A local Northern Territory startup, Salty Games, is making waves in the gaming world with the development of Pasture: The Livestock Simulator, an action farming simulator that brings the rugged beauty and unique challenges of the Northern Australian outback to life. Co-founded by Territorians Nathan Groves and Chas (CJ) Cole in July 2022, Salty Games is on a mission to establish a sustainable gaming industry in the Northern Territory, starting with this ambitious and uniquely local project.
Pasture isn’t just another farming game. It’s a deep dive into the life of a Northern Territory pastoralist, allowing players to experience the intricacies of managing a cattle empire. The game offers a realistic portrayal of station life, from mustering and breeding cattle to building infrastructure and engaging in sustainable farming practices. Salty Games has developed key digital assets in-house, ensuring a level of detail that sets the game apart from others in the genre.
Players of Pasture will find themselves navigating vast open spaces using a variety of transport options, including the iconic bull catcher, helicopters, horses, motorbikes, ATVs, and road trains. The game’s environment is rich with native flora, brought to life through advanced photogrammetry scanning, providing an immersive and visually stunning experience. A standout feature of the game is its unique herding algorithm, which makes each cow and bull behave differently, adding depth and realism to the gameplay.
The development of Pasture has been bolstered by $1.5 million in seed-stage funding, led by Paspalis Co-Investment Fund – a partnership between Paspalis and the NT Local Jobs Fund. This investment will support the final stages of development and prepare the game for its anticipated launch on Steam in 2025, one of the largest digital distribution platforms for PC games.
Alex Farrugia, Investment Manager at Paspalis expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Salty Gamesis a perfect example of how local talent can lead the development and export of unique gaming experiences globally. We’re excited to be part of their journey and to see how this game can grow and impact the gaming industry”.
Nathan Groves, the Creative Director of Salty Games, shared his vision for the game: “With Pasture, we wanted to create something that truly reflects the spirit and challenges of life in the Northern Territory. This game is not just about farming; it’s about community, sustainability, and the beauty of our home.”
As Salty Games works to bring Pasture to life, they are also part of a broader movement to establish the Northern Territory as a hub for game development. Integral to this vision is The Array, the Territory’s ultimate tech hub where innovation intersects with game development and esports. Located in Smith Street Mall, The Array is focused on cultivating the skills needed to support and grow the local gaming industry.
Dylan Bennett, CEO of The Array, sees a bright future for game development in the Territory. “The NT has the hardware and internet connectivity; the missing piece is skill development,” he said, highlighting the critical role that new educational institutions like The Array will play in nurturing local talent and driving the industry forward.
Salty Games, with its focus on authenticity, community, and innovation, aims to use Pasture as a foundation to build a lasting gaming industry in the Northern Territory. As the game approaches its release, the team at Salty Games is excited to share this uniquely Territorian experience with players around the world. Salty Games is poised to put the Northern Territory on the gaming map, offering an authentic and engaging experience that resonates with the local community and beyond.
Salty Games is a Darwin-based game development studio co-founded by Nathan Groves and Chas (CJ) Cole. With a focus on authenticity, community, and innovation, Salty Games is committed to establishing a lasting gaming industry in the Northern Territory, starting with their flagship title, Pasture: The Livestock Simulator.
Paspalis is the first and leading innovation investor in the Northern Territory, dedicated to supporting high-growth innovation companies locally and globally. Their mission is to harness the potential of these companies in emerging sectors within Australia’s North. Paspalis actively co-invests alongside public and private institutions, including the Northern Territory’s Local Jobs Fund. They invest in both Australian and offshore high-growth companies seeking to expand their businesses in the Northern Territory.
For more information:
Visit Salty Games Steam page: Pasture: The Livestock Simulator
