Way I see it with this sim coming out on two different platforms, the PC version is going to be all bells and designed for the hardcore simmer. With the limitations of XBox, the Xbox version will be geared toward casual gamers and could be used as a gateway to attract the interest of future pilots and hardcore simmers. for that I see how the interact checklist could help make the Xbox version work with a taste of realism while once inflight, you have this beautiful environment to explore in amazing weather and visuals.

So by adding a career/economy mode to the sim, the Xbox user can have a reason to fly that us PC users already have with things like FSEconomy, FSPassengers and things of that nature. However, by developing an economy /career mode for the Xbox we simmers could benefit to not have to have certain addons that we use for that but already have it in the sim.

If this feature is not in the works for the release of MSFS2020 PC version then let it be developed for after the PC release or Beta stages and then brought in later to the PC version as an expansion pack but released for the Xbox version to help give some meat to that version where it will be missing the things us PC users have. For the record, I have no desire to use the Xbox version but understand the benefits the Xbox version can do for our community by introducing the hobby to a bigger crowd that might cross over. Additionally, a bigger success rate for the sim on both platforms means more of a chance for more good things to come down the road with the success of the sim. So a win all around for everyone.

So for this economy/career mode what are the things that our forum members think would be helpful and feature rich?

For myself, I'm going to use a few different addons to help build this. FSPassengers, SimBrief, Air Hauler 2, Sim-Coders.com REP Economy mode and FSEconomy.com. First it should be a choice to use and have the option of career mode and free flight mode. Flights should be considered in a few different categories. This would help new pilots learn how flying passengers differs from cargo, VFR from IFR and also the importance of keeping the plane airworthy and the pilot current.

A simplified flight lessons syllabus of missions and lessons in a virtual flight school that teaches new users the basics. This could be completely separate from the career mode. Can be completed out of order and used to cover a lot of items to help get the user flying. Part of the career mode would be much like a real pilot, finish the lessons, do the check rides and then stay current with the 3 landings day and night. This mode and be crossed over into the economy mode where if the user builds and develops a pilot character, that character can be used in economy mode to then fly jobs. Ratings should also be part of career mode where the pilot earns the VFR, IFR, Commercial and ATP just to keep it simple.

In a economy mode a check ride in each plane and have a virtual check pilot via a mission or lesson before that plane can be flown for work or jobs. A simple dispatch system to fly jobs. Plane ownership should also be part of career mode as GA planes should have annuals. Oil changes as well. Funds can be collected for miles flown or paying jobs. Bigger planes are handled differently as they are cared for by the company.

All in all it should be helpful in teaching new pilots how to fly and provide a basic understanding of aviation. It should be fun to do and rewarding. Have a challenge that get built upon as the character develops their story and hours. Interactive should be considered for online use. Optional. And for websites like FSEconomy and addons like that, perhaps a way to incorporate them into the sim by allowing the user to sign in to their accounts in the sim.

They've already said the xbox one version will be the same

6 minutes ago, Krakin said:

They've already said the xbox one version will be the same

Expansion Pack then...next.

Project Scarlet will likely be above the performance of the average PC.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ltq2hKmdURU

 

Edited December 2, 20196 yr by rjfry

Do we have numbers of how many are using this type of economic mode right now on current simulators with the addons you mentioned? I don't think (but this is my guess) most users use it. Not enough surely to have it implemented by default.

Regarding an arcade mode (which, since the sim will be the same on both PC and Xbox just means there are options to do that), i think they already said there are different levels of difficulties (nothing new, we had such options in FSX too if you remember) and probably a challenge system with missions, points, leaderboards like they did at X019 is a good way to go.