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.

NT Local Jobs Fund Senior Director Stuart Palmer said the Paspalis Co-Investment Fund was 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.”

Salty Games Creative Director Nathan Groves said they 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.”