I regrettably cannot locate the proper links at this time, but there are reports that Microsoft flight simulator addon creator/publisher "Aerosoft" has begun pursuing the concept of creating a new flight simulator not related to Microsoft's efforts. A browse through their forums should allow you to get a sense of the situation.

Also, a number of former ACES team members have crafted a new simulation company that may be looking toward creating a new sim in the future. Again, I cannot recall what this new organization is called, and cannot seem to readily supply an appropriate link, yet I am sure others here will. 

Has anyone seen the future of Microsoft FlightSim ?

Apparently Microsoft feels thier flight sim engine is to good for simple gamers like us.

Introducing:

Microsoft® ESP™ is a visual simulation software development platform that extends immersive games-based technology to training and decision support for commercial, government and education organizations.

Entry into this new platform is only $899.00

How bout that!

Here's the link http://www.microsoft.com/esp/default.htm

While looking at some of the videos on the site, I realized, this is Microsoft's way of keeping X-plane from hogging all those high end simulator dollars.

Cliff