Microsoft confirmed the closure of Aces Game Studio to IGN today, the internal development studio responsible for Microsoft Flight Simulator.
Amidst the 5,000 job cuts at Microsoft it appears as though Microsoft Flight Simulator is the first product victim. In a statement to IGN, Kelda Rericha of Edelman, Microsoft"s public relations firm, said that the decision was made within Microsoft"s Internal Entertainment Business "to align our people against our highest priorities."
Microsoft Flight Simulator dates back over 25 years with the first edition released in late 1982. Does this mean that Flight Simulator is a victim of the layoffs? According to Rericha, "We are committed to the Flight Simulator franchise which has proven to be a successful PC based game for the last 27 years. You should expect us to continue to invest in enabling great LIVE experiences on Windows, including flying games, but we have nothing specific to announce at this time."