32 replies to this topic

[Buziel-411_RED]

Initially developed in 1982 by Bruce Artwick, Microsoft's Flight Simulator has developed into one of the longest-running and best known franchises in the world. It is, in fact, Microsoft's longest-running franchise, predating Windows by three years.

On Thursday, January 22, 2009, Microsoft Corporation announced their intention to cut 5,000 jobs in response to the recent global economic downturn. In the course of this reduction in force the entire ACES studio, the men and women responsible for continued development of the series, was closed.

In a prepared statement released January 23rd, 2009, a spokesperson for Microsoft confirmed this and stated they are committed to the Flight Simulator franchise, and expect to continue to release products in the series, but had nothing specific to announce at that time.

This petition is to serve as an open letter of support for both the ACES studio members and the Microsoft Flight Simulator franchise as a whole. Over its 25+ year history the franchise has built an unmatched fan-base stretching across generations. With the closure of the ACES studio, we, the loyal supporters of the franchise are concerned with the continuity and quality of the brand. Though the franchise remains the property of Microsoft Corporation, the real value remains in the dedication and creativity of the ACES studio members that have now been lost.

In addition, there is concern within the community that Microsoft has “abandoned" its supporters by taking this action. As you know, the franchise has a very strong 3rd party developer community that has invested countless hours and dollars to build applications and hardware to support and enhance the franchise. Without a change in course, it is a very real possibility that this industry, and its fans may look to competing products in the near future leading to millions of dollars of lost revenue.

We, the undersigned, ask Microsoft to preserve the integrity of the Flight Simulator franchise and ensure the future of Microsoft Flight Simulator development.

Sign petition here: http://www.supportflightsim.com/

[quesan]

This is absolute . There's one way to save flight sim - play it and stop your whinging!

[cactidust]

With all due to respect, I don't think that website (regardless of how many signatures they get on their 'petition') is going to be any skin of Microsoft's block.

They're closing ACES because its not financially viable for the time being- they've always known there are people interested in FS- you needn't tell them again. It won't make any difference in the world!

[pyruvate]

Waste of time...

[AirFranceSST]

But hey, one could give the petition a shot.

[mhockey21]

Is it really that big of a deal to do it? You guys are just shooting down his idea right off the bat, give it a chance.

[AirFranceSST]

Many people are wondering what to do about the ACES closure. Not doing anything is worse than actually doing something like this.

Like Mhockey21 said, give it a chance everyone! Save MSFS!

[pyruvate]

MSFS IS NOT DEAD, THEY JUST AREN'T WORKING ON FUTURE VERSION ATM.

They aren't taking away your copies of FS, and not letting you play, I don't get what the great thing's about.

[AirFranceSST]

So who has signed? I see signatures rising every moment!

[usnchris]

I signed.....I mean it's better than doing nothing at all.

[TopDollar]

I joined
http://www.facebook....gid=59637588200
as well.  Designed to show MS how many flight simmers are out there.  Probably all for nothing, but it's up to 2073 members as of now.

[AirFranceSST]

cfschris, on Feb 10 2009, 03:35 PM, said:

I signed.....I mean it's better than doing nothing at all.

same here.

[_haphadon_]

I signed whether or not it does anything like others have said its better then doing nothing!

[VFR_Pierre]

I signed it. Good idea Buziel.

[AirFranceSST]

It's almost at 1000 signatures!

[mhockey21]

I signed for sure

[_haphadon_]

Saleen757, on Feb 10 2009, 05:21 PM, said:

It's almost at 1000 signatures!

It is 1138 right now this morning when I did it I was number 533 so today over 500 signatures were made

[Independence76]

Signed.

[AirFranceSST]

_haphadon_, on Feb 10 2009, 08:35 PM, said:

Saleen757, on Feb 10 2009, 05:21 PM, said:

It's almost at 1000 signatures!

It is 1138 right now this morning when I did it I was number 533 so today over 500 signatures were made

Yeah I saw it at the 500's this morning as well and now it's still rising by the minutes, now it's almost at 1300.

[SmartPartsFrEaK]

2198 sigs. up to now