A History of Flight: Inside Microsoft Flight Simulator, Part 2
Editor's Note: This is Part 2 of A History of Flight: Inside Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS). You can read Part 1 of the feature for an overview of the MSFS world, as well as reviews of several add-ons.
During the course of putting together our feature on MSFS, we had an opportunity to sit down with the developers at Just Flight. They discussed the numerous expansion versions and what is coming next with MSFS X
Aaron McKenna: Do you think expansions for MSFS are required in order to ensure the longevity of the game?
Just Flight: Definitely. [MSFS] is very much a jumping-off point for users to exercise their imagination. Like a standard train set, a model kit or even a computer operating system, there is plenty about the basic program that will get users involved. However, it won't be long before they want more - and more is definitely preferable to less.
Aaron McKenna: Do you consider MSFS, and your products, to be more simulation and less videogame, or vice versa?
Just Flight: From our perspective it is definitely a simulation rather than a game. However, the beauty of [MSFS] is that the user can choose either route - fly a difficult approach with pinpoint accuracy or zoom around the Grand Canyon in a Curtis Jenny.
Aaron McKenna: There are an awful lot of fan-created free expansions for MSFS available online. What, apart from £30, separates them from your products?
Just Flight: On occasions there is no difference at all... But more often than not, [you get] the detail and accuracy of the software, backed up by a ton of research made possible by some of our commercial partners (The Royal Air Force and Lockheed Martin for example). Rigorous testing before a commercial launch also sets our products apart.
If you want to charge for software, then it needs to be of the highest quality and function properly, should carry weighty and comprehensive documentation and be packaged and presented professionally. As a customer you should get first-class support and access to upgrades. We think that we supply a lot of this for just £30.
Aaron McKenna: What goes into creating your average MSFS expansion (in terms of time, research and leg work)?
Just Flight: Hour upon hour of product development and marketing. On any one product, we can have a team of 15 people working flat out. A small, simple download aircraft add-on might take four months, but a large, complex program like Airliner Pilot takes well over a year.
Aaron McKenna: Are most of your customers first-time buyers, or long-term customers?
Just Flight: A mix - we have a growing team of very loyal customers, but there are always people coming on board so to speak. We are constantly generating new customers (both new to flight sim and new to us) from targeted adverts and via our very popular user forum.
