The future of Microsoft Train Simulator 2 (MSTS2) appears very much in doubt. According to this report at Gamusatra, Microsoft's Aces Studio, responsible for Flight Simulator X and Train Simulator 2, has taken a big hit as part of Microsoft's budget cuts. Does this mean a permanent stoppage? A short term stoppage? An outsourcing? At this point we simply don't know.
On a personal note, I'd have to say that for any new train sim to make it, that sim would have to have so much going for it in realism, features, power, etc. that it could overcome the lack of a huge amount of readily avialble free add-ons such as are already available for Trainz and the original MSTS. Such capabilities would almost certainly require a major increase in computing power - something most of us are not in a position to purchase (even if available) because of the current economic climate. I hadn't planned it this way, but my recent article "Stop Already, I Need To Get Off! Coping With The Technology Spiral" seems very appropriate at this time.
It should also go without saying that we wish all success and comfort to those who stand to be (and have been) laid off - at Microsoft and elsewhere.
-- Al
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