Did DTG purchase the Train Simulator 'franchise' in a similar way as Flight Simulator from Microsoft? ... or how did that work?

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dovetail_Games

 

 

but the engine is clearly dated. However I'll admit I don't own the game.

 

As a DX11 game with moving shadows in the (VC) etc. etc. hardly a dated engine compared to FSX. Also I note you don't own the game ... end of credibility. 

Also I note you don't own the game ... end of credibility. 

 

Well i do, i have owned every release from TS 2012 i would seriously struggle to tell the difference between the first release and the current 2015 offering.

 

Have a look at this video, while it's basically supposed to be 'funny' it shows numerous bugs (not addressed since release 2012) and limitations of the graphics engine, nice floating houses, bridges to nowhere.

 

 

Also worth watching from the same guy:

 

 

They look almost the same save for some slight graphic enhancements

 

For those who're still confused, this rather simple statement from Dovetail Games seems pretty darn clear and unambiguous.......

 

We have a license to re=release FSX on Steam and this does not extend to making product improvements. Ultimately overall direction for the product remains with Microsoft.

 

If that's the case, then what can they possibly release in less than a year?? :huh:

Nerd 3's increasing deliriousness in the video rather proves the point. In that since TS2012 serious bugs have not been addressed.

Expect FSX's menus to be dressed up a little and that's your lot! Except having to pay through the nose for every little add on paint job etc.

Yes, but if Dovetail Games do not have a license to make any improvements to FSX (other than a few bug fixes), then what on Earth are they intending to release? An entirely new flight simulator using the "Microsoft Flight Simulator" franchise name?? I really don't get it.

Yes, but if Dovetail Games do not have a license to make any improvements to FSX (other than a few bug fixes), then what on Earth are they intending to release? An entirely new flight simulator using the "Microsoft Flight Simulator" franchise name?? I really don't get it.

In the same way they fanfared the release of TS2015 as something new and exciting. Dressing up the menus is all they can do. Ummmm hasn't thet already been done for FS9 for free on avsim methinks!!

Are they even allowed to "dress up the menus"?

Yes, but if Dovetail Games do not have a license to make any improvements to FSX (other than a few bug fixes), then what on Earth are they intending to release? An entirely new flight simulator using the "Microsoft Flight Simulator" franchise name?? I really don't get it.

Not the name. They have a license to use the 'flight simulator technology' to produce their own, unique "flying game". In other words, they have access to and permission to use code for their own product.

 

Keep in mind that we are discussing two discrete events: relaunch of FSX+A on Steam, and a totally new 'flying game...'

 

Honestly, I don't see any possibility to have anything worthwhile ready even by December 31, 2015...

 

They have a license to use the 'flight simulator technology' to produce their own, unique "flying game". In other words, they have access to and permission to use code for their own product.

 

Yes, but what code are we talking about? Surely that would be "chunks" of the FSX source code? Isn't that the same as modifying FSX?

That's the great unknown. For all I know it could include the core engine of FS as well as code sections from Flight...

 

I seriously doubt that they will be able to utilize the scenery, terrain, or navigational data though, as those were licensed from various sources by MS specifically for FSX.

That's the great unknown. For all I know it could include the core engine of FS as well as code sections from Flight...

 

I seriously doubt that they will be able to utilize the scenery, terrain, or navigational data though, as those were licensed from various sources by MS specifically for FSX.

That means then that (especially with their TS experience) they will try to sell loads of dlcs in order to build up scenery. Will it be any better? Probably not. Tip don't go buying endless sceneries from steam for stuff you've already got!

The way I read their announcement is that they are releasing FSX to Steam in its original form (possibly fixing multiplayer) and then using the FLIGHT engine to develope a new game. Maybe I read it wrong?

Yes, but what code are we talking about? Surely that would be "chunks" of the FSX source code? Isn't that the same as modifying FSX?

 

Perhaps the restriction on modifying FSX is only limited to the upcoming Steam product that bears the FSX name. Basically Microsoft wanted to make sure that it is still compatible with the currently available FSX product. The sim they are releasing next year could then still use the FSX code, but won't be called FSX.

Honestly, I don't see any possibility to have anything worthwhile ready even by December 31, 2015...

 

But worthwhile to whom? Its almost a given that the current community will be dubious, but a totally new generation of users, offered a beginner-friendly flight experience using an aviation version of DTG's new "Train Academy" to ease them into simulation in a way the current ecosystem barely even gives lip-service to anymore, (P3D doesn't even acknowledge newbies, as far as I can tell) might be just what the doctor ordered for many people who equate the word "sim" with impenetrable/boring.