Pasture: The Livestock Simulator gets $1.5m nod by Paspalis

If you’ve ever wanted to experience life on the land as a true Territorian pastoralist, without breaking a sweat – then this game, which has received a $1.5m backing, may be for you.

Pasture: The Livestock Simulator has been bolstered with $1.5 million in funding. Picture: Supplied.

A video game built and set in the Territory has been bolstered with a cool $1.5m in funding.

Salty Games, co-founded by Nathan Groves and Chas (CJ) Cole, developed Pasture: The Livestock Simulator, which brings the Territory’s rugged landscape and nature to life, in a mission to establish a sustainable gaming industry.

The deep-dive into the life of a Territorian pastoralist gives players insight into the trials and intricacies associated in managing a cattle empire, with a realistic portrayal of station life, breeding cattle and building infrastructure.

Now, Pasture has been bolstered with a $1.5 million fund by Paspalis Co-Investment Fund – a partnership between Paspalis and the NT Local Jobs Fund.

The investment will reinforce the game’s 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.

Creative Director of Salty Games, Nathan Groves, said Pasture was developed with the Territory’s natural wonders in mind.

“With Pasture, we wanted to create something that truly reflects the spirit and challenges of life in the Northern Territory,” he said.

“This game is not just about farming; it’s about community, sustainability, and the beauty of our home.”

The landscape and features of the game was inspired by the natural wonders of the Northern Territory. Picture: Supplied.

The game’s Territory theme is strong, with players forced to navigate vast open spaces using a variety of transport options, including the iconic bull catcher, helicopters, horses, motorbikes, ATVs, and road trains.

Investment Manager at Paspalis Alex Farrugia said his team were happy to back homegrown talent.

“Salty Games is a perfect example of how local talent can lead the development and export of unique gaming experiences globally,” he said.

“We’re excited to be part of their journey and to see how this game can grow and impact the gaming industry.”

The partnership marks another big win for the Territory’s gaming community with Dylan Bennett, chief executive of The Array, a tech hub located on Smith St, claiming the Territory could reach greater heights within the gaming world.

“The NT has the hardware and internet connectivity; the missing piece is skill development.”

Originally published as Pasture: The Livestock Simulator gets $1.5m nod by Paspalis