FSX
As a preface to offering my comment, I did read all of the above posts. All of the points expressed above illustrate the broad spectrum of perceptions regarding what this industry represents. All are valid.
My comment will address the initial post.
Up front I’ll admit to having entered, then quickly left the big developer arena. My reasons shall remain my own, other than to admit that I have committed to launching my own product line.
The first consideration any business, large or small, must consider is cost benefit. If you are a mega corporation with massive resources to put behind a development initiative…you’ve already crunched the numbers. That tells me a lot.
The number I’ve seen in the most recent “IPO” indicate that there is a sufficient customer base to justify an exploratory venture into the market. A cursory analysis of the market indicates that this is a consumer driven marketplace. As stated above, if it’s not freeware…there is an expectation of quality. This is where things get interesting.
If you are an independent contractor, as I was in my first endeavor, the cost benefit is the key driver. The drawback is that you have no control over the business aspects of your product. You simply contract to deliver a thing and expect compensation for that thing. End of story. If the relationship is not to your liking, the highway runs both directions and you are free to contract differently.
The small developer or new entry had better bring something to the table, because the whales are already out there, but you knew that when you entered the arena. The new developer needs to come to the arena well armed and well prepared. The beautiful thing here is that the opportunity to develop interesting niche products, and the demand is clearly being voiced by the community at large. All the small developer needs to do is fill the niche well. It’s not easy if you don’t have deep pockets, but it is do-able.
The large developers and mega giants….well, they have the resources to dominate, but that is the nature of free market economics. That’s not going to change…..ever. The whales can afford the investment into market research and can also afford to take the hit when they miss the mark. They simply correct course and move forward.
The wild card variable, as I see it is talent. The resume required to develop aircraft, scenery or any of the other necessary add-on software packages is staggering.
Wanted
Software developer, artist with journeyman level knowledge of Photoshop. Prefer IT background as well with coding experience. CAD experience required, must own your own professional level software. Prefer commercial level aviation certificate or equivalent. Understanding of all aspects of aviation including current multi engine jet, instrument certified. Must own and be able to operate sophisticated flight simulator with journeyman level understanding of underlying systems integration.
Errr...yeah.
In the case of the mega developer, the need to trim cost has become a driving factor in development cost because the competition has become finely attuned to its’ market and the race to the top is in full swing. So…now enters the “kid” who is enrolled in college. He gets a free copy of Autodesk 3DS…I had to pay full pop for mine, just to compete. The kid may or may not have a bootleg copy of PS as well because he’s jacked in to the matrix. I paid full pop for mine, and also sank nearly 5k into the box that runs all of this stuff. For a guy whose retirement is $368.00 per month…it’s a serious commitment.
The whale is most likely going to favor the “kid” with the free software, because the kid can underbid me every time. I’m going to hold out for the money. Maybe or maybe not, the “kid” can produce a product that can compete with 50 years of airbrush, illustration and life experience. If the product is good enough, the kid makes a few bucks, the consumer is led to believe that this is state-of-the-art, the whale takes a cut and the market is determined by overall sales. Now, I’m at a disadvantage, because I legitimately cannot compete with someone who doesn’t have to pay for his tools. You can’t blame the people who hire the cheap labor, but this trend always results in a race to the bottom.
All of that said, I’m firmly convinced that this market has room for anyone “bat guano crazy” enough to jump in. The fundamental numbers indicate that there is room to squeeze out a profit if you are a qualified entrepreneur.
One factoid that is a drier for me. Historically, there are two areas that flourish in struggling economic climates. Alcohol and entertainment. I’m quietly confident that our little community qualifies here.
The one thing that is clear is flight simulation is breaking up towards the exponential. Technology is expanding on that curve and the need to feed the tech is going to require…talent. The smart companies, large and small, will procure and respect their talent to ensure their long term survival. Companies who squander talent will eventually fall upon their own sword. It’s a self-leveling playing field.
From what I can see, there are household name companies who are doing a spectacular job creating multiple level offerings that should surely please everyone, no matter what their preference. Others are not following a business trajectory that I would deem wise, but that’s my own opinion and not worth the price of a cup of coffee. There are small guys out there that continually offer wonderful products that satisfy my requirements for a reasonable price.
In my case, I recognized a need in the market that is crying to be filled, so that’s the emphasis of my development work at the moment. At the same time, I’ll offer up the regular freebies to thank the community for being a great group of people.
IMHO
Originally Posted by CodyValkyrie
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