If memory serves me, prior to the release of "Flight" there were some statements in regards to third parties and their participation on the MS DLC store. The gist was that they (TP) would not be able to sell their own products on their websites (or other markets like Simmarket, Avsim, etc), and that the entire transaction, including purchase, patching and delivery would be exclusively thru MS. Assuming that is the case, and a third party signs up with MS, would that exclusivity also preclude them from selling FSX addons? For example, if Carenado sells a Cessna 172 for Flight, would MS allow them to continue to sell a Cessna 172 for FSX? Doesn't seem like it would be in their best interest. Hope a third party can divulge some clarification on this (if they are able to).Thanks!

Not an issue now, as MS has locked out 3rd party addons for now. If they do open it up, if they still require them to give up their IP rights, I doubt they'll be that many (if any) that will sign up. I think FSX addons will continue to be developed by them for at least a few more years, as long as there is still a market for it.

For example, if Carenado sells a Cessna 172 for Flight, would MS allow them to continue to sell a Cessna 172 for FSX?

Ok, that's a very good question, one I hadn't thought of. If Microsoft had told a certain develper that not only couldn't they market their Flight addons outside of Microsoft, and also told them they couldn't make a competing product for FSX (or use the same models etc), I could understand why they might be upset.Other third party developers (check the credits for names of people you recognize) have been willing to work with Microsoft on this. You just have to understand that Microsoft buys ALL the rights in return for the royalties they pay.Hook

Other third party developers (check the credits for names of people you recognize) have been willing to work with Microsoft on this. You just have to understand that Microsoft buys ALL the rights in return for the royalties they pay.

Precisely - there has been much critisism of MS not working with 3PD's in Flight - I do not think that has been the case at all, I think they obviously have been, and still are - just not in the manner many FSX users are accustomed to and would like to see. But to say they threw the 3PD's out the window, is probably not accurate.

But to say they threw the 3PD's out the window, is probably not accurate.

Yep. See it the same. Though I really hope to have one day in the future a PMDG NGX in flight. Imagine a nice approach into Maui, possibly bundled with a passenger job. I'd be even willing to pay 20bucks more for the NGX then which might help them to offset the MS share they take from sales which should be enough to close the gap. Now if they only find an agreement on the IPR but also here I am confident they come to a solution, just a matter of time.

Even if MS want 3pds to start developing addons for Flight, I really dont know which developer group will accept MS's terms and conditions. Just imagine contract where 3pd developer do not claim any credits, do not create addons for other simulations, do not actually own what they produced. There are no clear-mind developer who would accept that.So I really think there is no anyone who want to work with MS.

Remember that Flight is still a very young platform. If MS decides to change something in the sim's core, they may break addons that were previously sold. I think the current approach they have chosen to market DLC is to ensure that they can make changes to the core without the need to look at backwards compatibility.I don't know if that will ever change, but I could at least imagine that they open up Flight for third party aircraft. Because, unlike scenery addons, these are rather isolated and one addon rarely breaks the other.However, if they ever choose to let 3PDs into Flight, I think they will still want to have a veto before content is published. Just like Apple does...

Even if MS want 3pds to start developing addons for Flight, I really dont know which developer group will accept MS's terms and conditions. Just imagine contract where 3pd developer do not claim any credits, do not create addons for other simulations, do not actually own what they produced. There are no clear-mind developer who would accept that.So I really think there is no anyone who want to work with MS.

It is my understanding some already have - now I do not know all the names, but I believe some in here have already recognized some of them in the credits for Flight.And I suspect IF Flight succeeds and continues to grow, more will want to reconsider their view on this.

I think, like most stuff associated with Flight, that there is some (very uninformed) wild speculation going on, and that MS may/will allow 3pd into it, and before three years, too...I also think that if they can pull it together to fill it up with detailed DLC (stuff more than a no-click cockpit and some empty streets) that Flight may not need 3pd in the same sense that FSX does..They want our dollar, be sure of that LOLbestjake

I just know that some major developers disclosed some of informations about potential contract conditions. I do not like that conditions at all and would never sign my name on that contract. But, thats just me...

I think, like most stuff associated with Flight, that there is some (very uninformed) wild speculation going on, and that MS may/will allow 3pd into it, and before three years, too...I also think that if they can pull it together to fill it up with detailed DLC (stuff more than a no-click cockpit and some empty streets) that Flight may not need 3pd in the same sense that FSX does..They want our dollar, be sure of that LOL

You. Hit. Nail. On. Head.Folks, we don't know what "terms and conditions" might be attached to any 3rd party agreement, because MSGS hasn't made that information public yet.Nor have the two 3rd parties who've made their decision to not participate disclosed precisely what "terms and conditions" they objected to, only that they did object to "something..."So far, some people have looked at the existing X-Box developer's agreement and have "assumed" that the conditions for Flight 3d party development might possibly be the same. Again, we simply do not know if this is true!

I just know that some major developers disclosed some of informations about potential contract conditions.

To me that is the major reason as for why there is so much user resentment, confusion and misinformation; we only know “some information” from their side and close to none from MS, I presume the whole story is somewhere, but not available to us.For now and for the future well-being of Flight I hope everybody comes to terms, so that us, the end users can settle down and enjoy our hobby.

To me that is the major reason as for why there is so much user resentment, confusion and misinformation; we only know “some information” from their side and close to none from MS, I presume the whole story is somewhere, but not available to us.

Indeed , there are always two sides to a record, well cd now I guess. Not sure about digital downloads as we have now, guess they take no sides!Two sides for every story - and what has been publically mentioned is one side only, by a relatively very few - I think 2 were mentioned...I think all should be patient and see what develops down the road. And I will go even so far to say that all flight sim lovers, especially lovers of MSFS over the years, get behind and show support for Flight, whether you agree with it's path or not - lend your support! I realize and understand some do not want to do that, will not do that, as they feel it sends MS the wrong message that the path they have chosen is the right one - and these same do not feel that to be the path it should go. And the ONLY reason I say that - gang, this may be the last best hope for the MSFS franchise. Many thought it was over after the closing and disbanding of the Aces studio. With Flight, we have the hope that the franchise will continue. IF it is not successful, if MS decides that it will never be successful, then there may never be another flight sim put out by MS. And that will indeed be the end of the franchise. At least any offerings from MS. Will another rise to the occasion and get to the level that MS did , or can? That is a wildcard that remains to be seen. We know MS can do it, that there is no doubt.So while you may not agree, while you may refuse to even try it, while you may have tried it but much prefer FSX and have no intention of flying Flight - show some support - at the very least, email the Flight Team - in a courteous manner - expressing your desire for the things you DO want to see in the sim...While Flight may be a tough and bitter pill to swallow for some - it may be one that is required to be taken, to get the franchise where the bulk of us serious flight simmers want it to be. And then we all win.

Without a public SDK there will be NO freeware. That's very informed, non speculating and 100% true.And with all that protection, checksums and legal stuff there will not even be a non official SDK.

No freeware is an astonishing blunder by MS, as they did not do their homework. Freeware developers pioneered many new features subsequently advanced even further by payware companies. There is a very good chance MS will control the game right into the bargain bin at Best Buy.Bob