Project Aces, the development team behind Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve, has apologized to Steam players over how the pre-order version of Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War is being distributed. The 2006 PlayStation 2 title was offered as a pre-order bonus with Ace Combat 8, but PC players discovered that the game cannot currently be launched as a standalone Steam application. Instead, Ace Combat Zero is tied to the Ace Combat 8 installation.
The arrangement has frustrated some players because Ace Combat Zero is available as a separate application on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Project Aces said it is reviewing feedback and discussing possible alternatives with its platform partners, although it has not promised that the Steam version will change.
On Steam, Ace Combat Zero is currently provided as a DLC executable that launches separately from the main game but still requires Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve to be installed. Reports indicate that the full Ace Combat 8 installation is roughly 140GB, while the older game itself requires considerably less space.
The difference has become a particular concern for players who purchased the new game primarily to receive the classic title as a pre-order bonus. Steam users also do not receive the same separate achievement and profile treatment associated with an independent game application.
Project Aces said licensing restrictions and platform-related considerations currently prevent Ace Combat Zero from being released as a standalone Steam application. The team acknowledged that it had not clearly communicated the distribution method before launch and apologized for the resulting confusion and frustration.
The original pre-order information had described Ace Combat Zero as a standalone application, but the Steam listing was later updated to clarify that it would be delivered as a DLC executable requiring Ace Combat 8.
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Project Aces said it is evaluating possible options with its platform partners and other relevant parties. However, the team stressed that it cannot guarantee any changes. For now, Steam players who want to access the pre-order bonus must keep Ace Combat 8 installed. The developer's latest statement leaves open the possibility of a different distribution method in the future, but no standalone Steam release has been confirmed.