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Re: Microsoft Launch new FSX version

Posted: 11 Aug 2019, 19:25
by Vc Ten
Don't forget Lockheed Martin only acquired the Enterprise engine (ESP) and built their own simulator around it, with the help of ex Ace programmers as mentioned. I doubt very much Microsoft would want the rights to ESP again, it was out of date when FSX was released.
Microsoft may force them to honour the agreed terms that the ESP was to be used as a training aid, not gaming. Microsoft would not want them as unnecessary competition
Lockheed have made good money from P3d. It remains to be seen if Lockheed progress P3d further, as training/military use
Dale

Re: Microsoft Launch new FSX version

Posted: 12 Aug 2019, 03:16
by blanston12
Vc Ten wrote:
11 Aug 2019, 19:25
...I doubt very much Microsoft would want the rights to ESP again, it was out of date when FSX was released....
I don't think this part of your statement is correct, LM acquired the up to date 'commercial' version of FSX, with all the acceleration updates. If anything ESP was the better version of FSX but as far as I can tell the differences were slight.

Personally the fact that LM can not sell it as 'entertainment software' does not bother me at all, I want a quality simulator, not a game. Actually I hope LM and M$ work together on this. LM needs quality software for the simulator hardware they build, which is why in P3D they kept FSX alive and built on it, and need the community to keep it going. They are not going to abandon it unless what ever M$ builds meets there needs.

Re: Microsoft Launch new FSX version

Posted: 12 Aug 2019, 03:18
by Chris Trott
Okay, let's clear up some misconceptions here -

1) ESP developed in parallel with FSX using the same basic core programming. It is not older, nor newer, than FSX. The code which Lockheed Martin purchased in 2010 is equivalent to FSX SP2.

2) Microsoft and Lockheed Martin have a development agreement for the IP. Lockheed actually owns the core source code. If Microsoft were to want "it' back, all they'd get is the original ESP code. Lockheed owns all development from there.

3) ESP was sold/licensed to Lockheed Martin because Microsoft wasn't having any luck with the Professional training market. Lockheed, with its significant business relationships with other companies like L3 (E-Systems/Link), CAE, and Frasca for construction of Full Flight Simulators for its products already in hand, Lockheed was in a better position to develop and position the software for the future.

Lockheed, while not putting in place putative measures to ensure compliance, is in full compliance with their agreement. If users choose to lie to purchase P3D licenses they are not entitled to, that's on them, not Lockheed. Lockheed may take further measures to help Microsoft with the release of FS2020, but there's no risk of Microsoft trying anything with Lockheed and the P3D agreement since P3D isn't an actual direct competitor for the Microsoft Games market.

I suspect the ending of the FSX:Steam Edition license was simply because Microsoft is pulling everything on the entertainment side back in house and it gives them a platform as part of their run-up to FS2020 to make sure their technology for distribution (i.e. "XBox Live / XBox Game Pass" ) is fully ready. Now they can release FSX:XBox Edition pretty easily and make sure all that base tech is ready while making a few bucks. A classic M$ move. :)

Re: Microsoft Launch new FSX version

Posted: 12 Aug 2019, 04:59
by Airspeed
can't find delete button on this post

Re: Microsoft Launch new FSX version

Posted: 12 Aug 2019, 05:03
by Airspeed
Chris Trott wrote:
12 Aug 2019, 03:18
Okay, let's clear up some misconceptions here -
...............................
If users choose to lie to purchase P3D licenses they are not entitled to, that's on them, not Lockheed.
.............................
Hi Chris,
Are you referring to student vs commercial licences?
Is it agreed that part time hobby simmers should really buy a commercial licence?

Re: Microsoft Launch new FSX version

Posted: 12 Aug 2019, 18:48
by blanston12
Airspeed wrote:
12 Aug 2019, 05:03
Chris Trott wrote:
12 Aug 2019, 03:18
Okay, let's clear up some misconceptions here -
...............................
If users choose to lie to purchase P3D licenses they are not entitled to, that's on them, not Lockheed.
.............................
Hi Chris,
Are you referring to student vs commercial licences?
Is it agreed that part time hobby simmers should really buy a commercial licence?
The differences in the license types has nothing to do with LM's agreement with M$, just LM's revenue.

Other forums have strict rules about discussing what P3D license you should get, the rule is you don't discuss it. We need to observe that rule here.