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Microsoft Layoffs Hit MS Flight Simulator Studio (Update: Studio Closed, Series to Continue)
by Nick Breckon, Jan 23, 2009 1:52pm PSTUpdate: Microsoft has confirmed that the ACES studio, the team responsible for the Flight Simulator series, has been closed.
However, a Microsoft spokesman did confirm that the series will continue, saying: "We are committed to the Flight Simulator franchise which has proven to be a successful PC based game for the last 27 years."
Original story: Today's wide-ranging industry layoffs have even extended to one of the industry's stalwarts, with some Gamasutra sources claiming that much of, if not the entire Microsoft Flight Simulator team has been let go.
Microsoft earlier today announced that it would eliminate up to 5,000 jobs due to "the further deterioration of global economic conditions."
The Flight Simulator PC franchise began in 1982 following the release of subLOGIC's Flight Simulator 1.00, and has since become a Microsoft standard. The most recent edition, Flight Simulator X, was released in 2006. No word yet on what this means for the future of the Flight Simulator series.
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I own L4D on 360 and PC and prefer playing it on PC, the crowd is older and more helpfull. PC gaming takes some dedication, anyone can fire up a console and game. Not everyone can deal with driver problems and make something happen.
I used to think most gamers were PC literate, at my late 20's age I realized that about 60-70% are not, so no wonder most people I meet are suprised by my new XBOX360 dashboard.
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I did get to go flying in a Piper Warrior last November; it was awesome: http://the_archvile.shackspace.com/20081121_lexington.jpg As long as I didn't get queasy, I really loved looking down at the ground from a few thousand feet in the air.
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It performed poorly when it was released, and it performs poorly today. The visual improvements over FS9 were negligible. The DX10 support was a friggin JOKE, which is and should be considered incredible embarrassing for a Microsoft studio. The internet integration was haphazard and poorly supported, with independent mods for FS9 still superior in functionality and compatibility.
It's been a boondoggle for years. If they come out with a new team, I'll consider this worth it.
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The series started out on the Apple ][, of all things
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Microsoft_Flight_Simulator
Obviously there's probably no code from that original version in Flight Simulator X, but what's the oldest code in FSX? Did they substantially rewrite this entire thing every few years or did some of the code from the old DOS versions make it all the way to 2006?
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I am getting to the age where Flight Simulators start gaining appeal, and had even planned to buy the next Flight Simulator and a Joystick when it came out. I guess I'll have to buy FSX instead, which is fine since I've heard it's great, but still. :(
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Microsoft has been trying to get out of internal game development ever since Ed Fries left and Shane Kim took over.
While external game development may cost more on a per-title basis, the overall liability for Microsoft Game Studios is reduced and the write-offs for losses are a lot easier to handle and absorb under GAAP.
http://www.shacknews.com/screenshots.x?gallery=11350&game_id=#img130369 ! I had no idea what any of the instrument panel meant so I ignored it. Very fond memories of that game.
http://www.pibmug.com/files/wideview.jpg
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I sure hope it's just a rumor.