Microsoft Flight Simulator F-22 Raptor Released

Today third-party developers had a relevant aircraft release in store for Microsoft Flight Simulator and new assets to share.

[MasterChief3624]

When it comes to paid DLC for these flight games, why are the vehicles so expensive sometimes? There are some in the store for Microsoft Flight Simulator that are $35. And I think DCS has even worse prices. But why are they so expensive? Especially in the case of Microsoft Flight Simulator since it is a premium product and not just a free download (aside from Game Pass, but that shouldn't matter)

[Abriael]

Because the work required to develop a full-fledged high-fidelity aircraft for a realistic simulator isn't really less than the work required to develop a game, so developers require comparable compensation.

For instance, this specific aircraft, I can guarantee it didn't require less work than one of these games you get for $30 on Steam, hence its price.

The fact that Microsoft Flight Simulator is a paid product is irrelevant. Most of these aircraft are developed by third-party developers that don't get a dime from Microsoft. In fact, those developed or published by Microsoft itself are either free or much cheaper.

An advanced flight simulator is basically like a platform. In terms of work required and as such price, advanced aircraft are much better compared to games for a platform than DLC for a game, and offer a similar experience, because dedicated flight simulator users get from each new aircraft enough playtime to compare with a full game.

[Christopher]

There's a ton of physics/maths behind them as well as animations to line up with those physics/maths. The simulation's goal isn't to just offer simplistic representations but to make it as realistic as possible. That means a ton of differences based on the type of flight, the speed, the shape, and the mechanics behind how it works to allow it to maneuver with the type of flight and speed it has.

Furthermore, it's DLC among hundreds of others. It's not going to sell to every customer. So, with the hours they put in, and the niche market of their DLC, it's priced high knowing it will get those who want it but won't be too low that it may or may not catch the rest of the market who aren't interested in that type of plane. Just because they price it lower doesn't mean a significantly larger number of enthusiasts exist that will buy it since the game itself is a very niche market.

[ChubbyBlade]

The amount of work that needs to go into it requires a full development teams. You need to remember just one of these things has thousands of functions. It’s not like gran turismo where the cars feel different based on some minor changes. These planes behave like their real life counterparts and you operate them the same way.

You don’t open the door, turn on the engine etc in a racing game.

[z2g]

A single plane can take 1-2 years to develop. Remember these aircraft are accurate a the way down to the instrument controls and functionality so it’s not just like downloading a car in a racing game. We’re talking all the avionics, computer systems, sounds etc Al being as physically accurate as possible. It would be like downloading a car in Forza or gt7 but the engines have to be detailed, you can control all the functions of the stereo and Bluetooth, cruise control, safety sensors, all the control on the stalks on the steering wheel, traction control, windows, locks, sunroof, glovebox, trunk, trunk lights, exterior lights, seat warmers, ac etc all as factory accurate as possible.

[SpineSaw]

@MasterChiel3624

To simply put it, it's a cash grab! Seems odd but when the other Game maker... Lets call them Sony. When Sony does this no matter the project or the cost of it, it could be a game, DLC or even something like this a F-22 Raptor which BTW is a badass plane. Sony is immediately called out and dragged but for some reason such as in the case of this the F-22 Raptor Microsoft will get a free pass.... Now I'm not saying that's a good or bad thing because when a company puts time, effort and resources into "their project" they need to put "their" price on it that they can recoupe cost of the project beause nothing is free and they like everyone they to have bills to and because and lets be honest someone has to pay for them free Game Pass games, right? Now some will be quick and more than happy to tell you that the cost that goes into the work of a single plane "the F-22" Raptor" is so difficult, costly, time consuming to do atany price lower than $35 would just be unfair and giving it away no matter if that price turns out to be more than half the price of a new full game.
Now I know your thinking "no way this guy is just a Pony and a hater" and thats fair as everyone has their opinion so before anyone jumps on their magic letter make to say that I'll respond by asking you to read the comments that follow below.

[Abriael]

@SpineSaw: thank you for showing that you're completely uninterested in understanding the mechanics behind this, and you're instead here only to do some silly console war.

Microsoft is completely uninvolved in this. They provide the platform and that's it. This is made by a third-party developer, and like all third-party developers in the gaming industry, they decide their own pricing *independently* according to their target audience and the work they put into their products.

As a matter of fact, as mentioned above, which you did not bother to read, all aircraft developed or published by Microsoft itself are either free or much cheaper.

[SpineSaw]

@Abriael
Ok, so a third party is the one going for the cash grab.....that make you feel better? But i do have issue with "Microsoft is completely uninvolved" does it really need to be pointed out the Microsoft owns the IP and to say "Microsoft is completely uninvolved" is a reach much to far don't ya think?

[Abriael]

@Spinesaw:
"Microsoft is completely univolved" isn't a "reach." It's a "fact." They do not take *any* pricing decisions for third-party developers, nor they should (or could, since this aircraft isn't even sold on the official marketplace, but on a separate store over which Microsoft has *zero* control).

Also, third-party developers are asking *compensation* for years of work. If you call that a "cash grab" then I call you falsely entitled. If you think a product is too pricey, you don't buy it. It's that simple.

[frostypants]

@SpineSaw You proved you have no clue what you're talking about in the first sentence. Not sure why you felt the need to keep digging with that essay. I personally wouldn't blow the cash on a combat airframe for MS Flight Simulator when there's a proper combat sim like DCS out there, but still. Third parties can't just give their work away. I don't know what reality you live in where that seems unreasonable.

[SpineSaw]

Microsoft is not only the owner of this IP Microsoft is the Publisher of this IP and this puts Microsoft in the middle of every decision made about this game to include the F-22 Raptor and that includes its cash grabbing $35 price tag.
The Microsoft defense force is out strong for this misstep but nice try.

[Abriael]

@SpineSaw: you're only digging your grave deeper and deeper by proving that you're console warring with zero knowledge or understanding of the topic.

Let me lay down the facts for you.

1: This is not made by Microsoft and not even sold on the official marketplace. It's independent developers can set whatever price they want, and Microsoft doesn't get a say.
2: All the aircraft published by Microsoft are either much cheaper of free.
3: This kind of pricing is actually on the low side for high-detail third-party aircraft in ALL flight simulators. The entry of Microsoft in the market actually *lowered* the average of these prices by widening the market.

The only "misstep" I see here is the one you're doing every time you pick up the keyboard to try (and fail) to do more console warring.

[whitbyfox]

There are tonnes of aircraft in the original game along with the whole planet. Costs £40.

1 DLC plane costs almost the same. The argument about crafting planes taking time etc doesn’t add up at when the base game has loads of planes for the same cost.

[Abriael]

Default aircraft in any flight simulator don't come even close to the level of complexity and simulation precision that good third-party add-on aircraft provide. They're *very* simplified.

Quite simply, they're good for those who think this is overpriced. Dedicated flight simulation enthusiasts who are interested in simulation precision and detail know that they have a value and as such a cost.

Like with all things, you get what you pay for.

[whitbyfox]

Fair enough if they are better than the base planes.