The Farmer Was Replaced Reaches Mobile Release Date With Coding Puzzles and Underground Expansion

The Farmer Was Replaced reaches its scheduled November 2 mobile release date, bringing Timon Herzog's unusual programming-based farming simulation to iPhone, iPad and Android devices. Developed for mobile by Ateo, the adaptation challenges players to automate an entire agricultural operation by writing instructions for a small drone. Instead of manually planting crops and collecting resources, players create programs using a simplified Python-like language.

The drone then follows those instructions, cultivating fields, harvesting crops and completing increasingly complicated tasks. Successful progression requires players to improve their programs, discover more efficient methods and unlock additional technology. The mobile adaptation includes a specially designed touchscreen programming keyboard intended to make entering commands more comfortable without a physical keyboard.

Players can manipulate code, move the cursor and edit instructions through controls designed specifically for smartphones and tablets. The release also includes The Miner Was Replaced expansion, which introduces underground environments and additional automation challenges. The App Store lists the game as a free download with an optional purchase of approximately $8.99 to unlock the complete experience, although regional pricing may vary.

The November 2 date is supported by the developer's announcement and storefront listings, but worldwide availability at the exact editorial cutoff has not been independently confirmed. Apparently the agricultural industry has finally solved its labour shortage by replacing the farmer with a drone. Unfortunately, the drone still requires somebody to spend the afternoon debugging its instructions.