Aerofly FS 2 has been my favourite sim for the past several years. With all my love I feel more and more the urgency and I have to express it here.
The wind is changing. The big player is coming, and it's coming fast. There is less than a year left for Ipacs to make some critical decisions. We all have to adapt to the change.
With limited resources, Ipacs can't change everything in such a short time. So the question remains to be what the priority will be. Everybody has his own preference, but it's not time to please everybody. You have to consider your advantage and appeal in the face of the new situation. Keep the core advantage, mend the holes, and look for some new selling points that might not be available from the opponent.
Core advantage: Modern engine, nice graphics, low computer requirement, VR, easy to get into...please keep up the good work!
Holes: for me the lack of water is a major hole that needs to be mended as soon as possible.
New selling points: I don't think FS2 can compete with other sims in air dynamics and study level aircraft realism, so we have to develop our unique attractions. Sometimes we can even turn weakness into strong points. As other sims are aiming at the more serious simmers, FS2 can appeal to the more general public, and the newbies who want to fly. Yes that would be a big market, and the interest will be at its new height as MS is entering the market again. I am thinking FS2 can really do better in flight lessons, aircraft tutorials, and missions. Make flight training easier and more immersive, and more people will be hooked. I am thinking of a lifelike AI instructor that sits beside the player and teach you everything hand-in-hand. You can also consider strengthening the "game" aspect of the game. After all, flight simulation is game, isn't it?
It's a time of challenge, and challenge can lead to change. Wish you all well!
