Forem: KhaiSimon

Devlog#18: Developing games is our dream, but Mom is the reason we never gave up

KhaiSimon — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 02:21:43 +0000

Hello, I’m Simon, the developer behind Cabin Crew Life Simulator. The last time I wrote a devlog was when our game had just launched and unexpectedly received such a warm welcome from the community. It’s only now, nearly a month since my mother passed away, that I’ve found the strength to return to work and write to you again.

But this won’t be a typical devlog. This one is special. I want to share a more personal story with you, what happened behind the scenes, beyond the glow of the screen and the early success of a game built by just two people. It’s about the gaps between updates, and about a mother who supported us wholeheartedly, right up until her final moments.

Summary

Cabin Crew Life Simulator is an indie simulation game about the life of airline crew members, developed entirely by just two people my wife and me.

The game launched in February 2025 after a long development journey and has sold over 15,000 copies to date.

We did everything ourselves, no investors, no marketing team, and only a very modest budget just enough to cover basic living expenses like rent and food.

1. Background

We didn’t come from the game industry, and we started fairly late. But we chose to create games because I’ve always loved gaming and programming, and my wife has always supported whatever path I chose. I shifted from a full-time job to part-time, and eventually quit completely to focus on learning to code and building the game. By now, it’s been just under three years since we wrote our very first lines of code.

Cabin Crew Life Simulator is an indie simulation game that reflects the real-life responsibilities of a flight attendant. Players take on the role of a female cabin crew member, receive daily flight details, and serve passengers. It’s developed solely by me and my wife.

This wasn’t our first project. Before this, we developed a horror game called Taken Soul, inspired by my hometown in Vietnam. We invested almost all our savings into that project, only to experience a painful failure. It received a slew of negative reviews, poor sales, and, worst of all, harsh criticism from the local market. We broke down and cried many times.

That was an incredibly difficult period. I kept asking myself every day: Should I give up and return to my old job, or keep pursuing this uncertain path? What if we failed again? We’d lose everything, no home, no job, no money, and an uncertain future.

During that time, I asked my mother: Should I stop or keep going? She was a primary school teacher, and though she didn’t understand what I was doing, she simply said, “Do what you love. Don’t give up.”

That was all we needed to hear. And so, we picked ourselves up and carried on.

2. Development Process

We spent an entire year developing Cabin Crew Life Simulator. Everything from programming, illustration, design, dialogue writing, to voice recording was done entirely by just the two of us. We had no investors, no marketing team, and our game development budget came from the money we received as wedding gifts, as we had no savings left.

I handled all the programming, from the first lines of code that shaped the core gameplay mechanics to preparing the game for release on Steam. My wife took care of the graphics, dialogue content, and community management. She wrote short, gentle, yet meaningful lines of dialogue that gave each passenger and NPC a unique personality. She also responded to every comment and email from players, building our first connection with the community back when no one even knew the game existed.

AI tools also helped us a great deal fixing lines of code, generating cover art, and creating sound assets all at minimal cost.

Despite the overwhelming workload that often seemed impossible, we pushed forward day by day. There were sleepless nights, moments when we had to encourage each other to keep going, rushed meals, and even arguments as rent deadlines approached. But those moments have now become unforgettable memories.

3. And Then, a Life-Altering Turn Just Before Release

Just a few months before the game’s scheduled release during the final sprint my mother suddenly fell gravely ill. At first, she kept the severity of her condition from me, downplaying the symptoms. It wasn’t until we were nearing the launch that I discovered the truth: she had been diagnosed with end-stage stomach cancer.

Did everything come to a halt?

When we received the devastating news, we made the decision to return to my hometown, where I was born, so we could be by her side and take care of her properly. Leaving the city behind, we packed up our computers, hard drives, cables, and monitors. We set up a makeshift workstation in a small, familiar room in my childhood home right next to my mother’s bed

And just like that, we continued working. No delays. No missed deadlines. No abandoning the project. The pressure was immense, and the workload even heavier but my mother deserved to have someone by her side. Even in pain, she often told me, “I can take care of myself, don’t let my illness disrupt your work.” And I made her a promise that I would honor that.

So, amidst the whir of a standing fan, the scent of medicine, and the beeping of an oxygen machine, Cabin Crew Life Simulator was released in mid-February 2025. There was no celebration, no champagne, no launch video. Just the three of us: my wife, my mother, and me.

4. Player Reception

Day 1 Sales: $10,000

Week 1 Sales: $59,000

Month 1 Sales: $105,000

It wasn’t because the game was some massive success. It was because people welcomed it. Because someone actually played it felt the world we had poured ourselves into. The warm reviews, the shared screenshots of in-game cabins, the kind, encouraging messages these were gifts far more valuable than any revenue we earned.

5. There Was No Miracle

The early success of Cabin Crew Life Simulator wasn’t groundbreaking. But it was enough. Enough to pay for hospital fees, for medication for the care my mother needed. Every copy sold wasn’t just income to us; it was another glimmer of hope that maybe she could recover.

I truly believed this game had given us a chance to be by her side, to hold onto something greater than despair. Developing a game while caring for a terminally ill loved one… that’s a kind of hardship we hadn’t fully understood until we lived it. The doctors told me her condition was incurable, that she might not have much time left. It felt like my brain was stretched tight like a violin string, constantly pulled between fear, exhaustion, and quiet heartbreak. Yet sometimes, I felt a strange kind of peace just knowing she was there, resting behind me.

That was also the first time I learned about morphine, a powerful painkiller I had to prepare for her, sometimes spilling it on my keyboard as I rushed to ease her unbearable pain. Because of this, not everything went as planned. Some updates were delayed. Bugs went unfixed longer than we intended. New features didn’t release on time. We know some players were disappointed, and I blamed myself. I blamed life, for piling on so much all at once.

Time passed. And no miracle came. My mother’s condition worsened. She could no longer eat or drink, and the pain tormented her daily. None of the medication helped anymore. She passed away on a beautiful morning, June 18, 2025. Her eyes closed slowly with one final breath, and she left us as she had lived: quietly, gently, never a burden, never a worry, and finally free from pain.

6. Developing the Game with a New Purpose

After everything, we still sit in front of our screens revisiting every line of code, every sketch, every piece of old dialogue. We’re continuing to develop and refine the game. Cabin Crew Life Simulator will take flight again, bringing new journeys and opening new horizons, places where we believe my mother is still cheering us on, just as she always did.

I will always remember her final wish, though in her last days, she could barely speak:

“If one day life becomes better for you, do charity work. Help those who have it harder than you. Good fortune will find you.”

Mom, please rest peacefully. I will carry out the promise you made me swear to keep. I’ll live in a way that continues your legacy. We will keep moving forward, not just for our own dreams, but to share love and compassion the way you always did. Even if the profits from this game are modest, I will dedicate every bit of it to helping those in need, right here in our village, the place where you lived, gave everything, and raised me day by day.

We’ll work and give our all for that goal. And as for luck, it doesn’t need to find me anymore. Because being your child was the greatest luck of my life.

7. Words of Sharing

After everything, as all the memories gradually settle down, we only have a few words we want to share with you all. If you are an indie game developer facing many difficulties, or simply someone feeling discouraged or unhappy in life, please always remember these things:

☘ You don't need to be perfect to start.

We started from passion, not from talent or existing foundations. You don't need an office or modern equipment to achieve your dreams. Instead, start today, with everything you currently have.

☘ Don't give up on your dreams because of adversity, and don't abandon life for your dreams.

Work or family? Happiness or money? No matter how difficult life gets, learn to balance everything. Don't let chasing one thing inadvertently cause you to lose other precious things. When my mother fell ill, many people advised me to stop working and focus entirely on taking care of her. But my mother was different she always told us: "Children, try your best to work, for your own future." And then, we chose to bring both family and work together. So that we could be by our mother's side while continuing to nurture our unfinished dreams. To this day, we don't regret that choice.

☘ Every dream needs a companion.

I am fortunate to have my Mother, who has always been there to watch and encourage me, even when I failed or faced difficulties. I am also grateful to my wife for always being my companion and supporting me throughout this journey. Therefore, always keep someone by your side who can care for and encourage you to keep going on the difficult path, whenever you feel tired or discouraged.

☘ If you still have loved ones, care for them and love them more every day.

Thank you, Mom.

Thank you, my wife.

Thank you to all of you the players, the game developers, those who live with all their hearts ♥️

UPDATE V.0.1.7 OUT NOW : NEW LEVEL

KhaiSimon — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 06:40:08 +0000

Hi Cabin Crew

We are excited to announce that the V.0.1.7 update is now available!

As promised, the big March update has arrived! Being a two-person development team, we have worked tirelessly to ensure everything is ready on time. And the great news is all future updates will continue to be free! Now, let’s dive right into the new content:

🌟 New Level 7

Your journey to career advancement doesn’t stop here! This update unlocks a new milestone in your aviation career. At Level 7, you will become a Purser the lead flight attendant, responsible for overseeing and managing your AI crew.

New AI crew system (Ticket checking, meal service, trash collection, etc.).
Manage a larger number of passengers with increasing demands.
Work on a New Aircraft – Airbus A220-300, offering a modern and more challenging workspace. Are you ready to lead a professional cabin crew?

🛫 New Aircraft : Airbus A220-300

If managing smaller aircraft was too easy for you, it’s time to take on a new challenge.The Airbus A220-300 is a modern aircraft, providing a completely different work experience compared to what you’ve known before.

Learn and operate the advanced cabin systems on board.
Serve hot meals and special requests for VIP passengers.
Assist passengers with special needs.
Handle emergencies and unexpected incidents during flights.

🏢 New Airport – Changi Singapore!

Tired of the same old airports? It’s time to explore one of the busiest and most impressive airports in the world – Changi Singapore. Get ready to navigate the challenges of one of the world's busiest and most modern airports.

🤖 New AI Crew System

We’ve read all your feedback. We know that the previous AI crew wasn’t always the most diligent or... cooperative.
But guess what? You’re no longer alone in the skies. With our revamped AI system, your crew will be smarter, faster, and way more helpful.

Ticket checking – Assign AI crew members to verify passengers' tickets during boarding.
Cargo Handling: For larger aircraft with a substantial amount of cargo, moving everything from the catering truck by yourself can take a long time.
Trash collection – While you focus on safety checks, your crew will clear passenger waste.

🎭 New In-Flight Events

No flight is ever the same! This update introduces brand-new unpredictable scenarios to test your skills.Can you stay calm during a medical emergency? Or handle a flight filled with rowdy kids causing chaos?
You’ll have to find out for yourself

🎮 Added controller support

Want a smoother, more immersive gameplay experience? Controller support is here!

Better controls for all in-flight actions.
Faster response times in emergency situations.
More comfortable gameplay for long sessions.

🛠️ Bug Fixes & Optimizations

We have fixed numerous bugs based on your feedback, making the game more stable and smoother.

Add phone functionality for the boarding announcement at the check-in desk.
Add controller support.
Add a notice about purchasing products in the hotel.
Add "Press Space to Ready" for the next phase of service.
Optimize passenger ordering time.
Fix overflow issue in the door tutorial.
Fix missing mouse cursor.
Fix AI collider issues.
Fix lighting issues.
Fix conflicts when a controller is connected.

We’ve listened to your concerns and worked hard to address major issues. This update includes optimizations to enhance overall game stability and performance.

❤️ We Hear You!

If you encounter any technical problems after the update, don’t hesitate to reach out to us on Discord. We are always here to help.

Also, share your ideas with us! Since Cabin Crew Life Simulator is still in Early Access, we will continue developing it based on your feedback.

Now, fasten your seatbelt, adjust your seat, and get ready to explore the exciting new features awaiting you in the skies ✈️

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2959610/Cabin_Crew_Life_Simulator

New Updates : Event Control, Smarter AI, and Enhanced In-Flight Services - Devlog #15

KhaiSimon — Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:42:51 +0000

Hello everyone, I'm Simon! We've just released the early access version of Cabin Crew Life Simulator, and as usual, our weekly Devlog will keep you updated on the latest improvements.

Since the game’s launch, I’ve been incredibly excited to see the warm reception from the community. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from players has given us even more motivation to refine the game further. Some players have appreciated the small improvements that enhance realism, while many others have requested even more exciting new features and we’re listening to all of you.

We've received many questions from you: Will free-flight mode be added? Can I avoid dangerous events if I want to? Will there be new services to enhance the passenger experience?These are exactly what we’re going to address in this update.

If you're new to the game, don't forget to check out previous devlogs to get an in-depth look at our development journey from initial concepts to the challenges we've overcome. These logs also include handy tips and deeper insights into game mechanics. We are always striving to deliver the most realistic experience possible.

Now, let's explore the exciting updates coming in the next version.

Endless Mode: Customize Your Flight Experience

Can I customize my flights and choose the aircraft I want to work on?

One of the most requested features has been the ability to fly freely without being restricted by level or missions. To address this, we've introduced Endless Mode, which unlocks after reaching level 5. From this point, you can select your preferred aircraft, departure, and destination as you wish. However, since this mode is not part of the structured career progression, experience points won’t be earned, and you’ll only receive income after each flight.

Implementing this feature was no simple task. We had to carefully balance how to maintain engagement without losing the game's challenge factor. The in-flight event system remains active, but in future updates, we may add an option to disable it for those who prefer completely uninterrupted flights.

Thread Mode : Controlling In-Flight Events

We've gone through almost all player feedback regarding in-flight events, and one particular situation really made us think. During their third flight, a player was completely terrified when they discovered a snake in the overhead compartment. To be honest, they were absolutely shocked.

This intense event made us realize that not everyone enjoys high-stress situations. While some players love the thrill and unexpected challenges, others prefer a peaceful, relaxing experience. That’s why we decided to introduce a feature that allows players to control the types of events that occur during flights.

Now, we’ve divided events into two main categories:

Mild events: These include helping passengers, offering additional meal services, and handling minor inquiries.
Intense/dangerous events: Situations such as onboard fires, unruly passengers, terrorism, or emergency landings.

With this improvement, you can now choose how you want to play. Do you want a challenge or a stress-free flight? The choice is now yours.

Market Level 2 : Expanding Services and Passenger Interaction

Starting from level 4, players could begin selling basic items onboard, including souvenirs. However, we realized that in-flight services needed to be richer to truly reflect the role of the cabin crew.

This update unlocks Market Level 2, adding a variety of new products and services to increase passenger satisfaction. Now, you can offer hot beverages, pre-packaged meals, and exclusive services to enhance the overall flight experience.

Beyond simply adding new items, we have also improved passenger AI so that they react more realistically to the services you provide. If you serve the right items quickly, passengers will show their appreciation and might even leave positive feedback. Conversely, if service is slow or incorrect, they might complain and lower your rating.

Additionally, microwaves will be introduced, meaning you’ll need to heat pre-packaged meals before serving them, ensuring food quality is at its best. If not, negative reviews will appear at the end of the flight.

We believe these improvements will make in-flight service more immersive and realistic, helping you feel like a true cabin crew professional.

Improved Graphics With Automatic Anti-Aliasing

One common issue that players encountered was jagged edges on different devices with varying hardware configurations. To resolve this, we have implemented an automatic anti-aliasing system, allowing the game to dynamically adjust the level of anti-aliasing based on your device’s performance.

This feature not only enhances visual smoothness but also optimizes game performance, ensuring better graphics without affecting frame rates. Since every player has a different system, automatic recognition and optimization are the best ways to ensure everyone gets the best visual experience possible.

AI Crew Assistants : Your Reliable Team Onboard

As the game's title suggests, you wouldn’t be able to manage flights without the help of your cabin crew team. Especially on larger aircraft with more passengers, the workload increases significantly.

AI assistants have always been an essential part of Cabin Crew Life Simulator, but we received plenty of feedback stating that AI wasn’t as effective as players expected. Some reported that AI was slow to react and wasn’t proactive in assisting during urgent situations.

Therefore, in this update, we have significantly enhanced AI Crew Assistants, making them more intelligent and efficient. AI can now autonomously handle tasks such as fulfilling passenger requests, collecting trash, and automatically returning to their seats during takeoff and landing. This gives you more time to focus on critical flight management tasks.

These improvements not only reduce your workload but also make the game feel more immersive just like working with a real airline crew.

Looking Ahead & Thank You!
We understand that no update is perfect right from the start, but we are always ready to listen to community feedback to improve the game day by day. Our development team has worked tirelessly to bring these new features to life, and we hope they make your experience even more enjoyable.

Once again, thank you for being a part of this journey with us. We’re eager to hear your thoughts on the upcoming update, and as always keep flying high with us.What features would you like to see in future updates? Let us know!

discord

The Mission System in the Game: Building Realism in Flight Attendant Life

KhaiSimon — Sat, 01 Feb 2025 12:57:32 +0000

Hello everyone, it's me, Simon - the lead developer of the game Cabin Crew Life Simulator. Welcome to my blog post for Cabin Crew Life Simulator !

I hope you're all doing well! First of all, I would like to sincerely thank everyone for the great feedback we’ve received with each new Devlog. Your contributions have really helped us refine some tricky aspects, and it’s been amazing to have such a supportive community.

This week, I’ll be talking about the Task System in the game. It’s not only the backbone of the game but also what helps players truly feel the life of a flight attendant.

1. Basic Tasks: Getting Familiar with the Job

When we started development, we asked ourselves: How do we make simple tasks like getting familiar with the cabin interesting, and how can players who’ve never flown imagine the work of a flight attendant?
We all know that tutorials are often the "dry" part of a game, but we didn’t want players to feel bored right from the start. After many iterations, we completed a "training" task system that allows players to get familiar with the cabin environment.

We designed a small tutorial where players are guided on how to move around the aircraft, check seats, interact with passengers, and learn the locations of safety equipment. The key thing is to make players feel the importance of communication in the cabin and familiarize themselves with the kitchen space.

At first, the interphone was just simple buttons, but later, we added small scenarios like receiving instructions from the pilot or announcing flight status to passengers. To create a connection between the flight attendants and the pilots, we added short dialogues where the pilot provides important information like bad weather or requests for cabin checks.

In a previous devlog, I also wrote in detail about this. And you’ll also provide feedback about the cabin’s situation to the pilot. Sounds interesting, right? You’ll understand that communication between cabin crew members is the key to everything running smoothly.

2. Upgrading and Expanding Tasks

Once players get familiar with basic tasks, they’ll start asking themselves:

- How do we make players feel like they’re continuously experiencing new tasks and not getting stuck in repetitive ones?

We know that without progression, players will quickly lose interest. Therefore, we’ve designed an upgraded task system, where players gradually face more complex challenges, requiring skill and creativity.

Operating the FAP (Flight Attendant Panel)

Initially, the FAP (Flight Attendant Panel) was just a simple interface with a few basic buttons. Players only needed to press a button to adjust lighting or temperature in the cabin. However, after several brainstorming sessions, we realized this system needed to be more complex and interesting to reflect the real work of a flight attendant.

We’ve transformed the FAP into a multifunctional system, where players can adjust not only lighting and temperature but also manage the passenger entertainment system, control the music system, and even check the aircraft’s safety condition. When fire alarm devices go off, the FAP will continuously update the location of smoke on the aircraft so that you can address the issue in time.

Selling and Optimizing Profits

We want players to feel the business pressure on board the flight. Initially, the sales were just about selling food and drinks, but then we added duty-free items and special goods. Every time you hand an item to a passenger, you need to consider whether you've chosen the right one based on their request—if it's a cold drink, add ice; if it’s hot coffee, don't forget to reheat it.

Occasionally, when you run out of stock from the menu, you can ask passengers to change their choices. However, they can only change 1 or 2 items. If they switch many different items and you still don’t have stock to serve, you’ll receive a very bad review. You can refer to a detailed article here.

Handling Emergency Situations

In addition to fun and minor issues like sick passengers, there are more serious situations like engine failure, where players must respond quickly and correctly to ensure everyone’s safety. This is the most challenging part, requiring players to remain calm and decisive, using the right tools and equipment available on the aircraft to solve the problem.

Special Tasks on Special Flights

Sometimes, players will be given tasks on VIP flights or flights with special requirements, like serving celebrities or transporting important cargo.

Players appreciate the complexity and strategic nature of the sales system. They say that managing inventory and optimizing profits gives the feeling of running a small business in the sky.

3. Day-Night System

- How can we make players feel more connected to their character and their job?

One of the biggest challenges was creating a natural rhythm for the life of a flight attendant. We wanted players to feel engaged with both the character and the job itself. To do this, we designed a natural rhythm for a flight attendant’s day.Each day in the game starts with a call or message from the CEO – who will assign tasks to the player.

> The CEO might say: "Good morning! Today we have a long flight to Paris. Get everything ready and ensure the cabin is in top shape!"

These tasks aren’t just everyday work; they could also include special requests, like preparing for a VIP guest or performing a more thorough safety equipment check.

When the flight begins, players enter their busiest period. They must serve food, drinks, handle passenger requests, and ensure everything in the cabin runs smoothly. However, things don’t always go smoothly. A passenger may suddenly feel uncomfortable and need help, or bad weather might cause some disruption to the flight. These situations are designed to keep players always ready to respond and make quick decisions.

After the flight ends, players will have time to review their day. They will receive feedback from passengers after the flight. You’ll know what to improve on so that your next flight earns a better score.

4. Making Repetitive Actions Fun

How do we make repetitive tasks like serving food, checking safety, or organizing luggage interesting and not boring? These are core tasks for a flight attendant, but if done mechanically, players will quickly lose interest. So, we’ve come up with ways to "inject life" into these seemingly simple actions.

We realized that passengers are the soul of each flight. So instead of making them just lifeless characters, we decided to design each passenger with unique personalities and specific requests. This makes every interaction unique and requires the player to be flexible in their responses.

Some passengers are easy-going, and as long as you serve their requests properly, you’ll get good reviews. But there are also "very troublesome" passengers who constantly need your help throughout the flight and ask silly questions.

*But no matter what, always remember: the customer is always right.
*

How do we keep the game exciting with each task and flight? This question has always been on our minds during development. We’ve realized that to make repetitive tasks fun, we need to add surprise elements and diversity.

What about you? Do you have any ideas on how to make the safety tutorial mini-games more fun? Feel free to share them with us! See you in the next devlog! ✈️

How We Designed In-Flight Business in Cabin Crew Life Simulator - Devlog #13

KhaiSimon — Sun, 26 Jan 2025 01:58:01 +0000

Today, we’re not only here to guide you on how to run a successful in-flight business in Cabin Crew Life Simulator, but we also want to share a bit about the development process behind this feature.

The idea for the “In-Flight Business” feature came from researching the real-life work of flight attendants. A significant part of their responsibilities includes serving and selling products directly to passengers. We realized this was a great opportunity for players to explore another fascinating aspect of the job. However, simulating this in the game presented many challenges.

Stock Management

When we started building this feature, the development team identified several complex problems that needed to be solved. One of the biggest questions was:

- How do we make ordering stock feel like an engaging challenge without being too complicated?

Stocking sounds simple, but it actually requires careful calculation. Players need to predict what passengers will need. We tested multiple times with various budgets, product quantities, and difficulty levels for predicting passenger demand.

In most games, leftover stock can stay in storage, but in the airline industry, surplus food must be discarded after each flight. In Cabin Crew Life Simulator, you can sell leftover stock after each flight. However, if you forget to liquidate your inventory before leaving the airport, everything will be discarded.

In early testing, players often ordered too much stock, resulting in heavy losses from surplus inventory. We had to adjust the value of leftover stock and add a “demand suggestion” feature to make it easier for players to make informed choices.

Pricing is also critical - if you price too high compared to the market, passengers will only order free items and ignore your products. Don’t overstock either, because unsold goods will need to be handled after the flight. A small tip: order just enough for the number of passengers and prioritize popular items.

Pricing

You have the freedom to set the selling price for your products. However, to ensure profits while keeping passengers happy, you must carefully consider your pricing strategy: don’t set prices too high or too low.

This feature went through hundreds of hours of testing with many playtesters. We received plenty of interesting feedback!

Some players enjoyed experimenting with high prices to maximize profits but ended up with complaints from passengers who refused to buy. Others ignored budgeting and ordered too much unnecessary stock, leading to significant losses.

To address these issues, we added a few features to help players stay on track:

Stock suggestions: A system that recommends popular products based on the type of flight and passenger count.
Post-flight reports: After every flight, you’ll receive a detailed report showing your revenue, costs, and profits. This helps players improve their business skills for future flights.

The ideal profit margin is 10-20% above the base cost. This ensures you make a profit while keeping passengers satisfied.

Selling

When the flight begins, this is the moment you’ll need to focus on serving passengers. They will make requests, and your task is to fulfill them as quickly as possible.

However, things won’t always go smoothly. Some passengers might ask for more details about a product (like price, flavor, or origin), while others may request items that are out of stock.

Another challenge we faced during development was making passenger behavior feel realistic. Initially, when a passenger requested an out-of-stock item, players had to wait for the serving timer to end before moving on to the next customer. This made players feel like they couldn’t do anything to solve the problem.

We fixed this by introducing a suggestion feature. If an item is out of stock, you can suggest a substitute. For example, if a passenger wants a drink that’s sold out, you can recommend a snack instead. Whether or not the passenger accepts depends on the reasonableness of the alternative, calculated by our AI system. If handled skillfully, you might even earn tips or higher ratings from passengers!

Handling Leftover Stock

In real life, managing leftover stock is a key challenge, and we wanted to reflect this accurately. When designing this feature, we aimed to make players feel the pressure of careful calculation—overstocking leads to surplus inventory, while understocking means missed opportunities. This dynamic adds depth to the in-flight business experience.

In early versions, we experimented with different prices for leftover stock. At first, the resale value at the airport was too low, making players feel overly punished for surplus inventory. After many tests, we settled on a system where leftover items can be sold for 75% of their original cost. This strikes a balance: players can recover some of their losses while still being encouraged to manage their inventory carefully.

Example:

A soda can originally costs $10. If you sell it at the airport after the flight, you’ll only earn $7.5.
If you have 3 leftover cans, you’ll recover $22.5 instead of losing all your investment.

It’s worth noting that you can only liquidate leftover stock after the flight and before returning to the hotel.

While this system helps players recover some costs, overstocking too often will still hurt your overall profits. However, the detailed post-flight report allows players to analyze their decisions and learn from mistakes, which turns each flight into a learning experience rather than a punishment.

Through countless hours of testing, balancing, and listening to feedback, we’ve worked hard to make this feature as rewarding and intuitive as possible. We hope it encourages you to improve your strategies and hone your skills with every flight.

Wishlist Cabin Crew Life Simulator now!

The Legendary Aircraft You’ll Work On in Cabin Crew Life Simulator - Devlog#12

KhaiSimon — Sun, 19 Jan 2025 01:37:30 +0000

Hello everyone, it's me, Simon - the lead developer of the game Cabin Crew Life Simulator. Welcome to my blog post for Cabin Crew Life Simulator !

Have you ever dreamed of working on luxurious aircraft, serving in business class, or attending to VIP passengers? In Cabin Crew Life Simulator, that dream becomes a reality.

We’ve meticulously recreated iconic aircraft, from the compact ERJ 145 to the magnificent Airbus A380. Every flight and every cabin has been designed to deliver the most realistic experience, immersing you in the life of a cabin crew member with every moment.

To achieve this, our development team has thoroughly researched real-world aviation. The cabin layouts, passenger capacities, and service procedures in the game are all directly inspired by the airline industry. No two flights are alike – the game’s AI ensures dynamic, unpredictable scenarios that keep each mission fresh and exciting. As you progress, the leveling system unlocks new aircraft, giving you a clear sense of advancement in your career.

1. Start Your Journey with Small Aircraft

Your career begins aboard regional aircraft like the ERJ 145 or CRJ 700,carrying 50 to 70 passengers. This is where you’ll master the fundamentals: serving light meals, ensuring safety compliance, and managing minor issues.

The compact cabin makes it easier to focus on individual tasks without feeling overwhelmed. However, don’t mistake simplicity for ease – even small flights come with challenges. Ensuring timely meal service or resolving passenger complaints will teach you how to manage time effectively and maintain satisfaction. These early lessons lay the foundation for tackling more complex missions in the future.

2. A Turning Point with Medium-Range Aircraft

As you level up, medium-range aircraft like the Airbus A220, Boeing 737, and Airbus A320 become available. These aircraft, carrying between 100 and 200 passengers, are staples of domestic and regional long-haul routes.

On these planes, you’ll face a greater variety of tasks. From serving hot meals and accommodating special requests for VIPs to caring for young children, flexibility and quick thinking are essential. Modern onboard amenities will provide helpful tools but also add operational complexity.

*- Why switch to larger planes with more passengers and challenges?
*
Sticking to smaller aircraft can become monotonous over time. Transitioning to larger planes offers not only higher earnings but also the chance to prove your abilities and make your mark in the industry.

3. Conquer the Skies with Wide-Body Aircraft

At higher levels, you’ll step into wide-body aircraft like the Airbus A340, Boeing 747, and the iconic Airbus A380. These giants of aviation are not just symbols of the airline industry but also the ultimate challenge for seasoned cabin crew professionals.

With capacities of up to 300 to 850 passengers, you’ll coordinate large cabin crews to ensure smooth operations. Luxurious services in business and first-class cabins – from serving fine wine to offering gourmet meals – demand precision and utmost attention to detail.

Working on these large aircraft will not only elevate your skills but also offer unmatched rewards. You’ll gain invaluable experience, earn higher incomes, and unlock exclusive content that only the most accomplished players can access.

4. Why Should You Expand Your Horizons?

Every new aircraft brings not only challenges but also incredible opportunities:

-** Earn More:** Larger planes mean more passengers, leading to increased revenue from ticket sales, meal services, and duty-free items.

Enhance Your Experience:Working in first-class and business-class cabins lets you savor the luxury side of aviation. -** Reach Career Heights**: Once you’ve worked on an Airbus A380 or Boeing 747, you’ll know that every effort was worth it.

We invite you to join our Discord , where we share screenshots, development updates, and discuss the game with our community. It’s also the perfect place to share your thoughts and suggest your favorite aircraft for future updates.

In the demo version, we’ve included smaller aircraft for players to get familiar with. With your input, the list of planes will continue to expand during early access. Who knows? Your dream aircraft could be part of the next update!

Secrets of a Flight Attendant's Life:Top Ways to Spend Money in the Game - Devlog #11

KhaiSimon — Sun, 12 Jan 2025 02:15:02 +0000

In recent dev logs, we've learned a lot about making money and keeping customers happy. So, after earning money, what will we use it for? And how can you quickly become wealthy in Cabin Crew Life Simulator?

Top Ways to Use Money in the Game:

1. Buy Items to Sell on Flights

Of course, you can choose the right goods to purchase before each flight. Then, you can profit from these items, earning a margin of 10% to 20%. However, if you sell them at overly high prices, passengers may refuse to buy, leaving you with excess stock.

2. Expand Your Storage

As your inventory grows, you'll need to expand the storage space on your catering cart. You can upgrade to a maximum of 6 shelves in the cart. This gives you enough room to stock goods for large, long-haul flights with hundreds of passengers.

3. Buy Flight Attendant Uniforms

There are plenty of flight attendant outfits to choose from. With future updates, every time you wear a uniform, your AI colleagues will also match their uniforms with yours. Isn’t that amazing?

4. Tip Your Colleagues

Some crew members are diligent, while others might be lazy. You can assign tasks to them, but they may not do anything. Giving them a small bribe to ensure your flight runs smoothly could be a worthwhile option.

5. Experience Luxury Nightclubs

Beer and cocktails await you after long hours of flying. Enjoy a romantic musical atmosphere and enticing drinks at the nightclub. You deserve to treat yourself after all your hard work.

6. Get Rich with Roulette

If you want to quickly become wealthy, there’s no better way than trying your luck at the casino. But don’t get too carried away—flight attendants’ salaries aren’t exactly high.

7. Trade Goods

As a flight attendant, you can transport certain goods from one location to another. Some people might offer you jobs to do this, and you’ll need to place a small deposit before carrying the goods to another country. Just a word of advice: avoid transporting prohibited items, or you may face unforeseen consequences.

8. Open a Shop at the Airport

Some business opportunities at the airport can increase your income, such as running a VIP lounge or vending machines. We’ll reveal more in future updates!

And there’s much more to discover—you have complete control over your life as a flight attendant. Who knows? If you strike it big at the casino, you might even buy the airline you’re working for! Haha. Good luck!

Try the Demo and see where your choices lead! Wishlist now on Steam✈️

Behind the Aisles: The Essential Role of the Service Cart -Devlog#10

KhaiSimon — Sun, 05 Jan 2025 07:56:03 +0000

Hello everyone, it’s me, Simon — the lead developer of the game Cabin Crew Life Simulator. Welcome to my blog post for Cabin Crew Life Simulator !

I hope you have been enjoying the things we have been talking about up until this point and I will have much more to share in the future. If you’re new here, don’t forget to join our Discord channel to stay up to date with the latest news from our team regarding Cabin Crew Life Simulator as well as our other projects.

How to Ensure a 5-Star Flight Experience?

Of course, you need to satisfy all passengers on the flight. But how can you make them happy? Aside from ticket prices — which passengers always complain about — the evaluation of in-flight service quality is extremely important.

You need to work swiftly, performing tasks like brewing tea and coffee, serving food and drinks, all with precision and speed. This is why the service cart is an essential tool for cabin crew. Using the cart quickly and efficiently can significantly enhance your service.

How Does the Service Cart Work?

In the Demo version, you’ve already had the chance to experience our service cart.
Essentially, you need to place necessary trays, napkins, teapots, coffee pots, etc., into the cart. Then, you roll it into the aisle to begin serving passengers.

To design the most convenient and realistic cart mechanics, we spent over two weeks testing and improving more than five different versions of the cart. The biggest challenge was syncing the cart’s functionality with the airplane’s frame of reference when the plane reaches cruising altitude.

Other games often use tricks like moving the background map instead of the airplane itself to simulate flying. This simplifies calculations and avoids physics errors but sacrifices the realism of the experience.

In contrast, we aimed to simulate the plane’s ascent to commercial flight altitudes as realistically as possible. This approach introduced numerous challenges, including issues with the cart’s operation — a persistent headache during development.

How to Operate the Cart Properly?

Once you’ve loaded the necessary trays and items into the cart, there are two designated starting and ending points in each aircraft. Always place the white tray on top, as it holds fragile items and warm water.

When you roll the cart to the first row, it will automatically align for service. At this point, you can open and close the drawers by clicking on the handle or pressing the number keys (1, 2, 3, 4) corresponding to the cart’s drawers. This allows you to quickly retrieve items to meet passenger requests. Note that your movement speed with the cart will be slightly slower than usual.

On larger flights, you’ll have 4–5 service carts, so the number of food and beverage trays must be distributed appropriately. Cabin Crew AI will assist you with simultaneous service, so you’ll also need to arrange the carts effectively for the crew members.

The cart will automatically stop at the last row of the plane. At this point, you should double-check to ensure no passenger orders have been missed.

After use, place items like teapots, glasses, and napkins back in their proper positions. Then, return the cart to its storage location. Do not leave it in other areas, as this could pose safety risks during the flight.

Flexibility of the Trays

You’ll set up the menu before each flight. A more diverse menu gives passengers more options, boosting satisfaction scores. However, you can’t fit all the trays into the cart at once. Currently, the cart holds four trays, plus one top tray for glasses, napkins, etc.

So, how can you optimize the serving process? You can mix items in the trays. For example, remove half the bottles from the water tray, and add half a tray of wine or soda to create a mixed tray.

This allows you to have a tray with two types of beverages, making it easier to serve on flights with varied menus.

Future Features?

We’re considering adding a POS system directly to the service cart to enhance the player’s sales experience. However, this will depend on feedback from the community. If you like this idea, leave us a comment to let us know! https://store.steampowered.com/app/2959610

How an Aircraft Operates Based on Cabin Crew Commands - Devlog#9

KhaiSimon — Sat, 28 Dec 2024 13:44:08 +0000

Hello everyone, it's me, Simon - the lead developer of the game Cabin Crew Life Simulator. Welcome to my blog post for Cabin Crew Life Simulator !

In emergency situations, cabin crew are considered the eyes and ears of the pilots in the passenger cabin. They directly inform the pilots of any developments in the cabin. If the crew detects a serious safety issue (such as an uncontrollable passenger or a fire in the cabin), they can report it to the pilots and request consideration for an emergency landing.

Initially, we used an iPad for communication with pilots or to send automated announcements to passengers. This approach created a sense of convenience for players and centralized the buttons on a single control panel. These buttons are still available in the Demo version.

However, many members of our Discord community suggested using the interphone as the primary communication tool. So, what is an interphone?
What is an Interphone?

The interphone (an internal communication system on an aircraft) is a critical device used for communication among crew members or between the cockpit and the cabin. It is an essential tool to ensure smooth operations and safety throughout the flight.

Key Functions of the Interphone

Calling Between Locations: Cabin crew can call each other between cabin areas or call the cockpit to exchange information.
Emergency Announcements: Used to relay emergency situations (e.g., evacuation, emergency landing, or fire).
Passenger Communication: Integrated with the system so passengers can press the call button from their seats to reach a crew member.
System Check: Crew members use it pre-flight to ensure communication devices are functioning correctly.

In the Cabin Crew Life Simulator game, we designed the interphone to be user-friendly while preserving the auditory and tactile experience of a real-life cabin crew member.

Buttons Available on the Interphone

CAPT (Captain/Cockpit): Calls the cockpit where the captain and first officer work. You’ll use this button to request pilots to handle aircraft taxing, takeoff, or landing.
EMER (Emergency): Activates the emergency mode. Pressing it typically triggers an alert sound (bell or flashing light) at the receiving locations, signaling an important message.
PA (Public Address): Used to make announcements over the aircraft’s speaker system. Typically for delivering safety instructions or announcing in-flight meals to passengers.
ALLATTND (All Attendants): Calls all cabin and cockpit locations simultaneously. Use this button to announce passenger boarding preparation or report damaged safety equipment.
RESET: Ends a call or resets the system to be ready for the next use.

We’ll guide you thoroughly to help you familiarize yourself with this crucial device. However, as you progress to higher levels, the instructions will no longer be available. Every button press represents a command, and if you press the wrong one, we can’t guarantee what might happen to your passengers and crew.

Good luck, and have a safe flight!

AI Cabin Crew: Taking Teamwork to New Heights - Devlog#8

KhaiSimon — Sun, 22 Dec 2024 02:37:53 +0000

As the name of the game suggests, you won’t be able to serve passengers without the help of the cabin crew. Especially on larger planes, the number of passengers increases, and so does the list of tasks. We have plans to implement a multiplayer mode in version 1.0, but for now, let’s talk about your AI colleagues.

What tasks can they handle?

We’ve spent over three months perfecting the AI features, and we’re still improving them. It’s a challenging task, as flight attendants have to work in the tight space of the galley, both on the ground and at altitudes over 30,000 feet. Assigning tasks to each AI is quite complex, requiring us to divide the cabin into clear zones, just like real-life flight attendants do.

In the EA version, when you reach the Senior level, you’ll be assigned to work alongside other attendants, both male and female, from various countries. Each one will have a brief introduction for you to learn more about your colleagues. And of course, the crew members are assigned randomly—you won’t be able to hire or freely choose them like in other professions.

What tasks can they help you with?

Ticket Checking:

When the airline requires ticket checks, you can assign them to verify passengers’ tickets at the gate before boarding. During this time, you can focus on other tasks such as inspecting safety equipment or preparing the galley. But keep in mind, they can make mistakes too.

Safety Checks:

While you’re inspecting the lavatories or handling cargo, you can assign a flight attendant to conduct passenger safety checks, ensuring seat belts are fastened or tray tables are stowed.

Cargo Handling:

For larger aircraft with a substantial amount of cargo, moving everything from the catering truck by yourself can take a long time. That’s why you can assign some attendants to take on this task.

Safety Demonstrations:

Naturally, after passengers have boarded, you and the crew need to conduct the safety demonstration. For this task, we’ve included a small minigame requiring you to perform certain actions before the attendants present the safety instructions.

Passenger Service:

You’ll assign zones to the attendants for service. For example, if the plane has three sections (front, middle, and rear), you might handle the front section while other attendants cover the middle and rear sections.

Trash Collection:

While you conduct pre-landing safety checks, other attendants can help collect trash from passengers quickly.

A Small Challenge:

However, there’s one thing that might disappoint you a bit. Not every attendant will work diligently or follow your instructions. Some may just sit there and refuse to perform tasks. You can submit performance evaluations for attendants after each flight. Finally, we encourage you to offer a small bonus to boost their productivity, ensuring a safe flight and excellent service for passengers. Doesn’t that sound better?

How to Impress Passengers and Earn Rewards in Cabin Crew Life Simulator - Devlog #7

KhaiSimon — Sat, 14 Dec 2024 10:12:27 +0000

Hello everyone, it's me, Simon - the lead developer of the game Cabin Crew Life Simulator. Welcome to my blog post for Cabin Crew Life Simulator !

In the previous section, you learned more about the scoring mechanics and how to advance quickly. Ensuring flight safety is the top priority, so you must carefully inspect safety equipment and operate the galley correctly.

The rest is all about service. The better the service, the more rewards you’ll earn, and the faster you’ll advance.

- So how can you satisfy customers on every flight to receive the best reviews and well-deserved bonuses?

Compared to most simulator games, customers/NPCs typically perform pre-programmed actions, and when you serve them correctly, they simply leave, making way for the next customer.

But in Cabin Crew Life Simulator, passengers are much more demanding. Each passenger has their own personality, voice, and unique attributes. In the free DEMO available on Steam, passengers might compliment your appearance if you meet their needs but could also complain if you forget or fail to serve them properly.

In the Early Access version, we’ve added a review system. If your actions annoy passengers, they will leave negative reviews about your service, potentially causing you to lose all rewards for that flight.

Passenger needs will vary on every flight. Some may be noisy, others prone to air sickness, some will constantly want your attention, or might have health issues. Pay attention to their signals and address their needs promptly to ensure a safe and pleasant flight.

Passengers can also cheat, so don’t trust anyone blindly. They may use fake tickets to sneak onto the flight or simply make honest mistakes. Always double-check their tickets when the airline requires it before they board.

1. Ensure Passenger Safety

Of course, safety first. Always verify safety regulations before takeoff and landing. Make sure passengers are seated with their seatbelts fastened, tray tables stowed, and window shades open.
Any items obstructing aisles or pathways must be removed or stored properly.

Avoid asking passengers to perform unnecessary actions, such as telling them to unfasten seatbelts when they’re already secure. This will irritate them and result in a penalty to your performance.

2. Handle Issues Promptly

When problems arise, assist passengers as quickly as possible. They may ask for additional meals after the service period has ended or bombard you with silly questions. Always stay calm and maintain a smile.
Some passengers may even try to open the aircraft door or cause a disturbance. You must quickly restrain them and report the incident to airport security for immediate handling upon landing.

For passengers with medical emergencies, provide first aid quickly and accurately. In severe cases, you may need to request an emergency landing if their condition doesn’t improve.

3. Don’t Bother Passengers

Avoid asking passengers to repeat actions they’ve already done correctly. As mentioned above, mistakes like this will annoy them.
Ensure the cabin remains quiet. If any passenger disrupts or disturbs others, deal with the situation promptly to protect the experience of other passengers.

4. Provide Professional Service

Preparing the menu before the flight is crucial. Ensure the stock of food and drinks is sufficient, and choose the right menu items for the flight. If a passenger requests something but it’s out of stock, they will be dissatisfied and leave negative reviews.

Serve food and drinks promptly. Making passengers wait too long is a major service failure. Always observe your surroundings and respond quickly to their needs.

Wouldn’t you feel annoyed if you ordered beer but were served soda instead? Of course, you would—I would too! And passengers on the plane feel the same way. So, never give them items they didn’t request.

5. Additional Services

You can purchase optional services like Wi-Fi or welcome kits to give to passengers for free. Everyone loves freebies, of course! You can find these items in the Market app.

On luxury flights, you can spend some money to give each passenger a pair of headphones or an amenity kit from a premium fashion brand, which will make them happy and more forgiving of your mistakes.

If you put customers at the center of your focus and pay attention to their needs, you’ll undoubtedly become Employee of the Month and a worthy representative of the airline. It’s not too hard, right?

Thank you for reading, and please consider Wishlist the game to support us!

How to Quickly Level Up and Earn Money in Cabin Crew Life Simulator - devlog#6

KhaiSimon — Sat, 07 Dec 2024 08:56:45 +0000

Continuing from our previous discussion on ranks and levels in Cabin Crew Life Simulator, today we’ll dive deeper into the scoring mechanics and how to quickly level up while ensuring safe flights and keeping passengers satisfied.

As always: Safety comes first, and service comes second.

1. How Is Your Flight Scored?

All your actions are tracked and evaluated by the airline. The primary focus remains on ensuring all safety procedures are followed correctly, which accounts for 60% of your total flight score. The remaining 40% is based on your service quality.

While actual flights may include additional tasks depending on the aircraft types and airline, we’ve streamlined the core activities for simplicity and ease of gameplay. Below are the key activities:

Safety Activities:

Inspect the quality of safety equipment.
Verify passengers’ tickets before boarding.
Ensure proper closure of aircraft doors.
Keep items organized and secured in the galley.
Properly store trolleys in their designated safety positions.
Ensure aisles are free of obstructions.
Secure overhead bins throughout the flight.
During taxi, takeoff, and landing, confirm passengers are:
Fasten seatbelts.
Folding their tray tables.
Opening window shades.

Service Activities:

Serve food and drinks according to passenger requests.
Avoid issuing incorrect commands to passengers (e.g., telling a seated passenger to unbuckle their seatbelt unnecessarily).
Quickly address passenger concerns when they arise.
Greet passengers warmly during boarding and bid them farewell during deboarding.

2. How Much Can You Earn Per Flight?

Your earnings depend on several factors: the aircraft type, number of passengers, and the total number of violations during a flight. Your earnings can be positive or even negative!

Here’s how it’s calculated:

Earnings Formula:

(Total Flight Minutes × Level Ratio × Aircraft Average Pay) + Passenger Bonus + In-Flight Sales Revenue − Safety Violations Penalties.

The higher your level, the larger the aircraft, and the longer the flight, the greater your potential earnings. Additionally:

Passenger Bonus: You earn a set amount for each passenger served.
Penalties: Safety violations can result in significant fines.
In-Flight Sales Revenue: Profits from items sold during the flight contribute to your income.

3. Can You Prolong Flights for More Earnings?

Yes, since earnings are tied to flight duration, longer flights can increase your income. However:

Time Limit: Flights have a maximum allowable duration, so you can’t extend indefinitely.
Reputation Impact: Delaying flights unnecessarily reduces your reputation score, as passengers become frustrated and tired.

4. How Does Reputation Affect Gameplay?

Much like EXP points, your Reputation score is critical for progression. To rank up, you’ll need to level up and meet certain reputation thresholds.

Reputation Score Criteria:

Your reputation reflects your professionalism, service attitude, and passenger satisfaction. Poor service or unnecessary delays lower your reputation.

Consequences of Low Reputation:

Dissatisfied passengers will leave negative reviews.
Prolonged delays result in unhappy passengers and a worse overall experience.

5. Passenger Reviews

After each flight, passengers will provide feedback. While most feedback is constructive, you may occasionally encounter harsh or rude comments if service doesn’t meet expectations. This mirrors the challenges of working in a high-pressure, demanding cabin crew’s job.

Stay tuned for the next installment, where we’ll delve deeper into customer service mechanics. Get ready to explore the art of passenger satisfaction!