Bandai Namco Explains Why Ace Combat Zero Is Not Sold Separately From Ace Combat 8

Right now, Ace Combat Zero can only be launched on Steam via Ace Combat 8.

Bandai Namco has explained why the port of Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War is available on Steam only as a pre-order bonus bundled with Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve. According to the publisher, licensing restrictions and platform-specific features currently prevent releasing the older game as a standalone application:

The company apologized for not explaining the port’s distribution method clearly enough beforehand. Bandai Namco has reviewed player feedback and is discussing potential solutions, though it cannot guarantee any changes at this time.

The “licensing restrictions” phrase evidently refers to expired licenses for real-world aircraft. Previously, Ace Combat 5 was distributed in a similar manner as a pre-order bonus for Ace Combat 7.

The full release of Ace Combat 8 took place on October 2 on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. The game has already set a franchise record for peak concurrent players on Steam and climbed to first place on the sales charts.