During Flight Sim Show 2017, Keven from FSFX Packages took to the stage to talk about the history of the company, the product the team have produced and where they see the future. The hour presentation was streamed live on our and their Facebook page, but with various announcements and news included, we thought we would include them all here for you to find in an easy to access place.
The first piece of news was the fact that they are now starting to work on ways to showcase how to use the more hidden features of Chase Plane to ensure you make the most out of the product. This will include video, a written tutorial and more. Keeping on the theme of Chase Plane, coming November (they’re trying their best), they will release beta version 0.4.X. They’re fully aware that they said version 1 will launch early 2017, but the team have added more and more features that they’re enjoying this phase of development and want to keep pushing the product. 0.4.X will bring a host of new and improved features including:
- Complete redesign of the backend stuff to improve the performance of the product on CPU usage
- No more ‘Always-on’ internet connection enabling you to run the product offline anywhere at anytime
- Replay system
So if you had the invite to the event, it was pretty clear that they would be releasing a replay system for Chase Plane, but the fact it’s included for free this soon makes it feel even more special. The replay system right now is basic, but flexible enough to allow you to replay your flight from any of the angles. Furthermore, you can also slow the replay footage down and pinpoint exactly when an event happened. For example, if you drop the gear or extend some flaps, you can easily view it and go straight to that moment. It’s perfect for video editors and simmers alike. It was confirmed that once V1 is eventually released, there will most likely be a price increase for Chase Plane. However, if you have already purchased it during the alpha or beta phases, then you won’t be paying any upgrade fees. Your license will automatically carry over.
Moving onto their immersion packages. If you didn’t know already, the team, alongside TFDi, announced they would be bringing the immersion package to the 717 all the way back at Flight Sim Con. FSFX today confirmed they’re aiming for a Winter release. More exciting was the news that they will also be bringing the 747 Immersion Package out afterward. With 4 engines, there is a greater range of effects that can be included with the PMDG 747. It was confirmed that as a result, they’re moving on with the times and bringing it only to Prepar3D V4. Furthermore, it’s anticipated that the FSLabs A320 Immersion package will follow afterward.
With this in mind, they confirmed that going forward, all new products will be focusing on the modern sims, leaving FSX, P3DV2 and P3DV3 behind. Just to clarify, all current products that support these sims will continue to be supported.
The first product to be P3DV4 only will be a new freeware product to make ‘thunderstorms great again’. The product will replace the default lightning lighting from P3DV4 and make it more realistic and actually light up the area and the surrounding clouds. Combined with TFDi Design’s announcement of TrueGlass, the sim is about to get a whole lot more immersive.
Finally, the team announced that PreciptFX will permanently drop in price to a small $9. Also, until the end of October FSFX Packages products will be reduced by 30% (excluding the just released 787 Immersion Package). You simply need to add the product to the cart and use discount coupon ‘Cosford17’ to get your money off.
Quite a busy hour for the team, but loads of great information here. We’ve got in touch with Keven who will be sending us over some assets of the products very soon.
