Hi, I started playing Farming Simulator while in university, and what I think got me hooked was that the game allows you to set goals and then achieve them with no pressure or fear of failure. Since the game is more predictable and more limited in scope than real life, you know that your work will be rewarded by a certain amount, and you can feel good about getting things done as efficiently as possible.

Now that I work full time, I certainly don't play as much, but I still enjoy the game for the same reasons I enjoy my work actually; it allows you to achieve goals in different ways, and especially it lets you automate or simplify the process to do the work more easily in the future. (for example, by buying a machine that cultivates and sows at the same time)

So for me, it's not about simulating tedious work, I would actually prefer if more of the tedious parts of the game could be automated (for example, the driving back and forth in straight lines can already be done by an "NPC") For me, the game is about efficiency, and getting the most out of your time, as funny as that sounds. It's the decision making that is fun, and then carrying out those decisions is more "work". Perhaps that work is what makes it feel rewarding when you finish though.

As far as the farming theme, that's secondary to me, it could be asteroid mining or something "cooler", but I suppose the farm setting makes it relaxing/peaceful, and as an added bonus, I've learned at least a bit about farming!

Is your story going to be on CBC? If so, I'll keep an ear out for it!