Virtual photographyhas been gaining a lot of traction in recent years, spurred on by the growing trend of having photo modes that allow players to take photos inside of video game worlds. While some companies, like Activision, continue to resist major companies like Ubisoft have embraced the practice and regularly include photo modes in their games.AAA titles liketheAssassin’s Creedseries andRed Dead Redemption 2are popular choices for virtual photography, but it has also become widespread enough to also recognized by indie game studios.
Related:Why More Games Should Have Photo Modes Like Ghost of Tsushima
So naturally, it was exciting to find out Astrogen’s 2022 edition ofConstruction Simulatoralso came with its ownphoto mode. Although the game might not have the explosions orbig action scenesthat might be good shots in something likeRed Dead Redemption 2, it certainly has a lot of material for good photographs.
What Is Photo Mode?
“Photo mode” is feature thathas been growing increasingly common in a variety of games, and given rise to a popular activity known asvirtual photography. Although the precise range of options may vary between games, there are a few common patterns. Most photo modes can be activated by a simple command, usually by pressing a button or selecting an option in the pause menu.
When activated, the player is given access to a camera that can be moved freely, outside the confines of regular gameplay. This is often accompanied by a range of editing options such as depth-of-field, contrast, and filters. Once the shot is composed in a satisfactory manner, the player can then take the photo and share it as they see fit.
Activating Photo Mode
This is based on the control scheme for the PC version. Controls may vary on other platforms.
Construction Simulator’s photo mode is admittedly a bit harder to find thansome other games, and a new player could easily be forgiven for not realizing there is one at all. The first step to accessing photo mode is to open up thecontext menu.
On the PC version, this is done by pressing theFkey. Once open, there is an icon with a camera that needs to be selected. From there, several camera options are available including first person view andphoto mode. Simply click the photo mode option, and it is activated.
Photo Mode Interface
The photo mode controls can be a bit daunting at first, but are very straight forward once understood. Basic camera movements - forwards, backwards, and sideways - are done with theW,A,D, andSkeys. These are the same keys used for moving the player character.
Related:The Witcher 3: How to Use Photo Mode
Additionally, the camera can be moved up withctrland down withspace. Clicking and holding the left-mouse button allows the camera to be rotated.
Editing Options
Construction Simulatorcurrently has a few editing options that can be accessed via a window in the lower-right hand corner. These options are easy to use, as they all consist of sliders that can be adjusted with the mouse.
There are three tabs in the editing menu:
Once the shot is framed and edited, simply press theGto remove the menu and take the picture withF12.
Finding A Subject
Like real-life photography, virtual photography can have a variety ofsubjects across many different games. One photographer may enjoy doing portraits while another does landscapes and another does architecture. Virtual photography can include close-up shots of the player character, big action scenes, imposing shots of bosses, vehicles, even background NPCs or objects.
The real challenge is learning how to spot them. Just like real-life photography, there is no one “correct” set of subjects to photograph. However, it is possible to recommend some good places to start looking. In the case ofConstruction Simulator, there are some great places to get started.
Portraits are certainly doable in the game. A simple place to start might be experimenting with close-ups on the player character, or other NPCs encountered in the game. The player’s mentor Hape regularly appears and often stays in one place, making him a good target for photographs. Another great choice would be taking advantage of the numerous vehicles available to the player. Interesting equipment like bulldozers, forklifts, excavators, can be great photographs. This is especially true with pictures of them in the middle of a job. For instance, an excavator in the middle of digging makes a great action shot.
Finally, a virtual photographer may want to take advantage ofthis being a game about construction. Seeing as the game revolves around building things, a great use of virtual photography would be to show off the players' creations.
Construction Simulator (2022)is available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S.
