True Offline Patch or DRM-Free Re-Release of Rise of Flight

[redbaroncz]

Hello everyone,

 

I’ve been a fan of Rise of Flight since it’s very first version, The Great Air War. It’s been an incredible journey and a truly unique WWI flight-sim experience.

 

Although official support is still active, it’s clear that Rise of Flight has a steadily declining player base, as shown by the current statistics:

https://steamdb.info/app/244050/charts

 

Sooner or later, the day will come when the servers are retired, and the ability to log in (even once to generate offline data) will be lost. For that reason, I’d like to kindly ask the developers to consider one of the following options:

1. A fully DRM-free re-release - for example, through GOG, which would preserve the game for future generations without requiring online activation.
2. A Steam re-release - containing all content and playable entirely offline.

Such a step would not only help to keep Rise of Flight alive as a piece of flight-sim history but also serve as a great gesture and promotion for your current and upcoming titles, such as IL-2 Sturmovik: Flying Circus or Korea: IL-2 Series.

 

Thank you for reading and thank you to the developers for keeping this classic alive for so many years.

Edited November 4 by redbaroncz

[Dr1falcon500]

I've had Rise of Flight since 2010 and it's still the combat flight sim I use the most. Lately I've been wondering the same thing, how much longer will IC keep supporting RoF? If in 3 or 4 years time I need to install RoF on a new PC and there's no download or update available. I'm not sure how many people using RoF use the Steam version? Free to play with DLC in expensive packs adding up to a hefty amount. At the moment the best way to get RoF is to download free from IC and buy the planes you want to fly for a few bucks each. Making the game free or at low cost around $30 at GOG would be a good idea.

[redbaroncz]

I agree that the non-Steam version certainly has a larger number of active players, but the trend of Rise of Flight with it’s overall player base declining is a fact, and it’s important to address what will happen once official support ends. For example, IL-2 Sturmovik 1946 remains popular even today, partly thanks to easily runnable versions available both on GOG and Steam. I would be interested to hear the developers’ opinion and what plans they have for the future. 

[Trooper117]

2 hours ago, redbaroncz said:

the non-Steam version certainly has a larger number of active players

 

Where did that info come from?...

[redbaroncz]

It’s only my estimate based on the small numbers we can see for active players of Rise of Flight on Steam. The prices of DLCs may also play a role in why some players choose to play outside of Steam, as mentioned above. Still, the point stands - I guess there aren’t many active players left overall, unless someone can share some actual numbers. 

[JGr2/J5_W0LF-]

I would volunteer my time to help with this in any capacity, I’ve done a ton of skins and love this games potential. I’m here if this ever happens.