All,
There have been a number of cases of both FSX and P3D aircraft development efforts (seemingly) going dormant for years, with no word from the developer on the status of the project (...not looking for anything specific other than "Yeah...it's still in development", or "No. We binned that idea, thanks for asking").
In most cases, this lack of communication effectively freezes development on a specific type (especially if it is one of the very well regarded, "study-level" developers who previously announced they have a type in development, but haven't commented on progress in literally-- years). Let me say that I certainly understand the critical need for developers in general, and payware developers in particular, to carefully assess the potential interest and market for a product before they sink months, years, and dollars into development. In addition, I recognize that developers need to control the rate and type of information they release on active projects due to competitive considerations. Finally, I also understand the reluctance of developers to commit to specific release dates in advance-- there are too many unknowns.
That said, what I find frustrating is that I can think of at least 4 examples of WONDERFUL "study level" projects that have seemingly gone dormant without a peep on progress for 2-4 years...and these are not "offbeat", "one-off" or "arcane" types favored by some developers, but rather mainsteam, high demand classic types with huge potential for repaints, etc.
The end result of this is that lack of communication to the community (especially when a developer terminates an effort) delays/dissuades the production of popular (and many times long overdue) types that likely would otherwise be going on. Not trying to slam developers, but rather help them understand that it would be helpful to the hobby if they could be more forthcoming when they cancel a project.
Thoughts?
Kent
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