Farming Simulator 26 Interview with Martin Rabl, Head of Marketing & PR at GIANTS Software
Farming Simulator 26 is now available on Switch and mobile, bringing a new set of features and systems that expand on the series’ signature approach to farming. Players can choose what kind of farmer they want to be, whether that is working the fields with realistic tractors, harvesters, and sprayers, moving into forestry with heavy logging equipment, or building up livestock operations with cows, sheep, chickens, goats, and their offspring. The game also introduces two new maps, 15 different field crops plus trees, and more than 120 authentic machines, alongside a mix of production chains, logistics systems, and farm challenges designed to keep players busy across every corner of their operation.
I spoke with Martin Rabl, Head of Marketing & PR at GIANTS Software, about the latest entry and what it means for both new and returning players.
Our conversation about the game also inspired me to write about my time with the Farming Simulator community and gaming communities more broadly, which you can read here – The Games That Grow With Us | What’s It Like?
Farming Simulator has become a surprisingly strong fit on Nintendo platforms. What do you think has connected with Nintendo players specifically?
The Farming Simulator franchise has proven strong across all platforms. All players connect with the creativity, variety, and relaxed gameplay the series offers. There are so many machines, animals, and gameplay mechanics to experiment with, which gives players a lot of freedom in how they approach the game. For Nintendo users specifically, I think that many will enjoy playing in third-person view, where they can explore the open world using their individually designed character. That sense of immersion and freedom fits very naturally with the Nintendo audience.
Farming Simulator 26 is still launching on the original Switch despite newer hardware now being available. Why was continuing support for Switch 1 important to the team?
For Nintendo Switch 2, we released a separate product at the end of last year, with the Signature Edition serving as the milestone release for that system. It’s based on Farming Simulator 25 and includes similar features, and we were even able to introduce the ModHub recently, giving Nintendo Switch 2 users access to thousands of free user-generated mods.
In comparison, Farming Simulator 26 is the successor to Farming Simulator 23. This iteration is designed for less powerful platforms and for a faster-paced mobile experience. FS26 features a quicker gameplay loop, easy-to-follow mechanics, and faster progression. It’s intended as an accessible entry point into the Farming Simulator universe – a game designed for fun on the go while still delivering the core experience fans expect.
Farming Simulator has built a very passionate community over the years. How much does community feedback influence the roadmap for Nintendo versions?
We’re very proud of our large and passionate community, and we try to stay as connected with players as possible. Every year we organise FarmCon, our annual community event, where fans from around the world come together. This year, we’ll meet in August at Volvo Construction, and we expect more than a thousand visitors for the weekend.
We also work with our global network of “Cultivators,” who act as ambassadors and organise local events so community members can connect in person. Beyond that, we stay in constant contact through our digital channels and social platforms, where we carefully listen to all kinds of player feedback. Community feedback plays an important role in how we continue to support and improve our games across every platform, including Nintendo systems.
Now that mod support has arrived on Switch 2, are there other features the team would like to explore in the future?
As with the long-term support we’re known for our line-up, we’ll continue delivering free content updates for players. These DLCs introduce new machines and equipment while also opening up additional gameplay possibilities and experiences within the game.
Is there anything the team wanted Nintendo players to experience in Farming Simulator 26 that previous handheld entries could not fully achieve?
Farming Simulator 26 is the first entry in the series to feature a consistent challenge system. Players will encounter different challenges right from the start of the game, with additional weekly and special-event tasks appearing regularly. These challenges come with rewards, giving players fresh objectives and a stronger sense of progression while still maintaining the relaxed gameplay experience the series is known for. It adds a new layer of engagement without losing the accessibility and freedom that define our successful series. So, have you started sowing wheat for one of the challenges yet?
A big thank you to Martin Rabl for taking the time once again to chat and share insights into the world of Farming Simulator 26. It is always appreciated, and it is always interesting seeing how the series continues to grow with each entry. Until the next harvest, and probably the next Farming Simulator, we will see you out in the fields again.
You can find Farming Simulator 26 on the Switch here – Farming Simulator 26: Nintendo Switch™ Edition / eShop Download / Nintendo eShop
Enjoyed our Farming Simulator 26 Interview with Martin Rabl?
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