Microsoft withdrawing?

[johnwhelan]

I've never seen a figure that states the total of Auran's employees now. Does anyone know?

I made a statement in another thread a few weeks ago where I posted that Auran's plan was to market TS2009, with the understanding that the buyers would not be able to use it as it was intended for several months, or perhaps a year or more. They openly admitted that they needed the money from TS2009 sales to continue development, and were hoping that the faithful followers and friends of Trainz would respond and purchase TS2009.

I would have to assume that it worked as planned, since Auran is still developing, fixing and improving. At least no layoffs yet.

Interesting. The plan was a risky one, but imaginative. Would it be cruel to say that Auran is now gloating because they outsmarted JUMBO with a risky but successful plan? Auran's sim is doing fine (or will be soon) and MSTS might be relegated to the trash heap of train sim history. Again.

I think Tony said they have 10 employees recently, MSTS2 is a two edged sword yes its competition but its presence and advertising also increases the total market size for Train sims.

Cheerio John

 

[Vern]

It is a shame it has gone as it would have heightened awareness of our hobby and very likely been an excellent simulation to boot. Obviously at this stage only MS know the full facts and figures but it seems to me just about every company is now junping on the "global economy" and "recession" bandwagons to make fiercesome cuts in their workforce even when not needed. Okay MS isn't a charity but I fail to see how cancelling a niche project nearly 3/4 done is going to make much difference either way - and remember this company is making profits in the $billions, just appears the last figures weren't quite so many $billions.

If all the companies in the world stop making stuff to sell to customers, whether software or anything else, how the heck do we claw back to a stable economy from the current abyss?

At least we still have TRS plus KRS and of course the original MSTS, oh and the freeware sims. MSTS2 always seemed just a tad ambitious with its plan for "World of Rails". Maybe there were stumbling blocks we'll never get to hear about but I for one would have accepted a cut down version of the original idea. However I really feel for the Flight Simmers who have seen the 25 year legacy of a great simulation cast aside with some vague references to a "Live" experience. If GTA IV is anything to go by, Windows Live is just another means of collecting gamer data, generating IGA and enforcing DRM.

Last but not least, thoughts go out to those who worked long and hard on the various projects who will not only never get to see their work finished but are now dumped on the US equivalent of the dole.

 

[weevil]

Perhaps they should looking at Trainz to see how they can still finish a train sim....

Depending of course on one's subjective understanding of the words "sim" and "finished".

Stuart

 

[perry_weekley]

I am quite angered to see this happen. I feel like a kid going through the the stages of grief.

From what we had seen Train Simulator 2, even tho it was competition, was shaping up nicely.

I read that 2009 was to help gain cash to fund Trainz, but why do it? I know this sounds stupid, but why fund a future that has not changed since Trainz 2004 really? If 2010 gave me new graphics, new engine, new water feature, new shading feature, and realistic animals and people too boot I would pick it up in a heartbeat. TRS09 does not interest me. I have opted to hold out till TRSX to see if what I desperately crave in a Train Sim comes to Trainz.

I know for a fact TS2 had some of those things on it's list so I even more gravely despise MS terrible decision.

I have seen some people smile and go " Yay Trainz is still top," but I must ask how long before this is Trainz? Auran is a company much like Microsoft and don't think it's not possible for Trainz to get cut.

I guess to sum all my thoughts up I have to say I pray to god that Train Simulator 2 is still alive and can be finished in 18 months. That is if the TS2 team is still employed that long. Also I wouldn't trust anything that does come from an official source. Anyone can claim to be a developer.

P.S. The worst part for me is I had to find out when I started listening to "Gamers with Jobs" today.

 

[Mouse84]

Microsoft would not say whether there would be future "Flight Simulator" games, stating only that it was "committed to flying games." But the company did say that there would be no future versions of "Train Simulator."

Looks like it's official.

 

[john259]

There is now an announcement on TSInsider: "Development of the next version of (Microsoft) Train Simulator is being postponed for an indefinite period."

John

 

[flybynight]

I have been watching this story for a bit now.

I saw a sort of offical post a few weeks ago on Fsinsider but I didn't want to think it was really as bad as it seemed.

Well this one seems very offical /cry

http://www.fsinsider.com/news/Pages/AMessageFromAces.aspx

By now, many of you have heard that Microsoft has closed Aces Studio, the publisher of Microsoft Flight Simulator. This was not a reflection of the quality of the products Aces has developed, the sales performance of the games, or the quality of the team at Aces. This difficult decision was made to align Microsoft’s resources with our strategic priorities. Microsoft Flight Simulator X will remain available at retail stores and web retailers, the Flight Sim community will continue to learn from and encourage one another, and we remain committed to the Flight Simulator franchise for the long term.
Microsoft Game Studios is investing significant resources in many exciting and new areas of gaming and entertainment, including Windows games. We believe these future investments will push innovation, community, and collaboration to unprecedented levels and will provide more synergy with our ongoing investments in Games for Windows - LIVE as well as other Windows entertainment technologies. We have nothing specific to announce at this time, but stay tuned for more information.
We are humbled and proud of the passion and support that the Flight Simulator franchise has developed over its more than twenty-five year history. This includes you, the large community of flight simmers, as well as the vibrant third-party ecosystem that has developed around the game. We will continue to produce, sell, and support the latest version of Flight Simulator as we plan for future versions of the franchise. Thank you for your understanding of our decision and for your continued support!

And it does seem like they are going to focus on the Games for windows-Live segment (I am sure X-box comes into play as well)

It is truly an end of a era.....

I still remember my 1st flight sim.. it was on a TRS-80.. nuff said LOL

 

[IsambardKingdomBrunel]

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[AHSAN]

Hello

Below is the link to the article from RSDL (Kuju Rail Sim) response to the closure of Microsoft's Aces Studio:

http://railsimulator.com/en/node/5532

Regards

Ahsan

 

[DigitalRailz]

Hello

Below is the link to the article from RSDL (Kuju Rail Sim) response to the closure of Microsoft's Aces Studio:

http://railsimulator.com/en/node/5532

Regards

Ahsan

fantastic positioning now for RSDL, and guys, the U.S side to RS is coming in a big way ..I know from a good source..


things looking great for RS right now....

'button up all the dvds, grab all the HD's...and make sure the lights are turned out.....(AS)

 

[IsambardKingdomBrunel]

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