Sad news, it's the end of Flight Simulator.

[Flying Pencil]

Originally Posted by IceFire

Flight looks like a more casual flight "simulator" that is aimed at the civilian market only. Given the teaser video that we saw...

I overall agree with this idea.


Consider:
Late 2009 Microsoft announced massive layoffs of the Flight Sim dept, some day completely closure of that unit.
Mid 2010 MS announces a new sim, "MS Flight", which is LIVE enabled, and they emphasis more users inviting and friendly interface.


My opinion:
The huge backlash against MS over FSX further hurt MS's very sorry image. Eventually (after a few months, that is) the numskulls leading MS realized the screwed up and are starting MAJOR DAMAGE CONTROL.
HOWEVER, in trying to show people FS is not dead, they instead make it ARCADE like, IOW, not really a Sim anymore.

"LIVE" is service to make it easier for players to connect, which is OK in a way.
However I think MS will make FS default to a super easy to fly mode to get more players in on it. I am sure players can crank up the realism, it may put off the core of the FS community.

Why?
Game consoles are domination the game market, but I have yet to see the type of quality Fight Sim / True Air Combat on that platform.
I am sure MS saw its FSX product decline in sales and decided it was no longer worth investing, but then decided, finally, it was a really stupid idea...
BUT they where smart enough to see they had to change how it was accessed.

The question is, will MS crash and burn, or make something worthy? Given MS track record, odds not good.