Might be easier to Google PC Pilot,the article is on their home page.
Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2014 9:43 am
by toprob
Ok, that's certainly livened up the forums! After the initial rumour stating that the licensee isn't someone we'd expect, I was a bit surprised -- it is exactly who I'd expect -- DLC-based sim experience + DLC-based Flight + FSX user-base + Steam pretty much equals Dovetail. It sounds like they are happy to run with Microsoft's plans of a DLC-based sim, so let's hope that they can keep committed long enough to make something new.
It does beg the question, though, are there any plans for Microsoft's abandoned train sim? They did release some nice previews of this, although I suspect it was still very early days. There was also talk of a world-simulator, which included both FS and TS. I'd love to be able to populate my airports with the people MS showed just before they shut down the train sim.
Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2014 9:51 am
by AdrianPetford
The deal appears to be two-fold. Dovetail to distribute an edition of FSX over Steam, plus a licencing deal on "Microsoft’s genre-defining flight technology" to develop new products. I fully expect the result to be a rebranded/enhanced MS Flight (as the most recent iteration of the engine) with new DLC, since this exactly reflects Dovetail's current business model with their Train Simulator line. The only difference is that unlike MS with Flight, Dovetail allows third party developers to produce TS content, albeit on very strict terms.
I am neither a fan of Steam or DLC-based platforms, but I do think FSX on Steam may ultimately be very beneficial to the community. It could potentially bring in huge numbers of new simmers to the hobby.
Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2014 10:15 am
by Ian Warren
They did say it was from a unique outsider with earlier post on FSX Ownership, with this and use of 'Steam' maybe we can get a quick fix for multiplay, in the day 'GameZone' did hold a specific arena were it simply was stable and quik to get into, FSX Ownership is inside everyone's play ground here in both ways so its going to be wait and look to see the group has something to really offer.
Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2014 10:16 am
by gojozoom
Hi guys,
I've been a big fan of their train "sim-game" (yes it's in-between) for quite some time now, due to the nice graphics, the atmosphere and the continuous development based on feedback from users.
However, as a conclusion, I'm afraid that this offering won't be targeted to hard-core simmers, and I see multiple reasons why:
1.) that market is getting covered by Prepar3D, and X-Plane, why would they try to compete? 2.) they seem to be focusing on the "feel" of the simulation, making it "light-weight" and enjoyable by all ages and groups 3.) they have a pretty smart framework called "Market Place" where users can share their creations (like repaints, soundsets, missions etc). It's accessible from the game making it very simple to acquire and test stuff. This servers the same purpose as the AVSIM, and Flightsim file libraries.
These are all assumptions based on my experience with them so take it with a pinch of salt.
It does beg the question, though, are there any plans for Microsoft's abandoned train sim? They did release some nice previews of this, although I suspect it was still very early days. There was also talk of a world-simulator, which included both FS and TS. I'd love to be able to populate my airports with the people MS showed just before they shut down the train sim.
Have to agree I would be very interested in an integrated transportation sim, especially based on the whole-world approach of FSX and MSTS2.
Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2014 10:31 am
by gojozoom
Not sure about MSTS but I'm aware that teh next big thing in train simulation is the new Trainz platform run as a kickstarter...
However, as a conclusion, I'm afraid that this offering won't be targeted to hard-core simmers, and I see multiple reasons why:
It dose give the biggies some direction , PMDG to look and aim at , they are looking at Xplane or least word on the forums , P3D
QUOTE
These are all assumptions based on my experience with them so take it with a pinch of salt.[/quote] Ill add the 'Pepper' to spice things up, they did say the company aiming at Flight Simulator was totally out off the blue months back with conjuncture, now with can of worms half pie open it will be very interesting what they come up with .
Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2014 10:46 am
by cowpatz
It is bitter sweet really. FSX is just being distributed by Dovetail so the code will not be developed. Flight on the other hand may be developed and it will be interesting to see where they go with this.
However, as a conclusion, I'm afraid that this offering won't be targeted to hard-core simmers, and I see multiple reasons why:
1.) that market is getting covered by Prepar3D, and X-Plane, why would they try to compete?
I'll have to disagree with this point. LM didn't get an entertainment license for it so can't market it as a game and some of their versions are astronomical in price. Coupled with this that very little is actually compatible with P3d it limits their market even more. Also some developers have said that they will not consider looking at developing for P3D further limiting their market. As for X-Plane it seems to be in the realm of you either like it or you don't, or you just can't be bothered trying it because your happy with FS9 or FSX, it's kind of a niche market.
FSX however is well established and built upon already with a good range of addons and developers already established. This makes it easier for Dovetail to continue FSX's already dominant flightsim role in the community without any real need to change much. Going via Steam they will probably look at micro transactions for addons through them at least but this is the way gaming is going and not just for the possible future for FSX, it is already widespread in MMO's, Watch Dogs, Assassin's Creed and is a good revenue streamer helping to ensure ongoing development of further addons or expansions to a product.
Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2014 11:31 am
by emfrat
I always wanted convergence of FS and TS, to provide a sort of 'Super-AI', but you would need a small Cray to run it I'm sure the bang-bang-shoot 'em-up crowd would love all those new targets, too
I always wanted convergence of FS and TS, to provide a sort of 'Super-AI', but you would need a small Cray to run it I'm sure the bang-bang-shoot 'em-up crowd would love all those new targets, too
Yes Ian would be toooooooo tempted to take out a Lancaster and try bomb my rail depot
As for X-Plane it seems to be in the realm of you either like it or you don't, or you just can't be bothered trying it because your happy with FS9 or FSX, it's kind of a niche market.
I think I maybe one off two close by to be looking at X-Plane but I yawned after four/five hours, what a frig mission to set up , and that's setting outta the box .. niche markets , I went through the lot of them Flight Unlimited I II III , FLY I II , maybe I'm a little cautious today.
Yes Ian would be toooooooo tempted to take out a Lancaster and try bomb my rail depot
Don't put ideas in my head ... and by the way .. Its Day light Bombing I like , bring out the A2A Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress , I like to see what I'm blowing up !
I always wanted convergence of FS and TS, to provide a sort of 'Super-AI', but you would need a small Cray to run it I'm sure the bang-bang-shoot 'em-up crowd would love all those new targets, too
Yes, I've always wanted to be able to take the railcar from Christchurch, cross the strait in the ferry, walk to the Caketin and watch a virtual rugby match, then take on the zombies at the Wellington railway station...
Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2014 12:06 pm
by Ian Warren
Happy ZOMBIE mode 1.45 seconds ... and people recon I have problems ... ROB the MOB morbidness ... On my shelf I have history .. Robs bookie is filled with the NEVER DEAD !
Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2014 8:59 am
Happy ZOMBIE mode 1.45 seconds ... and people recon I have problems ... ROB the MOB morbidness
