Hey folks,

There's a pressing issue that's been on my mind lately: our split presence across IVAO and VATSIM. It's a real shame we're scattered between two networks. Here's the latest :

VATSIM: With 700k+ registered members and daily activity buzzing with over 575 pilots and 34 controllers on a monday morning, it's a thriving hub.

IVAO: Despite having a quarter-million registrants, activity in some divisions is worryingly low, which doesn't bode well for its future.

I'm really concerned about IVAO's sustainability. Wouldn't it be better if we all flew under one virtual sky?

Thoughts?

It started as one, Satco. There was some disagreement, and they split. 
 

You can find details if you include “satco” in your Google searches. 

2 hours ago, Aymerico said:

Hey folks,

There's a pressing issue that's been on my mind lately: our split presence across IVAO and VATSIM. It's a real shame we're scattered between two networks. Here's the latest :

VATSIM: With 700k+ registered members and daily activity buzzing with over 575 pilots and 34 controllers on a monday morning, it's a thriving hub.

IVAO: Despite having a quarter-million registrants, activity in some divisions is worryingly low, which doesn't bode well for its future.

I'm really concerned about IVAO's sustainability. Wouldn't it be better if we all flew under one virtual sky?

Thoughts?

ive been on vatsim decades.  Its never been as bad as it is now.  since ms2020 has brought a new wave of young kids,  its ruined it.  you now how to choose the time and place to fly on vatsim, making sure you dodge the twitch streamers flying sessions which always attact novices that cant fly or use RT properly.

Theres been numerous topics on this at reddit for example

Edited November 6, 20232 yr by fluffyflops

Hi, 

As I recall the first to split were the guys that formed IVAO ? 

 

It wasn't long ago that IVAO held a dominant position.

However, due to a series of poor decisions, they have faltered, the details of which are too numerous to list here. As a result, VATSIM has emerged victorious.

1 hour ago, NZ255 said:

It started as one, Satco. There was some disagreement, and they split. 
 

You can find details if you include “satco” in your Google searches. 

search "SATCO ATC" and it's the first result

36 minutes ago, daniel_schm said:

It wasn't long ago that IVAO held a dominant position.

However, due to a series of poor decisions, they have faltered, the details of which are too numerous to list here. As a result, VATSIM has emerged victorious.

I never tried IVAO but never had the impression that it was dominant. They were on par for a long time, I would say. And, at least historically, IVAO tended to be stronger in Europe and Vatsim in North America.

In any way, Vatsim has its own problems. The old funding model disappeared, and recent changes in pilot training led to the closure of Vatstar, a group dedicated to training only. It may just swing back and forward between IVAO and Vatsim, it might not be a bad thing to have two networks.

In any way, I believe that 90% of real ATC will relatively soon be provided by AI, supervised by human controllers. And my guess is that this will happen even sooner in flight simulation. The highly formalized language in ATC invites AI applications.

Peter

On VATSIM, the influx of newer, less experienced pilots from the MS2020 surge has indeed changed the dynamic. It's a double-edged sword; while it brings vitality and growth, it also presents challenges in maintaining the quality of interactions, particularly in complex airspace like London. VATSIM does provide a strong ATC presence, but with increased traffic, the experience can vary.
I'm in when I'm flying from on to the UK on Vatsim the experience is amazing. 
On IVAO the ATC is .... sometimes strange with 10 years olds controling LFLL or LFPG APP...

The key might be in balancing the influx of new enthusiasts with robust training and community engagement to uphold the high standards of virtual ATC. The evolution of these networks should ideally be shaped by constructive feedback and cooperative development, rather than competition.

The future of flight simulation networks could indeed see a shift with AI advancements, but until then, our focus should perhaps be on fostering a more inclusive environment that can adapt to the growing and changing community.

Did you get the notice that VATSTAR is being discontinued. Future instruction will be on a much less structured basis.

Sherm

2 hours ago, Aymerico said:

On VATSIM, the influx of newer, less experienced pilots from the MS2020 surge has indeed changed the dynamic. It's a double-edged sword; while it brings vitality and growth, it also presents challenges in maintaining the quality of interactions, particularly in complex airspace like London. VATSIM does provide a strong ATC presence, but with increased traffic, the experience can vary.
I'm in when I'm flying from on to the UK on Vatsim the experience is amazing. 
On IVAO the ATC is .... sometimes strange with 10 years olds controling LFLL or LFPG APP...

The key might be in balancing the influx of new enthusiasts with robust training and community engagement to uphold the high standards of virtual ATC. The evolution of these networks should ideally be shaped by constructive feedback and cooperative development, rather than competition.

The future of flight simulation networks could indeed see a shift with AI advancements, but until then, our focus should perhaps be on fostering a more inclusive environment that can adapt to the growing and changing community.

they would love you at my airline with all those buzzwords thrown into those 3 paragraphs.

" robust training and community engagement to uphold the high standards of virtual ATC" 

they woulds drool over that my place, you just needed to put "moving forward" at the start of it 

teasing aside,   I do however agree with some of your points.