Planet Coaster 2 Dev Talks Inspirations, Favorite New Features, and More

Planet Coaster 2 Dev Talks Inspirations, Favorite New Features, and More

As a huge fan of Planet Coaster 2, I must say that my favorite addition to this game is undoubtedly the ability to customize flat rides and coasters beyond belief! The level of creativity shown by players has been astounding, with some truly outlandish designs gracing our parks.


As it nears its 8th birthday, Planet Coaster remains one of the most acclaimed theme park management/construction games ever made, echoing classics like Rollercoaster Tycoon while incorporating numerous contemporary enhancements. The next chapter in this legacy is about to unfold. Planet Coaster 2 is set to debut within a few weeks, and its creators are brimming with anticipation.

Game Rant recently had an exclusive chat with Adam Woods, the senior executive producer of ‘Planet Coaster 2’. In this conversation, Woods shared insights from his childhood experiences with theme parks and gaming, his preferred aspects of development, his top picks among the new features in the sequel, and some intriguing tidbits that enthusiasts will find fascinating. Here’s a condensed version of the interview for easier reading.

Planet Coaster 2 Is Fueled by Passionate Developers

Planet Coaster 2 Dev Talks Inspirations, Favorite New Features, and More

Q. What’s one ride you’ve never been on before, but would really love to go on?

In Ferrari Land, I’d love to experience the Red Force launch coaster from the front seat. Those special glasses are a must, isn’t it? It looks like an exciting adventure I can’t wait to participate in!

Q. Was there one ride in particular that inspired you while making Planet Coaster 2?

Woods: The experiences I had with rides aren’t really about a single one. Instead, it’s deeply connected to my childhood and family. From the straightforward steel crocodile coaster at Clacton Pier, to the complex Wicker Man at Alton Towers, and even Vampire at Chessington, I’ve been through quite a journey. Recently, I’ve begun taking my son and daughter to theme parks as well. During our vacations, we often visit a water park in Zante.

This activity seems to be something familiar, something I engaged in when I was young and continue to enjoy as an adult, something I share with my own kids now. The chance to incorporate this into the game as originally planned feels like a fulfillment of a long-held dream.

A. What sparked your love for gaming, since you’ve shared your enthusiasm for theme parks with us?

Woods: I believe my father is the source of my interest in computers. Although he wasn’t tech-savvy at all, he saw the future lay in this field and bought an Amiga 500 for me and my sister when we were around six years old. He didn’t know much about computers himself, but he thought, “Maybe he can figure it out on his own!

That started it really. It was the Cartoon Classics pack, it had Captain Planet, Lemmings, and The Simpsons. It just started there, and I’ve been playing games ever since. Now I’m very fortunate that I get to help develop them.

Could you tell me which stage in the overall game development do you enjoy the most, and could you mention something that keeps you motivated to complete the development of Planet Coaster 2?

Woods: For me, two aspects stand out. The thrill of witnessing a project develop never fades, as I consistently enhance my designs and discover fresh elements emerging. It begins as text on a design blueprint, then transforms into code within Visual Studio, and subsequently materializes into a game feature – an enchantment that never loses its allure for me. With 17 years in the industry, computer games continue to captivate me with their intricate construction and assembly processes.

On the flip side, what makes this experience truly exceptional is collaborating with an array of exceptionally gifted and insightful individuals. Their unwavering dedication and fervor for crafting captivating games within the gaming industry never cease to amaze me, and I feel incredibly fortunate to bear witness to their creativity.

The Senior Executive Producer’s Favorite New Additions to Planet Coaster 2

Planet Coaster 2 Dev Talks Inspirations, Favorite New Features, and More

Q. What’s your favorite addition in Planet Coaster 2?

Woods: For me, it’s the exciting aspect of customizing my flats and roller coasters creatively. I’ve noticed some quite extraordinary designs, especially in the coaster section where people have incorporated fire effects, trees, and various other items. There’s plenty of opportunity for truly unique and outlandish creations.

However, examining the designs by some concept artists for the flat rides in Planet Coaster 2 is truly awe-inspiring. It’s fascinating to observe how they seamlessly assemble various elements of scenery and transform them into unique, customized rides. I believe this aspect might be my most appreciated novelty in the game.

Q. Along similar lines, do you have a favorite new piece of theming?

As a gamer, I find myself in a tricky spot: choosing a favorite game is like picking my favorite child! However, if I must choose, the Viking-themed game captivates me with its intricate wood-like signage. The early mythology concepts also caught my eye, particularly the verticality of it all – the gods in the clouds above us. Each one has its own charm, but these two stand out for their unique aesthetics and storytelling.

Are you excited about any specific feature in Planet Coaster 2 that you think the community will be eager to explore once they have access to it?

Woods: It’s challenging to describe, but it’s essentially the result of every tool we’ve provided. It’s fascinating to observe as they construct plazas and parks, create posters, and add details to the scenery. However, it ultimately becomes the parks that take shape at the end. I’m eager to see how they utilize all these tools.

How Planet Coaster 2 Is Handling The Onboarding Process

Planet Coaster 2 Dev Talks Inspirations, Favorite New Features, and More

Question: What steps does Planet Coaster 2 take to make it easier for beginners to grasp, and are there any tips you could offer for newcomers diving right into the sequel without prior experience?

Woods: In the career section, there are tutorial levels designed specifically to help you. The initial level covers the basics of running a theme park, including coasters and flat rides. Subsequently, there’s a focus on water parks in the second level. Finishing these two will provide you with a strong foundation, making it easier for you to tackle the rest of the career mode.

In our approach to creating user-interfaces, we aim to structure complexity in a layered manner. For instance, consider an information panel on a ride; its initial screen offers a concise summary. However, for those seeking more details, there are options to delve deeper by exploring the sub-tabs or utilizing heatmaps. As you familiarize yourself with all the screens, you’ll gradually find comfort and navigate effortlessly through the rest of the game’s features.

I think the other piece of advice is to look at the ride blueprints. We now can blueprint flat rides, which means you can quickly and easily place these really lovely-looking rides that your guests will find very attractive. You can then use that to inspire yourself.

Promptly reach out to our vibrant, enthusiastic community of Planet Coaster players. They are more than happy to lend a helping hand, share advice, and offer tips and tricks. Take some time to explore the workshop and marvel at their incredible creations. Immerse yourself in this rich community to fully appreciate it.

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2024-10-17 16:04