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MSFS20 MSFS (2020): Which version (MS Store/Steam) from a developer standpoint?

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unitedkingdom
Hi guys,

Just wondering which (if either) is best, specifically from an aircraft developer/SDK point of view?

I'm a frequent Steam user, but normally purchase FS titles with their own DLC systems separately (IL-2 & DCS for e.g.).

I like to have access to the installation folder and choose where it's located also.

Thanks for your thoughts,

Robert
 
I'd had no problems developing for FSX:SE, no complaints in that regard and I'm a maverick, to say the least.

With the non Steam version of MSFS, every time there is an update, I have to go in through the Microsoft game server, so it's just like being back on Steam anyway, plus Microsoft tries to make it hard to find anything you already own, go figure.

As to paths, they both were obscure, I'd say the Steam path had been easier to find, but once I'd stored the MSFS SDK and Community folders in my favorites, that concern became moot.
 
When first installing the PC version, there is an option to specify the installation location (I have mine on D:\\msfs). Obviously, this makes accessing things much easier that that crazy "....8wekyb3d8bbwe..." stuff. Don't know if the Steam version has the same option.

Similar to above =rk='s comment, some updates require going through the MSStore app to adjust the basic structure.

Personally, I prefer the MSStore version, simply because it is their game -- Steam is a delivery platform from a different company and adds a different layer which might be is unnecessary (I don't know, can msfs be launched directly from the Start menu when installed by Steam?, or does a start link go through Steam?). That all said, the difference in the experience is likely minimal. Steam is well-developed platform; I use it and have nothing bad to say about it. Just my personal preference to remove 3rd party software when not needed.
 
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Thanks for the info, guys.

If it was a 'normal' game, I'd definitely go with Steam, but as a flight sim and development platform, I kind of like the idea of it being separate from my Games Library.

Thanks for clarifying the MS Store install structure, Dale. I will be placing MSFS on its own dedicated drive, and while that's easy enough to do via Steam, you'd get a number of additional sub-directories:

F:\Microsoft Flight Simulator
vs
F:\Microsoft Flight Simulator\steamapps\common\Microsoft Flight Simulator

I had heard that there was an issue with the SDK on the Steam version at one point, but it must have been resolved (I think it was folder structure related).

One other consideration that came to mind is that of Xbox testing. As I understand it, if you buy the PC version from the MS Store, you effectively get the Xbox version for 'free' - is that correct?

I don't own a console, and have no interest in console gaming, but being able to test on the Xbox via the same account (at some point in the future) seems quite useful.

Thanks again,

Robert
 
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I don't know about the XBox version, "free" or otherwise; sorry. That said, there is some indications that they are effectively the same -- specifically, discussion about managing the texture budget to fit within XBox limits.
 
Thanks for the reply, Dale.

As said, I'm not a console guy myself; I'm just looking ahead to future testing.

As far as I can tell, MSFS is/will be a 'Play Anywhere' title, which means only one license is required to play on both PC and Xbox (presumably not simultaneously) - provided the purchase is directly via MS. Steam version will not work.

Some info:

Q: If I buy the simulator for PC will I be able to play on my Xbox when it is released? Is this an Xbox Play Anywhere title?

A: The Play Anywhere is a new initiative by Microsoft to combine platforms of gaming, letting Xbox gamers play on PC with any first-party Microsoft Studios published game that is digitally purchased and vice versa. Microsoft Simulator is an XPA title.

Also:

"Just like with release date information, we can't confirm exactly how Microsoft Flight Simulator will be priced on Xbox consoles, but we can surmise it'll be very close or the same as the PC release. This is because Microsoft Flight Simulator has been confirmed to be an Xbox Play Anywhere title, so you'll be able to purchase the game once and gain access to it on both platforms. Because of this, it's pretty safe to assume prices will be the same to avoid any confusion and make it easier for players."


EDIT: In addition to the above, I note that the recently announced Beta (PerformancePlus) is only available via the MS Store version; thus, all things considered, I think I'll go with that.
 
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