MS FS2002 launch delayed

[Evo7]

Seems that Microsoft are delaying the release of FS2002. After all, "The Flight Simulator is very realistic and allows people to fly low over Manhattan and other cities in the United States."

Not really a time for flaming, but that seems like a bit of an overreaction to me.

The story can be found at
http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_400328.html?menu=news.technology

[What_does_this_button_do?]

Microsoft are not saying this in Europe (at the moment!)

[What_does_this_button_do?]

all I could find:

REDMOND, Washington (CNN) -- Microsoft said Friday it will remove images of the World Trade Center from the upcoming version of its popular PC game, "Flight Simulator," following the terrorist attacks Tuesday on that landmark, the Pentagon and another attempt that failed in Pennsylvania, which resulted in thousands of deaths. "We obviously are trying to be considerate of the feelings of everyone affected by the tragedy. We are removing the images simply because we do not want to cause anyone pain in the future versions of the software," said Microsoft spokesman Matt Pilla. He also said Microsoft is considering whether to provide a patch for users to download to remove the World Trade Center from current versions.

[What_does_this_button_do?]

from news.bbc.co.uk

Microsoft will remove the twin towers of the World Trade Center from a new version of its flight simulator computer game, the company has confirmed.

In Flight Simulator 2002, players can fly an aircraft around a number of different cities, including New York.

To leave the twin towers in the game would not be "appropriate", a Microsoft spokeswoman said.

The release of the game is to be postponed in some countries but not in the UK.

The two towers were reduced to rubble after two passenger airlines were flown into them as part of an apparent suicide attack.

"Microsoft have said that they feel that they want to do what's appropriate," the spokeswoman told BBC News Online.

"After a lot of careful consideration, they have chosen to remove the World Trade Center towers."

Gamers will still be able to fly over New York, along with Washington DC and other cities including Boston, London, Los Angeles and Paris.

A range of aircraft, including commercial jets such as the Boeing 747, are available to fly in the simulator.

Duke Nukem: Violent scenes being reviewed

But it is not possible to "destroy" buildings by crashing into them.

If a plane hits a building, the plane "sticks" in the building but neither is demolished or explodes.

"It doesn't glorify the crash at all and it never has done," the spokeswoman said.

Microsoft earlier denied that terrorists could use the game to learn to fly.

The game, for the PC, will still be on sale in the UK from 29 October.

It replaces an earlier version that had a picture of Concorde on the front - released before Concorde crashed in Paris in July 2000.

Messages

Many other gaming companies will also review their content to avoid offence in the wake of the attacks on New York and the Pentagon.

Majestic, a popular interactive game that draws players into an X-Files-like conspiracy, has been withdrawn because messages from characters could echo those left by attack victims.

Another game, in which players try to defend the World Trade Center from kamikaze pilots, has also been taken off shelves.

Arush Entertainment is also revising a forthcoming game that features renowned video game character Duke Nukem on the rampage in New York.

[What_does_this_button_do?]

from Microsoft:

Microsoft is shocked and saddened by the horrible tragedies that occurred on September 11th. Our hearts go out to everyone involved in and affected by these attacks. We are focused on doing the right thing out of respect for the victims, our customers, partners and employees. With this in mind, we have decided to postpone releasing Flight Simulator 2002 for distribution. We will announce a new date when it is determined.

[Ace McCool]

Don't know when the official release date is...but FS2002 (twin tower version) has been doing the rounds at the usual SE Asia copy houses for the past fortnight.

[ 08 October 2001: Message edited by: Ace McCool ]