Bandai Namco Entertainment has announced details regarding how the pre-order bonus, *ACE COMBAT ZERO: THE BELKAN WAR* (Steam port), will be provided for the Steam version of *ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE*, the latest installment in the series, which is set to be released on October 2.
Currently exploring a solution to the issue where the game cannot be launched standalone
Treating it as DLC exclusively on Steam
While “Ace Combat Zero,” available as a pre-order bonus for “Ace Combat 8,” can be launched as a standalone game on the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S console versions, on Steam it is “provided as a DLC executable file that launches separately from the main game,”requiring the installation of “Ace Combat 8,” meaning it cannot be launched on its own.
On October 1, an announcement was made regarding this issue, apologizing for the lack of prior notice and stating that a solution is being considered. The full text of the announcement is as follows.
Regarding the Distribution Method for the Pre-Order Bonus “ACE COMBAT ZERO”
We have been receiving inquiries and requests from customers regarding the distribution method for the pre-order bonus, *ACE COMBAT ZERO*.
Due to licensing restrictions and platform specifications, we are currently unable to distribute this bonus as a standalone application on Steam. Therefore, this title is provided in a format that requires you to launch and play “ACE COMBAT™ 8: WINGS OF THEVE.”
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience or confusion this distribution method may have caused, as we were unable to provide sufficient advance notice regarding this arrangement.
We take the feedback and requests we have received from players very seriously, and we are currently in discussions with relevant parties, including our platform partners, to explore possible solutions.
While we are not yet in a position to promise any changes to the distribution method at this time, we will continue to work proactively to find a solution that meets your expectations.
Once again, we apologize for the inconvenience and trouble this has caused our customers, and we sincerely thank you for your valuable feedback.
“ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THEVE,” the first new entry in the series in seven years, is scheduled for official release on October 2 at 7:00 a.m. for PC (Steam),PS5, andXBOX Series X|S.
For the digital version, purchasing before launch will also grant you access to “Ace Combat Zero.” Regarding “Ace Combat Zero,” it was reiterated during an official broadcast at the end of September that it will not be released as a standalone title.
