Why are planes so expensive?

[Reyb]

I don't own the game since I don't have a joystick, but I don't get why they're selling some planes for nearly $100? Even $20 seems a little crazy to me for a virtual plane. Maybe I just don't understand something but I don't get why people would spend $50+ for a plane in a game, or why a developer would sell them for that much. Unless theres more to it than just a plane. Im not complaining or trying to insult anybody, just curious as to why they go for so much.

[Gunfreak]

DCS is the base, the aircraft are the "game" each modual is a complete simulation of that plane, the best simulation you'll get outside of 3 million dollar military simulators.

[geistXIII]

This is the closest thing to a sim you will get on the private market. Every plane is as close as it can possibly be to the real deal and takes years of research and this is a niche product. All factors add up to pretty expensive modules, but almost all of them are worth their price. Also don't buy every aircraft, only those you're interested in. You won't be able to master them all anyways.

If you use the search function you can find more information on it, this topic comes up all the time.

[Jonny*Combat]

It takes years to make these modules. The Tomcat took about 6+ years to develop, required vast amounts of research, and involved the contributions of actual pilots (SME's).

That's not including the modelling, sound design, and proprietary systems developed for the modules (Jester etc).

It's a hell of a lot work to make these things.

[startrekmike]

Reyb původně napsal:

I don't own the game since I don't have a joystick, but I don't get why they're selling some planes for nearly $100? Even $20 seems a little crazy to me for a virtual plane. Maybe I just don't understand something but I don't get why people would spend $50+ for a plane in a game, or why a developer would sell them for that much. Unless theres more to it than just a plane. Im not complaining or trying to insult anybody, just curious as to why they go for so much.

So as was said in another comment, a given aircraft module for DCS World is a full individual game development project. These aircraft take years to develop and are designed to be treated like distinct gaming experiences. It is not unlike how some aircraft in Microsoft Flight Simulator are also $70+ each. They are years long development projects that offer significant amounts of depth and detail.

Part of the problem I think you are having here is that you look at the DCS World Steam Store page and see all the aircraft listed as "DLC". Based on mainstream gaming experience, DLC usually means small amounts of addon content for relatively low prices. It is natural to think that $70+ prices for "DLC" is predatory. The problem is that DCS World's "DLC" isn't really DLC at all. As stated before, these aircraft are massive development projects that are meant to be treated like individual releases. They just happen to all fit in the DCS World overall framework.

[snooze]

Reyb původně napsal:

I don't own the game since I don't have a joystick, but I don't get why they're selling some planes for nearly $100? Even $20 seems a little crazy to me for a virtual plane. Maybe I just don't understand something but I don't get why people would spend $50+ for a plane in a game, or why a developer would sell them for that much. Unless theres more to it than just a plane. Im not complaining or trying to insult anybody, just curious as to why they go for so much.

Flaming cliffs 3 includes 5-6 planes

[geistXIII]

You can't compare the flaming cliff planes with the full fidelity modules though. They are "toys" compared to the real modules.

[Darkreaver1980]

It's a niche market and you actualy get slot of value by just buying a single plane. Each plane comes with a 300-700 page manual.

[Undead Rufus]

Wait for sales.

IMO, if you're into military flight sims, a high-fidelity DCS aircraft module is a decent value at $30 to $50.

[BulletMagnet]

Put it this way, War Thunder charges the same money for what's basically a 3D model and some premium time. Here you get a plane simulated down to the last switch, button and circuit breaker.

[rimmer66]

we don't want poor people here.

[Slapdaddy]

Undead Rufus původně napsal:

Wait for sales.

IMO, if you're into military flight sims, a high-fidelity DCS aircraft module is a decent value at $30 to $50.

They won't discount the F-15E for at least 2 years, and when they do, it'll be the same price as it is now, if not more.

[Dr. Jester]

It is more expensive if you live in third world countries, where we tend to subsidize the other regions. The F-15E today was almost US$80 for me, they lowered the price a bit, but still impossible.

[Undead Rufus]

Slapdaddy původně napsal:

Undead Rufus původně napsal:

Wait for sales.

IMO, if you're into military flight sims, a high-fidelity DCS aircraft module is a decent value at $30 to $50.

They won't discount the F-15E for at least 2 years, and when they do, it'll be the same price as it is now, if not more.

If you can't wait for a sale, then pay full price, I guess. Value is subjective, after all.

[Gunfreak]

BulletMagnet původně napsal:

Put it this way, War Thunder charges the same money for what's basically a 3D model and some premium time. Here you get a plane simulated down to the last switch, button and circuit breaker.

Same in MSFS, while some 3rd party planes are decent. Some are just 3d models slapped on an already existing flight model, and they still want 50+ bucks for it.(not to mention all the litteral scam moduals for sale too)

[SSerponi76]

Reyb původně napsal:

I don't own the game since I don't have a joystick, but I don't get why they're selling some planes for nearly $100? Even $20 seems a little crazy to me for a virtual plane. Maybe I just don't understand something but I don't get why people would spend $50+ for a plane in a game, or why a developer would sell them for that much. Unless theres more to it than just a plane. Im not complaining or trying to insult anybody, just curious as to why they go for so much.

Well, you have to consider that each module is a standalone game that provides a simulated aircraft that is practically identical to the real one (in terms of avionics, flight model and weapons) that guarantees you hundreds of hours of fun.

You can find the same plane in other games, but rest assured that you won't find the same level of realism there.