To put those numbers into perspective, in the last survey X-Plane was listed as only 10% and that was only two years ago in 2016 (but the survey has to be noted as more FlightSim centric and focused). The data supports the shift with X-Plane now reaching the 50% point of users compared to FlightSim (Primary Simulator Software - Navigraph 2018 Survey) and 19.8% of current FlightSim users are also considering X-Plane as their primary simulator in the future. Obviously with the flock of users converting then came also the FlightSim developers, almost begrudgingly, in an almost a really 'I don't really want to be here, but I have to if I want to keep my customers' way. And most liked and loved what they saw and flew. So they came, and came in droves to the new and pleasant land seeking new experiences. the FlightSim crowd (even the hard-core) users realised that X-Plane was a better product, a better simulator and to a point had better value per flying buck. Part of the reason of the bedlam of the first part of the year was the expected conversion or crossover of Ex-Flightsim users and developers.

The year could be very easily split right down the middle, with extremely busy for the first six months and then a more mature quieter second half. 2017 was a mega year, so could 2018 be bigger, better or just more of the same? In fact it all went slightly sideways in being different instead as more external factors came to bear on the simulator, but one fact was totally overwhelming in that as simulation goes it is still a very strong and growing market, there are no doomsday forecasts coming anytime soon as simulation is still very much in demand and new users are still overwhelmingly discovering this excellent online flying world.

With a long reflection on the X-Plane year in 2018, it was certainly an interesting one.

Skymaxx pro 4.5 review