Ace Combat brand director Kazutoki Kono recently achieved a major milestone by taking his very first flight inside a real fighter jet. Having spent nearly three decades designing digital dogfights and virtual aircraft for Bandai Namco's acclaimed flight action series, Kono's real-world aviation experience offers a fascinating bridge between video game simulation and actual flight dynamics. The flight took place as part of promotional activities for the long-running franchise, marking a unique moment for a developer who has helped shape virtual flight combat ever since his work on Ace Combat 2 back in 1997.
From Virtual Cockpits to Real G-Forces
For decades, Kono and his development teams crafted realistic visual effects, flight models, and cockpit perspectives using software tools, sensory design, and mathematical physics models. Experiencing a genuine high-performance jet flight firsthand provided a powerful contrast to sitting behind a computer monitor or working with digital flight controls. In a promotional video released by publisher Bandai Namco documenting the flight event, Kono openly admitted to feeling a wave of anxiety prior to takeoff. However, any initial hesitation quickly gave way to absolute wonder once the aircraft ascended into the sky.
During the flight, Kono paid close attention to physical sensations that digital video games can only approximate through sound design and screen shake. He specifically highlighted the intense physical feedback encountered during high-speed maneuvers, describing the heavy downward pressure pushing him firmly into his flight seat during sharp turns. Rather than feeling overwhelmed by the tight environment, he found the compact setup of the fighter jet cockpit to be surprisingly comfortable and engaging, contrasting it favorably against the passenger experience inside much larger commercial airliners.
AI-generated editorial illustration; not a documentary photograph.
Source: After 30 years they finally let Ace Combat's director fly in a real jet, and I'm taking credit
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