Train Simulator dev lands Microsoft Flight Sim license
Dovetail Games, a developer best known for its work on the unexpectedly popular Train Simulator franchise, has announced an agreement allowing it to create new entries in Microsoft's storied Flight Simulator line.
Under the terms of the agreement, not only is Dovetail now able to create new Flight Simulator games, but the company is also licensed to distribute 2006's Flight Simulator X on Steam. Dubbed "Microsoft Flight Simulator X: Steam Edition," the late-2014 re-release will include both Flight Simulator X expansions, as well as the base game. "When it comes to licensing our simulation engine, Dovetail Games is the obvious choice for us to work with," stated Microsoft executive producer Kevin Perry. "We respect their approach in terms of delivering premium quality simulation games and look forward to seeing their vision of the next chapter in flight simulations unfold."
[Image: Microsoft]
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DOVETAIL GAMES' LICENSING DEAL WITH MICROSOFT TAKES FLIGHT
Publisher gains exclusive rights to create flight simulators using Microsoft's flight technology
Chatham, Kent – July 9, 2014 The award-winning creators of the best-selling Train Simulator franchise have today announced a global licensing deal with Microsoft, granting them the rights to develop and publish all-new flight products based on Microsoft's genre-defining flight technology. The company is currently investigating new concepts in this area and is expecting to bring a release to market in 2015.
In addition to this licensing agreement, Dovetail Games is pleased to announce that it has also acquired the rights to distribute the multi-award winning Microsoft Flight Simulator X: Gold Edition via Valve's popular digital retail channel, Steam, entitled Microsoft Flight Simulator X: Steam Edition.
First released in 2006, Microsoft Flight Simulator X is widely acknowledged as one of the most popular simulation products on the market. Microsoft Flight Simulator X: Steam Edition will include the Deluxe Edition and the Acceleration Expansion Pack in one bundle. Dovetail Games will bring Microsoft Flight Simulator X: Steam Edition to the Steam online gaming platform for the first time in late 2014.
"I am delighted to be working in partnership with Microsoft as part of this agreement," said Paul Jackson, CEO of Dovetail Games. "We are thrilled to be exploring new flight simulation opportunities using Microsoft's technology, and look forward to using our extensive expertise of Steam publishing to successfully bring Microsoft Flight Simulator X: Steam Edition to a broad new audience on the Steam platform. This partnership is perfectly timed to support our expansion into new areas of simulation."
Steve Bainbridge, COO at Dovetail Games added, "We are very proud of the strong community we have created around the Train Simulator series of products, and we are looking forward to extending our knowledge and experience into working closely with the flight simulation community. We know that they are a very knowledgeable, passionate and committed group of individuals and we welcome their feedback and involvement as we start to create the next generation of games in this area."
"When it comes to licensing our simulation engine, Dovetail Games is the obvious choice for us to work with. We respect their approach in terms of delivering premium quality simulation games and look forward to seeing their vision of the next chapter in flight simulations unfold," said Kevin Perry, Executive Producer at Microsoft. "In addition to that, they have repeatedly demonstrated the ability to launch simulation products successfully via online platforms, making them the ideal partner to distribute Microsoft Flight Simulator X: Steam Edition."
