It's not a game, it's an institution, but it appears to be a casualty of the recent Microsoft headcount reductions.
Microsoft Flight Simulator grew from humble origins to become a credible real world flight simulation platform, even the basis of some certified training systems. I have used it over the years to further my lifelong interest in Aviation and it's the only "game", since I can't find a decent Formula 1 simulator, that I try on new hardware.
I know "real pilots" who use it and credit it with me getting a "you're better than many VFR licensed pilots" review when I flew a professional instrument flight simulator. At that stage I'd only ever "flown" Microsoft Flight Sim! I can't believe this platform with it's large user base will be allowed to die, sad if it does.
The image shows Flight Simulator over Auckland City with a local scenery package.
The End Of An Era - Flight Sim Is No More :: Steve Lacey :: Random Thoughts
It really does appear that Microsoft has shutdown the ACES game studio and axed the entire staff. A lot of my friends are now looking for something else to do…
Microsoft Flight Simulator is dead.
Note: Steve Lacey formerly worked on Flight Simulator graphics, has been with Google for several years.
Confirmed: Microsoft Flight Sim studio closing - GameSpot Rumor Control
ZDNet's sources did not explicitly state whether the E&D reductions would be across the entire division or targeted at specific operations. The site also notes that it was unclear if these cuts would have any material impact on Microsoft's upcoming releases.
That being said, evidence suggests that Microsoft's profitable games group is not being spared. Gamasutra reports today that it has received word from a number of development sources that Microsoft has dismissed "a large portion" of its internally owned ACES Studio, which is responsible for the venerable Flight Simulator PC franchise. 2006's Flight Simulator X for the PC has sold more than 1 million units through December in the US, according to the NPD Group, making it far from an unsuccessful outing.
