Planet Coaster 2's Silver Screen Pack is a testament to the art of theme park design, where the artists' vision comes to life through meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of the target audience. The pack, which launches on August 19, 2026, for $14.99 / £11.99, offers players the tools to build their own version of the golden age of cinema, from an old-school Art Deco cinema to glamorous studio backlots. The artists, Principal Concept Artist Jack Griffin and Senior Concept Artist Bryan van der Linden, reveal the journey behind the creation of the pack, from defining the era to balancing realism and exaggeration.
One of the key challenges was to take real-world references and squash them into Planet Coaster's chunky, playful style. Griffin and van der Linden had to figure out what makes an Art Deco building read instantly and how to merge a real-world art style with the game's existing aesthetic. They achieved this by focusing on recurring ideas in Art Deco architecture, such as tiering and stepped surfaces, and breaking down buildings into components to ensure a cohesive look.
The artists also had to consider the broader picture of how scenery and rides would work together as a complete cinematic experience. They designed doors and windows while sketching on top of mock-up buildings, created sets of pieces together, and broke them down into separate parts to ensure a seamless look. This attention to detail allowed them to create assets that could be used in multiple scenarios while still retaining a lot of fun and charm.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the project was seeing players take the assets and build something completely different from what the artists imagined. Griffin and van der Linden were constantly inspired by the creativity of the Planet Coaster community, which informed the next things they designed. They were particularly proud of the slot car ride, which nailed the era they were going for and looked glamorous with the right level of squishiness.
In conclusion, the creation of the Silver Screen Pack was a testament to the art of theme park design, where the artists' vision came to life through meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of the target audience. The pack offers players the tools to build their own version of the golden age of cinema, and the artists' journey behind the creation of the pack is a fascinating insight into the creative process.