If you thought that the last release of MS Flight Sim in 2009 was the end you’ll be happy to know that Microsoft is giving Flight Sim away for free:
Redmond is making the game available in a private beta at present, but plans to release it as a free download eventually. The game needs a minimum of 10GB of hard drive space, a dual-core 2Ghz processor, Windows XP SP3 and 2GB of RAM, according to the video trailer. Initially Flight will only have one plane - the ICON A5 flying boat - but Windows Live users will get access to extra missions and plane types if they sign in.
Makes sense, though I’m not sure how well other ‘play for free’ modelled games have done. But I’m doubting that Flight Sim hasn’t sold a whole lot lately, so the model of charging users a buck or two for new plans or new areas could give them a bit extra in the ‘ol MS coffers.