboarding games that were popular in the late 90s. It’s all about point, point, points.
Players receive points for eating grass, but receive many more points if they knock something over. The physics in the game allow for some wacky results when the goat jumps on trampolines, or does somersaults over car hoods.
The goat also has a sticky tongue that allows players to grab and drag objects through the world. Put simply: Causing mayhem is the goal.
The internet buzzed with anticipation, even if the studio never intended to release a full version of the game.
The internet spoke —loudly
Demand for goat is increasing – even the internet can’t get enough.
The absurd premise of Goat Simulator has made it popular enough with users that Coffee Stain Studios plans to release the game to players this spring.
Coffee Stain Studios made its announcement with this trailer:
Kotaku, a gaming blog, declared “You Did It, Internet. Goat Simulator Is A Real Thing That You Can Buy.”
TIME said it best, “Never ever EVER underestimate the will of the people when it comes to our desire to run around wrecking stuff as a digital goat.”
You can pre-order the game for $9.99. But, before you spend your money, you may want to read the company’s disclaimer:
“Goat Simulator is a small, broken and stupid game. It was made in a couple of weeks so don’t expect a game in the size and scope of GTA with goats. In fact, you’re better off not expecting anything at all actually. To be completely honest, it would be best if you’d spend your $10 on a hula hoop, a pile of bricks, or maybe a real-life goat.”
2 more farming video games:
- Harvest of Change: Oculus VR creates virtual reality farm experience Oct. 26, 2014
- Farming Simulator 2013, redefining farming video games Sept. 4, 2013
