Update 28.12.2013: The game has evolved very well and many new features have emerged. There have been many models of airplanes that you can only buy with the card, there have been services for a fee, there have also been special meteorological phenomena: tropical storms, tornadoes, etc. The menus, the login systems and how you can evolve have been changed. KLM history and development stages are preserved, but new scenarios can be configured as well. For aviation enthusiasts, I think Aviation Empire is one of the most complex games dedicated to the industry.
On 27 June 2013, KLM has launched Empire Aviation, an 3D strategy game that lets you experience what it is like to run an airline. It is available for free for iOS and Android, but is not compatible with all smartphones.
Aviation Empire is more than just a company promotion game. You must invest in a fleet, build a network with international destinations and upgrade your own airports. It's basically a complex strategy game. I have been practicing it for a few days and I can say that I have always approached a new development plan. You have to follow the historical steps of the Dutch airline operator, but you have the freedom to choose the operational fleet, the moments when you want to take the next steps, the routes operated, etc.
The game begins in 1919, the year it was born Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij NV (KLM). As you develop and evolve, you manage to unlock new stages in history. In 1930, the Bucharest airport (BUH) is opened and you can launch the route connecting the Netherlands to Romania. In the years 1927, 1932, 1935, etc. new aircraft appear that you can buy from the market. Depending on the performance of the planes, you can use them effectively in the operational network. There are models that cannot fly on long routes, others are more efficient on medium routes, and for long-haul flights it is advisable to use aircraft with a large transport capacity. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the Boeing 787 is included in the game.
1936 is the year in which a new stage of development and modernization for KLM begins. New airports are appearing for upgrade. It is advisable to quickly upgrade the control tower and install an ILS guidance system. Mostly, I arrived in the 1950 year, but not very easy. Depending on the strategy addressed, you can evolve faster or harder. It's worth a try, as the game can be played on a tablet or smartphone.
A Boeing 747-200 near Douglas DC-8 at Amsterdam Airport
The connection between the game world and the real world is made through the possibility to check-in to certain locations. By using a GPS check-in system, you can unlock nearly 70 airports in the Aviation Empire.
In addition to in-game points and credits, you can also earn badges that you can share on your Social Media accounts. Aviation Empire is intended for KLM customers, KLM fans, but also for anyone who is passionate about airplane strategy games.
The game was developed by KLM in cooperation with Monpellier Venture and the Little Chicken Game Company, and 180 beta testers helped optimize the game. There are many more to be developed, but I am convinced that the game will be successful among aviation enthusiasts. I can say that it is the most complex game of this type that I have practiced so far.
The development of this game came as a natural step in KLM's digital evolution. It is one of the first airlines to offer a 24/7 social media service and is the first airline to launch the innovative Meet & Seat service (through which the company's passengers can see which of their Facebook friends or LinkedIn connections are on the same flight as them).
PS I tested and played the game on HTC One!
game not running on a GT-P3100….
As I wrote in the article, it is not compatible with all phones. I will complete this article with the technical requirements so that it is clear for everyone.