Let's look at things from a different perspective, namely from what could be Microsoft's point of view. If we do, perhaps the most critical questions concerning the future of Microsoft's FS9, FSX and FLIGHT might be:1. Will MS stop producing and selling retail copies of FSX? After all, it can't be a very big market for them anymore, and it is the nearest thing there is to a FLIGHT competitor. The resultant shrinking market would kill FSX as a secure investment for users and addon investors.2. Will MS keep renewing FS9 and FSX licenses as needed for reinstallations? Can they raise the bar of proof of ownership to such a level that makes it increasingly difficult to register the product? Such an act can be easily represented as another layer of security to combat piracy.3. Will Windows 8 support FS9 and FSX, or will MS use the new OS to make sure that many past, unprofitable product doors are slammed shut and locked? It is a perfect oportunity to have a fresh start that paves the way for FLIGHT's and other refreshed product's future.4. Since both FS9 and FSX belong to MS, and only to MS, what is in their best marketing and financial interest? Perhaps it all depends whether of not MS feels an obligation to continue to cater to an increasingly marginal, hostile group of people like you and me, for free.Kind regards,

Edited January 4, 201214 yr by SpiritFlyer

Well Stephen,I've got a nicely balanced WindowsXP system running FSX and no intentionof shutting down... MS support not required.The bigger news to me is that Flight will supposedly run on WindowsXP - nowthat is a nice piece of news!And lastly, there is always P3D to migrate to if they make it attractive enough!

Hey Stephen,Some good points but I seriously doubt Microsoft would shut down FSX/FS9. They have already made more than they predicted when FSX was first released. Closing down the ACES studios shows they could care less whether FSX continues or not and they are just pleasantly pleased it continued for as long as it has now. If they want to shut down FSX (and maybe force us to use Flight), they could just simply stop the activation processes for FS9/FSX. They won't and I predict we'll enjoy many more product addons for FSX just like the flight simmers who stayed with FS9. Best regards,Jim

If they stopped the activation process I think all hell would break loose. They would have to give you back your money or provide another way to insure the product can be installed and run.Bob

If they ever attempted to lock us out,I would hope everyone that has ever visited these forum's, would join in a class action lawsuit against Microsoft

Edited January 5, 201214 yr by BIGSKY

FSX is alive and well and I'm looking forward to the Malibu.I have way TOO MUCH invested in payware add-ons to consider starting all over. So in a way, I'm glad and not surprised. MS has an uncanny ablity to disappoint. :(

Edited January 5, 201214 yr by DJJose

FSX is alive and well and I'm looking forward to the Malibu.I have way TOO MUCH invested in payware add-ons to consider starting all over. So in a way,I'm glad but not surprised. MS has an uncanny ablity to disappoint. :(

+1

I have way TOO MUCH invested in payware add-ons to consider starting all over. So in a way,I'm glad but not surprised. MS has an uncanny ablity to disappoint.

+1

I said just a week ago that MS wouldn't do this, man, I can't believe how wrong I was. They're taking a gamble that flight sim veterans will start all over. Bad gamble, long live FSX!

I don't think we have to worry about FS9, considering it's 'obsolete and discontinued' software, therefore not bound by Registration like FSX needs.I would think Microsoft would stop producing and distributing any more copies (and licensing keys) for FSX and let the retailers stock on hand run out.Personally, I'm like those out there who use FS9 with XP, and have no intentions of upgrading soon; I'm just starting to get FS9 looking the way I want itto, anyway! BTW... my local computer store has FSX Gold (I think) for $29.99. If I was to buy it for archiving, what else do I need for a 'complete' installation?(This is, of course if I win the CO Lottery, or hit the Lotto... )Alan :(

Edited January 5, 201214 yr by ViperPilot

It seems to me that MS will likely not take any overt steps to shut FSX down, but that they will quietly let their FSX DVD stock deplete until gone. Any new operating systems won't likely enhance FS9 and FSX, and may perhaps even lower their compatibility a bit. They are not stupid enough to intentionally provoke us, would they? Kind regards,

Well Stephen, M$ stabbed us in the back when the disbanded Aces. I would not trust them to the garden gate. Ironic that I type this on a M$ keyboard :)

I have seriously mixed feelings. I realize that they (and we) must bring new people into the hobby if we are to continue to have the means to enjoy it. I remember the first time I tried to fly a default Cessna and could not land it if my life depended upon it. Everyone has to start somewhere, and the vast majority of people do not want to start where we are now at. I cringe at the arcade gimmicks but perhaps that is what is needed to build a following at first. I am going to have to reflect on all of this for awhile and consider a lot of different factors from various vantage points before I make a final judgment on FLIGHT. To be honest, I am a lot more open minded than I expected to be. Perhaps if it is successful, FLIGHT will develope into something we can live with, and may even come to enjoy, if we become a positive part of defining the solution instead of another aspect of FLIGHT's problems. I don't know...Kind regards,

I have seriously mixed feelings. I realize that they (and we) must bring new people into the hobby if we are to continue to have the means to enjoy it. I remember the first time I tried to fly a default Cessna and could not land it if my life depended upon it. Everyone has to start somewhere, and the vast majority of people do not want to start where we are now at. I cringe at the arcade gimmicks but perhaps that is what is needed to build a following at first. I am going to have to reflect on all of this for awhile and consider a lot of different factors from various vantage points before I make a final judgment on FLIGHT. To be honest, I am a lot more open minded than I expected to be. Perhaps if it is successful, FLIGHT will develope into something we can live with, and may even come to enjoy, if we become a positive part of defining the solution instead of another aspect of FLIGHT's problems. I don't know...Kind regards,

Hi Stephen,I agree somewhat BUT right now Flight is NOT a whole package like FSX/FS9/FS2K2 etc., when they were first released. You had several different aircraft to fly and many areas of the world to fly in. You could even import several previous versions of aircraft and scenery to add to the enjoyment. Maybe, once Flight becomes a whole package, I may jump in but the concept of having to join Windows Live to play their game makes me want to vomit and gives me great pause....Best regards,Jim

It certainly looks like a dismal beginning, especially in public relations and building on an existing community base. Nothing is as short sighted as burning all your bridges when you are stuck on an island (pun intended). However it is still very early in the beta testing process and the FLIGHT team still have several months to refine and refurbish the final release product, as well as redirect any follow up content. There could possibly be a lot of positive changes yet if experienced FSX and FS9 simmers can get their points across in a positive and persuasive manner. Do I like what I see at this point? Can't really disclose that. :Secret:Kind regards,

Edited January 5, 201214 yr by SpiritFlyer