A full version of Small Game Seasons™ would expand far beyond the core elements demonstrated in the proof of concept, unlocking new features and simulation capabilities. With a wealth of ideas and possibilities, this wing-shooting simulator could evolve to align with modern simulation game titles, offering diverse scenarios and rich content—whether as part of the base game or through DLC expansions.
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While features, content and systems may evolve, preserving the immersive ambiance and natural lighting crafted with Unreal Engine 5 as well as the core simulation demonstrated in the POC remain a key priority.
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The following are examples of what a full game version could bring to life, while preserving the essence of what makes S.G.S unique: a dedicated bird-hunting and wing-shooting simulation crafted specifically for real bird hunters and enthusiasts alike.​
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Advanced Simulation Features
& DLC Additions
Many of the feature and DLC concepts explored here are familiar within the hunting game genre. However, what sets Small Game Seasons apart is its focus on wingshooting and bird hunting simulation, delivering content technically tailored to this niche.
By integrating additional elements (DLC) inspired by modern games—tailored specifically for bird hunting enthusiasts—S.G.S could evolve into a distinct and specialized experience, blending authentic simulation with expandable content. Strategic partnerships with brands specializing in bird hunting, wingshooting gear, associations, and bird hunting publications could further enhance the authenticity and depth of the simulation, providing a stronger connection to the real-world bird hunting community.
GAME BIRDS ACROSS CONTINENTS
The selection of game bird species could be expanded based on continent and destination, offering a diverse range of hunting experiences. It would feature both locally permitted game birds and migratory species, ensuring authenticity while reflecting regional hunting regulations and environments.
North America​
Upland Game Birds​​​
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Grouse Species
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Quail Species
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Partridges Species
- American Woodcock
- Ring-necked Pheasant
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Mourning Dove
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Wilson’s Snipe
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Waterfowl Game Birds
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Duck Species
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Geese Species
South America​
Upland Game Birds​​​
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Quail Species
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Perdiz Species
- Dove & Pigeon Species
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Waterfowl Game Birds
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Duck Species
Europe​
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Upland Game Birds​​​
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Grouse & Capercaillie Species
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Quail Species
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Partridges Species
- Ring-necked Pheasant
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Dove & Pigeon Species
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Eurasian Woodcock
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Snipe Species
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Thrush Species
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Waterfowl Game Birds
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Duck Species
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Geese Species
Asia, Africa & Middle-East​
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Sand Grouse Species
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Quail & Francolin Species
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Partridges Species
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Guineafowl Species
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Dove & Pigeon Species
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Snipe Species
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Eurasian Woodcock
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Thrush Species
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Waterfowl Game Birds
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Duck Species
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Geese Species
Enhancing Game Birds Behavior & Reactions Shown in the POC
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Enhanced Flight Patterns & Speeds – Birds exhibit authentic flight behavior, closely mimicking real-world movement and velocity.
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Improved Hunter Awareness – Birds react more intelligently to the presence of hunters, adapting behavior based on proximity, movement, and environmental factors.
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Advanced Spooking & Shot Reaction – Game birds develop a refined sensitivity to gunshots, responding dynamically by adjusting their escape patterns.
Seasonal & Environmental Influences on Game Birds
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Distinct Male & Female Game Birds – Male and female variations for each species, showcasing differences in size, plumage, and behavior to enhance authenticity in the hunting experience.
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Bird Size Variation Across Age Ranges – Game birds grow and develop through distinct life stages, with juveniles, sub-adults, and fully mature birds displaying variations in size, weight, and physical characteristics.
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Biome & habitat dependence – Birds appear based on specific environments within each destination.
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Dynamic Daily & Seasonal Behavior – Bird activity shifts throughout the day and across seasons, influencing migration routes, feeding, and resting spots.
Migratory Bird Dynamics Simulation
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Larger Flocks – Increased bird numbers per flock enhance realism while ensuring smooth game performance, maintaining a balanced experience without compromising optimization.
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Seasonal population shifts – Bird populations and movement vary by season and location.
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Passage timing – Species migrate through different regions at specific times.
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Resting & feeding sites – Birds stop at designated locations along their migration paths.
Wood Pigeon flock from The S.G.S Prototype (POC)
Virtual Destination App (Wing Quest) from The S.G.S Prototype (POC)
More Regional Destinations & Hunting Trips
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Authentic Hunting Locations – Destinations linked to the game birds of their respective regions could be featured as default options or introduced through DLC expansions.
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In-Game Hunting Trips & Packages – Players could earn in-game credits and points to unlock specific hunting trips in different countries, enhancing progression and realism.​
World Map & Regional Regulations
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Interactive Global Map – A dynamic map displaying acquired destinations, complete with essential details on local hunting regulations, quotas, and available game bird species.
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Realistic Seasonal Influence – Regulations and game populations could change based on seasons, ensuring an immersive and evolving experience.
Dynamic Weather vs Birds Behavior & Enhanced Environmental Effects
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Bird Behavior Adaptation – Birds react dynamically to weather changes—seeking shelter during storms or becoming more active in favorable conditions.
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Weather-Influenced Migration – Seasonal and climatic factors alter migration patterns, affecting bird passage timing and availability.
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Real-Time Weather Data Integration – The game could pull live weather conditions from actual regional data, allowing players to experience dynamic atmospheric changes that realistically influence bird behavior and hunting conditions.
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Dynamic Seasonal Change – Rather than selecting from fixed months, hunters can choose a specific date within the hunting season to experience the gradual transition of nature throughout fall.
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Environmental Sound Realism – Enhanced audio design capturing wind, distant shots, rustling foliage, and the calls of various bird species.
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Multiplayer Bird Hunting, AI-controlled virtual hunters & Safety System
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Cooperative Hunting Expeditions – Players can team up for hunting trips, coordinating strategies and sharing the experience in real-time.
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Live Virtual Destinations – Online hubs where players can visit regions already populated with active hunters, fostering an interactive hunting environment.
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Safety & Ethical Hunting Mechanics – Players must respect hunting safety rules, maintaining proper distances and applying best practices. Careless aiming or firing impacts score, rewarding responsible behavior.
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Player-Led Bird Hunting Expeditions – Host and guide hunts for other players, building a reputation as a skilled hunter within online communities.
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AI-Controlled Hunting Companions – In solo sessions, intelligent virtual hunters simulate the presence of a full hunting party, enhancing realism, atmosphere, and coordinated drives without requiring other players. These AI hunters can also represent individuals outside the player's group, helping promote safety awareness by requiring players to identify targets carefully and maintain proper firing zones.
More Advanced Shotgun Ballistics Simulation
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Kinetic Shooting Mechanics – True-to-life shotgun movement based on real-world swing mechanics, rewarding correct shot placement techniques.
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Enhanced Shot Size & Velocity Mechanics – More accurate ballistic modeling for different shot types, such as lead vs. steel, with distinct velocity and penetration properties.
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Environmental Factors & Wind Dynamics – Wind speed, direction, and atmospheric conditions affecting shot trajectory and effectiveness.
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Refined Ballistic Behavior – Improved physics simulation to reflect real-world pellet spread, range impact, and penetration dynamics across varying conditions.
Concept mockup of a virtual shotgun camera, showcasing its potential functionality. A partnership with a real-world brand could enhance authenticity within the simulator.
Virtual Shotgun Camera & Shot Analytics
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A Built-in Virtual Shotgun Camera – Players can review the recorded shots in slow motion, analyzing precision and technique.
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Detailed Shot Analytics & Recommendations – Data-driven insights display lead, shot placement, trajectory, and effectiveness, offering tips for improvement.
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Shot Library & Community Sharing – Save recorded shots to a personal library, and share standout moments or technique breakdowns through a community-driven portal for feedback, discussion, and friendly competition.
Potential Partnership – Integration with real-world shooting camera technology for an authentic experience and advanced training possibilities.
Virtual Licensing & Bird Hunting Ethics System
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Earnable Small Game Hunting Licenses – Players complete virtual courses and tests to earn their hunting licenses, simulating real-world education and requirements.
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Harvest and Hunting Declarations – Players declare harvested species and counts by placing forms in designated boxes at the entrance or exit of hunting areas. This mechanic promotes awareness of ethical hunting practices and reinforces the importance of responsible harvest reporting.
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Behavior-Based License System – Hunting behavior directly impacts licensing status, encouraging responsible and ethical gameplay.
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Achievement & Best Practice Rewards – Players gain or lose credits and points based on their achievements, adherence to hunting ethics, and overall conduct in-game.
Ethical Bird Hunting & Conservation Education
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Promoting Responsible Bird Hunting Practices – Encouraging ethical methods to ensure sustainable game bird populations by respecting bag limits.
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Respecting Hunting Seasons & Ethical Wildlife Management – Educates players on the importance of following seasonal hunting rules and protecting out-of-season species.
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Developing Bird Identification Skills – Helps hunters recognize game birds while avoiding protected species, reinforcing accurate identification and conservation efforts.
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Raising Awareness on Poaching & Wildlife Conservation – Educates players on the real-world impacts of illegal hunting and the importance of protecting species.
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Expanding Gun Dog Breeds & Training System
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Diverse Dog Breeds Available via DLC – Players can acquire various gun dog breeds, including both pointers and retrievers, each with specialized hunting roles.
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Sophisticated Behavior & Skill Simulation – Every dog species exhibits unique abilities and traits, enhancing realism and strategic gameplay.
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User-Driven Training System – Players can train their dogs over time, improving their hunting efficiency.
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Performance-Based Rewards – Well-trained dogs contribute to success, earning points and rewards for their hunters based on their skill execution.
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Voice-Controlled Dog Commands – Players can issue commands to their dogs using voice input (optional), adding immersion and hands-free tactical control. Dogs respond to a range of contextual commands with effectiveness improving through training and familiarity.
AI Generated Concept
Expanding Customization & Simulation Settings
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More Granular Simulation Preferences – Players can fine-tune realism levels, adjusting mechanics for either an authentic simulation or a more accessible experience.
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Customizable HUD – Users can personalize the interface by adding or removing gauges and information, tailoring the display to their preferences and playstyle.
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Hunting Journals & Photo Mode – Players can document their expeditions with a built-in journal and camera, capturing key moments for reference or trophies.
3D Bird Hunting Guide, Game Warden & Gamekeeper Based on Location
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Immersive Regional Hunting Guide – A fully animated 3D character provides expert hunting insights tailored to the player's current location.
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Real-Time Hunting Tips & Strategies – Guides offer valuable advice on local bird species, best hunting techniques, and environmental considerations.
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Dynamic Interaction & Adaptive Dialogue – The guide responds based on player progress, season, and regional conditions, creating an engaging, personalized experience.
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Cultural & Regional Authenticity – Characters reflect local hunting traditions, ensuring immersion and realism in various destinations.
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Game Warden or Conservation Officer Encounters – Regional wildlife officers may check bag limits and ensure ethical hunting, adding a layer of realism and accountability.
AI Generated Image
AI Generated Image
Sporting Clays 3D Virtual Instructor
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Interactive Training System – A virtual 3D/AI instructor guides players through sporting clays techniques, offering coaching tailored to skill level and progression.
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Dynamic Feedback & Shot Analysis – Players receive real-time performance feedback, including shot placement insights, aiming tips, and movement corrections.
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Scenario-Based Drills & Challenges – Structured training exercises simulate various sporting clays courses, helping players refine their instincts and accuracy.
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Personalized Coaching Adjustments – The instructor adapts guidance based on player tendencies, encouraging improvement through customized recommendations.
Shotgun, Ammunition & Equipment DLCs
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Additional Firearm & Ammunition Options – Expanding available shotgun models and ammunition types through DLCs, offering more variety tailored to different hunting scenarios.
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Decoys & Callers – Various species-specific decoys and game calls designed to attract birds hunted using these methods.
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Blinds & Camouflage Gear – Concealment options tailored to different environments, ensuring stealth and strategic positioning when relevant.
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​Specialized Hunting Equipment & Accessories – Includes essential gear such as safety vests, red dot sights, and other bird hunting tools that enhance realism, safety, and accuracy in the simulation.
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Destination-Related Vehicles – SUVs, trucks, UTVs, and ATVs help bird hunters navigate and explore larger areas within each destination.
Hunter Customization & Functional Hunting Apparel (DLCs)
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Personalized Character Customization – Even in first-person mode, players can customize their hunter's avatar and appearance for a more immersive experience.
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Hunting Apparel Tailored to Environments – Specific clothing styles adapted to different hunting types, ensuring realism and functional camouflage.
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DLC Options for Gear & Style Expansions – Additional outfits and accessories available through DLC, allowing players to personalize their hunting identity.
AI Generated Image
Potential collaborations with leading hunting and outdoor brands to enhance realism, cultural relevance, and player immersion:
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Shotgun Manufacturers – Authentic in-game representations of iconic over/under and side-by-side shotguns from renowned makers, featuring accurate models, handling, and sound design.
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Ammunition Brands – Licensing real shell brands and ballistic properties to simulate different load performances, enhancing the realism of birdshot behavior and hunter choice.
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Hunting Apparel & Gear – Integration of branded field wear, vests, boots, and accessories from premium hunting brands to reflect real-world equipment choices across styles, environments, and climates.
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Accessories – Potential collaborations with makers of realistic bird hunting gear, including: Shotgun-mounted cameras, Game callers, Dog beeper and GPS collars, Field bags, cartridge belts, and game carriers, Decoys and concealment gear.
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Estate Sponsorship & Conservation Partners – Possible in-game representation of real shooting estates or conservation organizations to highlight ethical hunting practices and biodiversity efforts.
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Event Tie-Ins – Seasonal content updates or in-game events sponsored by partner brands to simulate sporting clays clubs and tournaments, or limited-edition gear drops inspired by real-world game fairs.
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Wild Game Cuisine Partners – Integration of authentic game bird recipes from renowned wild game chefs or cookbooks, highlighting the culinary tradition of upland and migratory bird hunting. Could include field-to-table video segments, or in-game recipe cards tied to successful hunts.
Fictional gear brands featured in the demo to illustrate potential partnership opportunities and in-game branding integration.
The user interfaces and menus in the full version of S.G.S would offer a deeper and more immersive experience, while avoiding the high-tech aesthetic of modern game UIs. Instead, the design preserves the spirit of elegant upland hunting publications and the simplicity of 1990s video game interfaces.
UI/UX Vision: Richer Interactivity Across Screens
In the full game vision of S.G.S, the UIs become a dynamic hub where players interact with and customize their hunting setup. On the main screen, for instance, gear items on the table are interactive and update visually in real time as players make selections. Equipment can be default or expanded through optional DLC.
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Destination App (Wing Quest) – Each destination offers deeper interactivity, including terrain previews, seasonal birds, local regulations, and hunting styles.
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Shotgun Selection – Swap the current shotgun with other field-ready models, each reflecting authentic form, feel, and function.
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Ammunition – Select shell types based on performance specs and ethical hunting considerations.
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Chokes & Shotgun Accessories – Select from available choke types and optional add-ons to swap in the field based on hunting needs.
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Game Bird Calls – Select authentic bird calls, each matched to species and hunting context, to use strategically in the field.
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Small Game Hunting Licenses – Licenses tied to each destination are acquired through courses or quizzes based on real regulations, promoting responsible hunting.
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Devices & Wearables – Equip a GPS, dog-tracking device, or watch — each one displayed on your gear layout and usable in the field.
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Functional Hunting Apparel – Select clothing based on destination and season — choices affect immersion and may influence stealth or comfort.
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Hunter’s Handbook – A built-in manual offering best practices, ethical guidelines, and simulation insights tailored to S.G.S.
In-Game HUD
Similar to the menu screens, the Heads-Up Display (HUD) in the full version of S.G.S would offer enhanced customization options—such as choosing between icons or text—and feature dynamic motion design along with adjustable interface elements. This flexibility enables players to tailor the HUD to their individual preferences, resulting in a more accessible, immersive, and personalized gameplay experience.​​
The HUD in the S.G.S Prototype features an accessible and clean layout, providing a foundation that can be enhanced with greater customization and dynamic display elements.