Captains,
Earlier today we at last released our PMDG DC-6 for MSFS product via the Microsoft Flight Simulator Marketplace for both PC and XBox users.
This is a bold new step in the product development history of PMDG because it represents the first time one of our products has appeared on a console, which has traditionally been the purview of entertainment gaming, while entertainment simming was restricted to PC users. With the increased interest in simming being expressed by console gamers, our DC-6 represents the first true aircraft study-sim to premier on the console side of the new platform and we are very excited to be leading the console world's introduction to serious simulation.
One of the things that fascinates me personally about Microsoft Flight Simulator is the commonality that allows products to be developed for use on PC and on Xbox from a single code source. This is an ambitious goal under any circumstances and as far as I can tell, represents the first time a multi-hardware retail simulator has been available to the PC/Xbox community.
Many folks have been asking if we would allow the DC-6 to be used on Xbox and our approach has been predicated on "if we can put the airplane on both platforms without giving up functionality, then yes, we will."
Effective today, we have done so!
PMDG_DC6_released.jpg
A couple of things we would like you to know:
Special Pricing:
We have issued special pricing for all DC-6 purchases through 31DEC21, whether made directly with PMDG.com or via the MSFS Marketplace.
Differences Between PMDG.com / MSFS Marketplace PC / MSFS Marketplace XBox Versions
While the airplane and it's simulation depth are common to all three iterations, there are a few subtle differences in what gets installed.
PMDG DC-6 on XBox (via Marketplace): This version is functionally identical to the PMDG.com version, but differs in that it installs with some liveries which we have chosen to provide variation and colorful alternatives for XBox users to fly. Due to the limitations of the XBox platform, we are unable to install liveries using our own tools, so XBox users will not be able to use the PMDG Operations Center to expand their livery options. This will be a limitation of any aircraft placed on the XBox platform- but we may occasionally add liveries to the XBox sphere in order to give users additional options.
PMDG DC-6 on PC (via Marketplace): This version is functionally identical to the PMDG.com version but, since it is a common installation with XBox it comes with some liveries preinstalled.Users who wish to install additional liveries will be able to do so beginning next week using a new update to the PMDG Operations Center. I detail the PMDG Operations Center below, so keep reading!
Documentation:
For those interested in learning more about their new DC-6, you can download the documentation here.
Video Tutorials!
We have put together a full set of tutorials to teach you how to fly this magnificent, feature rich simulation of the DC-6. You can watch them all here!
Livery Installation:
As already mentioned, XBox users have limited options for installation of liveries. This is a limitation of the gaming platform. Users who purchase via Marketplace for use on a PC can install additional liveries using the PMDG Operations Center, a tool we have developed specifically for this purpose.
NOTE: It was necessary for us to wait for the DC-6 to release on the platform in order to have access to the necessary localization data for the DC-6 installation, so it will mid-late next week before we publish the updated PMDG Operations Center that is capable of recognizing the Marketplace version of the DC-6. We will post a notice when it is available, and you will download it directly from us via a link we will provide at that time.
The PMDG Operations Center is a free tool for PMDG customers.
Feedback / Support:
Support for Marketplace PC and PMDG.com is expected to be common. We are still working out the speed at which we can update Marketplace users in partnership with Microsoft's distribution system. We will give you as much information on that topic as we have, once an update becomes available, so stay tuned for that.
Support for XBox users is something entirely new for all of us at PMDG and we anticipate a few knee knockers as we build our expertise on the new platform. There are some operational differences that impact our ability to test quickly, iterate quickly and provide rapid solutions for XBox users- and we appreciate your patience as we get used to working with this new platform.
We are already aware of a few hiccups being experienced by *some* Xbox users related to mouse movement and the ability to operate controls. The good news is that we have a very close relationship with the Microsoft Flight Simulator for XBox quality assurance team and we are already tracking solutions and replicating reported issues so that they can be recommended for solution. I am going to post a bit of detail in the DC-6 forum about this topic in order to keep it centralized- but please know that as of our most recent discussion with them tonight, the general feeling is that we are seeing a hardware/simulator interaction affecting a few DC-6 users- and that the problem is not the DC-6 itself. Please see the thread in the DC-6 forum for a bit more information and guidance.
Okay- I think that covers this important release!
For those interested in the 737: We will have more 737 update information coming to you next week.
Earlier today we at last released our PMDG DC-6 for MSFS product via the Microsoft Flight Simulator Marketplace for both PC and XBox users.
This is a bold new step in the product development history of PMDG because it represents the first time one of our products has appeared on a console, which has traditionally been the purview of entertainment gaming, while entertainment simming was restricted to PC users. With the increased interest in simming being expressed by console gamers, our DC-6 represents the first true aircraft study-sim to premier on the console side of the new platform and we are very excited to be leading the console world's introduction to serious simulation.
One of the things that fascinates me personally about Microsoft Flight Simulator is the commonality that allows products to be developed for use on PC and on Xbox from a single code source. This is an ambitious goal under any circumstances and as far as I can tell, represents the first time a multi-hardware retail simulator has been available to the PC/Xbox community.
Many folks have been asking if we would allow the DC-6 to be used on Xbox and our approach has been predicated on "if we can put the airplane on both platforms without giving up functionality, then yes, we will."
Effective today, we have done so!
PMDG_DC6_released.jpg
A couple of things we would like you to know:
Special Pricing:
We have issued special pricing for all DC-6 purchases through 31DEC21, whether made directly with PMDG.com or via the MSFS Marketplace.
Differences Between PMDG.com / MSFS Marketplace PC / MSFS Marketplace XBox Versions
While the airplane and it's simulation depth are common to all three iterations, there are a few subtle differences in what gets installed.
PMDG DC-6 on XBox (via Marketplace): This version is functionally identical to the PMDG.com version, but differs in that it installs with some liveries which we have chosen to provide variation and colorful alternatives for XBox users to fly. Due to the limitations of the XBox platform, we are unable to install liveries using our own tools, so XBox users will not be able to use the PMDG Operations Center to expand their livery options. This will be a limitation of any aircraft placed on the XBox platform- but we may occasionally add liveries to the XBox sphere in order to give users additional options.
PMDG DC-6 on PC (via Marketplace): This version is functionally identical to the PMDG.com version but, since it is a common installation with XBox it comes with some liveries preinstalled.Users who wish to install additional liveries will be able to do so beginning next week using a new update to the PMDG Operations Center. I detail the PMDG Operations Center below, so keep reading!
Documentation:
For those interested in learning more about their new DC-6, you can download the documentation here.
Video Tutorials!
We have put together a full set of tutorials to teach you how to fly this magnificent, feature rich simulation of the DC-6. You can watch them all here!
Livery Installation:
As already mentioned, XBox users have limited options for installation of liveries. This is a limitation of the gaming platform. Users who purchase via Marketplace for use on a PC can install additional liveries using the PMDG Operations Center, a tool we have developed specifically for this purpose.
NOTE: It was necessary for us to wait for the DC-6 to release on the platform in order to have access to the necessary localization data for the DC-6 installation, so it will mid-late next week before we publish the updated PMDG Operations Center that is capable of recognizing the Marketplace version of the DC-6. We will post a notice when it is available, and you will download it directly from us via a link we will provide at that time.
The PMDG Operations Center is a free tool for PMDG customers.
Feedback / Support:
Support for Marketplace PC and PMDG.com is expected to be common. We are still working out the speed at which we can update Marketplace users in partnership with Microsoft's distribution system. We will give you as much information on that topic as we have, once an update becomes available, so stay tuned for that.
Support for XBox users is something entirely new for all of us at PMDG and we anticipate a few knee knockers as we build our expertise on the new platform. There are some operational differences that impact our ability to test quickly, iterate quickly and provide rapid solutions for XBox users- and we appreciate your patience as we get used to working with this new platform.
We are already aware of a few hiccups being experienced by *some* Xbox users related to mouse movement and the ability to operate controls. The good news is that we have a very close relationship with the Microsoft Flight Simulator for XBox quality assurance team and we are already tracking solutions and replicating reported issues so that they can be recommended for solution. I am going to post a bit of detail in the DC-6 forum about this topic in order to keep it centralized- but please know that as of our most recent discussion with them tonight, the general feeling is that we are seeing a hardware/simulator interaction affecting a few DC-6 users- and that the problem is not the DC-6 itself. Please see the thread in the DC-6 forum for a bit more information and guidance.
Okay- I think that covers this important release!
For those interested in the 737: We will have more 737 update information coming to you next week.
Danny Z.Cebis
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