Media Release

Northern Territory Government

Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations NT cattle station simulation game on track for worldwide release

27 September 2024

Gamers can try their hand at managing a Northern Territory cattle station with the release of Pasture: The Livestock Simulator.

The action-packed farming simulation experience was developed by NT start-up, Salty Games, which is headed by Darwin locals Nathan Groves and Chas (CJ) Cole.

Pasture takes gamers on an unforgettable journey across NT landscapes, where players muster livestock on horseback and motorbikes and with helicopters. Players can even get behind the wheel of an iconic bull-catcher, to arm the biggest of the herd.

The simulation also allows players the ability to build up their cattle empire with infrastructure, livestock breeding and other sustainable farming practices.

A unique feature of Pasture is its carefully curated herding algorithm, which sees every cow and bull behave differently, adding a new depth to traditional farming games.

The development of Pasture has been bolstered by $1.5 million in seed-stage funding delivered by the Paspalis Co-Investment Fund – which is jointly supported by the Northern Territory’s Local Jobs Fund and Paspalis.

The investment in Salty Games will see the company bring on three new full-time employees, and it will also support the final stages of development and prepare the game for its anticipated launch on Steam next year, one of the largest digital distribution platforms for PC games.

The Paspalis Co-Investment Fund is available to companies that have a distinct presence in the Territory and are looking to grow, expand and create new jobs.

It offers up to $5 million in funding in an aim to boost jobs, diversify the Territory economy, and strengthen local skillsets.

For more information on the Paspalis Co-Investment Fund visit [https://invest.nt.gov.au/news-and-insights/paspalis-coinvest-launches].

Quotes attributed to NT Local Jobs Fund Senior Director Stuart Palmer:

“The Paspalis Co-Investment Fund is all about leveraging local businesses and bringing innovative ideas to life.

“It supports local industry by generating new investment opportunities that create more skilled jobs in the Territory.

“We look forward to continuing to support Salty Games as they work towards the release of Pasture on Steam.”

Quotes attributed to Paspalis Investment Manager Alex Farrugia:

“Salty Games is 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.”

Quotes attributed to Salty Games Creative Director Nathan Groves:

“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 our community, sustainability and the beauty of our home.”

Media note: photos of Pasture: The Livestock Simulator are available.

Media contact: 08 8999 7985 or [media.dtbar@nt.gov.au]

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