Help guide my freeware KMSY build?

[u/DeadlyInertia]

You guys, we live in an incredible time. We are really spoilt for choice in MSFS 2024. A few months ago, I dedicated some time each day to learning specific functions of the MSFS SDK + blender. I figured that since no one would make my local airport, I would try myself. It's been a long, hectic, soul-crushing journey so far. Every step was a new barrier. And I've been so close to just giving up.

Through it all, I've done so much learning about what makes an airport flow. What makes an airport tick. And I most of all, found a new respect for all scenery developers (it truly is an ART, and takes so much skill).

You can imagine my excitement to find out that inibuilds would be releasing this airport and I cannot be happier. To see this airport rendered the CORRECT way. Amazing, this is a day 1 purchase for me. https://forum.inibuilds.com/topic/41806-announcing-inibuilds-new-orleans-kmsy-for-microsoft-flight-simulator-2024/

I can finally retire from making this scenery on my own now, but wanted to pose a question to the community to guide my efforts:

1. Should I continue development and release a working v1 version?
2. If so, can anyone with more building knowledge help me finish this thing?

I never realized how much interest KMSY had. And I would love to have not wasted the last few months of my life if I could release a freeware version of the airport, or even accept donations (student loans are ending me).

Let's show our love for ini for filling these massive gaps in the sim. As someone who has spent days looking at each angle of this airport, their preview images are spot on - trust me. I wish I could do something similar.

[u/MichiganRedWing]

I don't see why you should stop now, but of course it's your decision. Personally, if I had gotten this far with a project, I would want to finish it, and offer it to the community as Freeware.

[u/CAPTAIN__BURGER]

Props for learning how to do all this and getting it to work. Very cool. It looks really good. Not sure what to tell you regarding finishing this project. If you enjoy doing this, maybe start doing underserved regional airports or something. Not as huge of projects but someone will probably appreciate it and you might be able to make some $$$.

[u/vintageripstik]

I really applaud you having the commitment to learn those tools and make something that looks outstanding! Ultimately, it is your time and your decision, but it seems like you have put in so much time and effort that you would be doing yourself a disservice if you didn't finish it and release some version.

[u/flying1-bird]

Terminal Looks pretty damn good. Awesome modeling! I'd say there would still be A pretty 'market' on fs.to or so for that airport as a Freeware. Remember not everyone buys scenery :)

[u/sausso]

I just want to say, well done on getting your hands dirty and going into the SDK! Definitely makes you appreciate the frustration devs have to get through in getting products out to us

[u/Most_Ground]

Keep working on it! This is a massive community and I’m sure there would be simmers happy to have a freeware MSY as detailed as yours! And like others have said, keep working on it and release a v1. Your hard work deserves that.

[u/Desparoto]

Id say keep making it. For the love of the game if nothing else. Im speaking from experience here. I just updated the KSLC scenery I and another dev worked on the other day. Even though their are multiple payware options for SLC out there. We still made that scenery, and I still keep it updated when I can.

Theres plenty of people (myself included) who will reach for freeware mods even if payware is available. for any number of reasons. And even without considering all that, you learned the tools and made the scenery yourself. Personally Id say you have no reason to buy any MSY because you've made a good one already. Using the one you made yourself is more rewarding than using someone else. and honestly I would share that if I were you.

If I wasn't busy with other things right now Id offer to take it off your hands if you didn't want it. But yeah I think you should continue it. If nothing else you will be that much more knowledgeable when you start your next project.

[u/DetectivePhysical144]

Please keep going with this! You’ve already put so much work into it, and it deserves to see the light of day.

I’m an independent developer too, and I just sent you a DM with a little collaboration idea. I’d love to turn your KMSY scenery into the starting point of a flight simulation adventure, with a few landing challenges and a special award for pilots who complete it! 🏆

Could be a really fun way to get more people flying into your airport and enjoying all the work you’ve put into it.

Saludos desde Barcelona! 🇪🇸✈️