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

[Bricks]

Originally Posted by I/ZG52_Gaga

... the terain sucks ...

however ... flight model and the feel of it is quite detailed ..

Interesting. There are a lot of people here and on other boards who post the exact opposite.

[TeeJay82]

fsx has its ups and downs

[Motokiume]

Microsoft announced their new title "Microsoft Flight" in August 2010.

For more info see:
http://www.microsoft.com/games/flight/
and
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Flight

[Richie]

I just hope they don't come out with some crappy WWII Combat Flight sim that millions will buy ignoring SOW like they did with IL-2 buying CFS3 buy the truck loads

[IceFire]

Originally Posted by Richie

I just hope they don't come out with some crappy WWII Combat Flight sim that millions will buy ignoring SOW like they did with IL-2 buying CFS3 buy the truck loads

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

[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.

[The Kraken]

Originally Posted by Flying Pencil

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.

I don't think that whatever backlash there was had any impact on MS. It's simply that MS is completely erratic with their PC gaming strategy. When the FS team was disbanded there was a general wave of layoffs at MS, not just in games-related development areas. Recently now they stated they'd want to get back into the PC games area again, probably after seeing how successful Steam is. And I guess someone realized that MSFS had people buy addons (or "DLC" as it's called these days) for years already, way before this became the latest buzz in the industry. I have no doubt that the most important part of the LIVE integration of Microsoft Flight will be the in-game store for new planes and scenery.

Will be interesting to see how this turns out, until yet another change of strategy will happen

The biggest problem with a possible marketing campaign (here in North America, don't know about Europe and elsewhere) is that a publisher will look at SOW and say,

"Flight sim, what the heck do we do with this? These things make what? 1/3000th what a good FPS/Sports title does? I guess we could put a little 1/16th page ad in PC gamer, and maybe a pilot magazine or two."

If you want to move boxes you have to go big or go home. The problem with a lot of publishers is that their motto is, "nothing ventured nothing lost". They know the return on these games is small, and usually takes years to see full potential. Meanwhile they'll plaster Black OPS all over the Internet and TV because they know they will make back all that ad money in a matter of hours after release (sometimes before if pre-orders are strong).

There are three ways for a flight sim to do really well. . .

1. Huge first class ad campaign. Make some good printed ads, and a really nice TV spot, and have the game highly visible. Make this game look like it's not only realistic, but non-stop action as well. You've already sold the old farts this game years ago with this forum, you need to hook some of those younger ones who are deciding what to do with their $60. "Hmmm, madden 2011 or do I try something different?" It's those people on the fence you need to sell. This is where box art can also really make a difference. Look at Wings/Birds or Prey for a good example. I don't know how many people that introduced to flight sims. Make the cover look like a non-stop explosion fest.

2. Get some free advertising. Oleg is probably the most aware of how great the Battle of Britain Anniversary would have been if his sim was on the market. Lots of news and documentaries probably would have loved to include a blurb about the most realistic BOB simulator out there. Spring 2011, nothing to remind people about WWII air combat there.

3. Terrorists use your product to train on. Not all that likely since MS has that market cornered.