Got Friends: Behind the Curtain
An Inside Look at Development, Upgrades, and What’s Next
It’s been a wild year already, and we thought it was time to pull back the curtain and give our community a proper look into what’s been going on at Got Friends. This isn’t your typical announcement post — it’s more of a journal entry, a chance to speak openly about where we are, where we’re headed, and why some of those decisions matter.
Before anything else, thank you. Your support, feedback, and passion have helped shape this journey, and we’re constantly reminded of how lucky we are to build alongside a community like this.
Here’s a look at what we’ll cover in this update:
- Our 1st-party development efforts with Microsoft
- Compatibility and upgrade plans for our previous 3rd-party products
- Special look into the AS-33Me and a surprise tandem upgrade
- Our future roadmap, or at least, how we’re approaching it
- A new aircraft reveal currently in development
- Key events since the launch of MSFS 2024
First-Party Products: DracoX, Norden, Stemme, Taurus M, and Optica
We’ve been working closely with Microsoft on updates for all five of our 1st-party aircraft. If you missed it, the Savage Norden and Pipistrel Taurus M are now available individually through the MSFS 2024 Marketplace. To celebrate, we released a free Classic Livery Pack for the Norden, available on our website.
With Sim Update 1 now live, we’ve been hard at work preparing the next major version of each aircraft (v0.0.9). Rather than walk through every changelog line-by-line, here are just a few of the more impactful fixes we think the community will appreciate:
DracoX (v0.0.9)
- Fixed backflow pressure issue with gravity-fed tanks in “Both” condition
- Elevator trim now spawns in correct position
- Trim and flap gauges added to the G3X Touch
- Copilot removal support
Savage Norden (v0.0.9)
- Multiplayer decal and component flickering resolved
- Dynamic registration color support
Stemme S12-G & Taurus M (v0.0.9)
- LX Avionics system overhauled
- UI and system improvements across the board
AeroElvira Optica (v0.0.9)
- Fuel System and Ballast Improvements
This update cycle has been one of the most intensive since launch, and we’re excited to get these versions into your hands soon. Please note, that most of these fixes are implemented across all 5 aircraft and not specific to each platform.
3rd-Party Fleet: Compatibility and Forward Strategy
Since the release of MSFS 2024, we’ve been working steadily to ensure our 3rd-party products remain compatible. Shortly after launch, we updated most of them for forward compatibility. Many of them are still performing well in the new sim, though some still have lingering issues we’re addressing. Here’s a snapshot of where things currently stand:
Gee Bee R3 Special
- Partially Compatible, no major updates planned at the moment
Discus-2c Premium
- Compatible with planned upgrade overhaul (details below)
Wilga 35/80 Series
- High-priority update in progress, including new career and customization features
Mini-500, Astro One, DoubleEnder & F4F-4 Wildcat
- Varying upgrade priority depending on complexity and demand
Legacy Collection (Lake Skipper, Vertigo, MXA, MonsterNX, Grravel & Carbon)
- Functional, with long-term plans for modernization
Mozzie Mk III & Fokker DR.1
- Fully compatible, low update priority
April Fools Releases (Paddle Wheeler, Canoe & New Recruit)
- Fully compatible, low update priority
Avitar Series & 40th Anniversary Expansion
- Not currently compatible
- 40th Anniversary Expansion development has been discontinued
As you may have noticed, we’re assigning priority levels to each aircraft because upgrading from MSFS 2020 to 2024 isn’t a simple patch. It involves revisiting everything — models, sounds, code, and systems — and making sure they live up to modern expectations in the new sim. In most cases, upgrades will be free, but larger-scale efforts (like the Wilga overhaul) may require a small fee to help cover the cost of major feature additions.
Our philosophy is simple: we don’t want these aircraft to merely function — we want them to thrive in the new sim environment.
AS-33Me and the Discus-2c: A Tandem Launch Party
One of our proudest developments to date is nearly ready to soar. The AS-33Me has been in deep development for quite some time, and it’s shaping up to be our most advanced glider yet. Highly detailed visuals, new avionics, custom sound, realistic gliding physics, and advanced animation systems all come together to make this a flagship project for us. We are working alongside some familiar faces as well, like Ian Lewis, who is helping our team tremendously with avionics support.
But here’s the surprise: we’re upgrading the Discus-2c (both Standard and Premium) alongside it. When the AS-33Me launches, the Discus-2c will relaunch with it, fully overhauled and ready for the next generation, integrated into the LX Family Avionics system.
Discus-2c Upgrade Highlights
- New soundpack and avionics
- 3D model additions and improved animations
- Walk-around preflight features
- Improved FES motor logic with multiplayer support
AS-33Me Highlights
- Launching natively for MSFS 2020 and 2024
- 15-meter and 18-meter variants
- Modular dashboard with customizable gauge locations
- Complex animation set including bug wipers, wingflex, and surface wear
- Built from the ground up to redefine our “flagship” soaring experience
Our love for gliding has only grown over time, and these two releases will bring our glider total to four — with the Stemme and Taurus M rounding out the lineup. We work closely with real-world pilots to ensure accuracy and immersion, and we can’t wait to get both of these gliders into your hands. Gliders are a niche platform; however, we are very keen on continuing that support for this next generation, introducing pilots everywhere to the thrill of gliding.
The Got Friends Roadmap: A Three-Way Street
Our development efforts are currently split into three major categories, each with its own set of priorities and goals. These aren’t separate lanes — we shift between them as needed based on resources, timelines, and community feedback.
First-Party Commitments with Microsoft
- Ongoing updates as the simulator evolves
- Continued support for existing aircraft
- Development of future 1st-party projects in partnership
Legacy 3rd-Party Fleet
- Native upgrades underway for key products
- Most upgrades will be free; some may carry a minimal fee for expanded content
- Ongoing efforts to revive the Avitar Series (No solution yet…)
New 3rd-Party Releases
- All new aircraft will launch for MSFS 2020 and 2024 simultaneously
- Project Crosskart was our first to follow this model
- AS-33Me is next in line
- After that, something new is on the horizon…
Introducing the Aeroprakt A-32
We’ve been quietly working on a brand-new aircraft — the Aeroprakt A-32. It’s a project we’re very excited about. Over the past few months, our team has made significant progress on the 3D model, flight systems, avionics, and fuel system. With that foundation in place, we’re moving toward the in-game implementation phase.
While it’s still early in development, we’re eager to share more when the time is right. Until then, consider this your first official teaser at the work going into the 3D Model.
What Else Have We Been Up To?
Beyond development, we’ve kept busy in other ways as well. Here’s a quick look at some of the major milestones since MSFS 2024 launched:
We’re genuinely excited about what’s coming next, and we’re grateful every day for the support that’s allowed us to get this far.
If there’s one message we want to leave with you, it’s this: the journey is far from over. Whether you’re flying a glider at golden hour or skimming the treetops in a bush plane, we’ll be right there with you — building, dreaming, and flying.
Thanks for reading,
– The Got Friends Team
Classic Livery Pack – A throwback to the golden age of bush flying! This pack brings nine nostalgic liveries, each capturing the rugged charm of classic backcountry aviation. Hand-crafted by yours truly, twoseventyinc!
Legacy Weight & Balance Panel – No more extra steps fumbling through the EFB—adjust fuel, payload, ballast, and CG directly with the classic. Simply putting everything back at your fingertips just like you remember.
Looking forward to the Discus update as well.
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