1C Company has partnered with developer 777 Studios, known for Rise of Flight: The First Great Air war, to form a joint venture and new studio named 1C Game Studios. This venture brings two of the world's leading combat flight-simulation franchises and development teams together under one banner to form a new, dynamic team led by 777 Studios management. Giving respect to the roots of the IL-2 Sturmovik series, the partnership will start with the development of Battle of Stalingrad which focuses on the Eastern Front air war during the titanic struggle over the industrial city of Stalingrad in 1942-43. The battle of Stalingrad was an important turning point for both the Soviet and German armies in WWII, with the air war playing an important role in the outcome. 

Initial client release is slated for early 2014 with add-on content and additional features and theatres to follow. IL-2 Sturmovik titles feature intense aerial combat and dozens of historically accurate warplanes and missions. Named in honor of the famous Soviet Ilyushin IL-2 ground-attack fighter, the Sturmovik series features all major theatres in WWII, from the freezing eastern front to carrier combat in the vast pacific theatre.  The IL-2 Sturmovik series of titles is widely regarded as the standard by which all other combat flight-simulators are measured and remains a top seller worldwide.

Everybody who ordered the IL-2 Sturmovik: Battle of Stalingrad Premium Edition will be able to take off into the Stalingrad skies and become part of one of the most important battles of WWII starting November 12, 2013. Standard Edition purchasers will gain early access somewhere in December 2013.

The opening of early access will mean a discontinuation of the current pre-order options with the Standard and Premium Editions becoming unavailable at their current prices ($49.99 USD & $89.99 USD respectively). However, anyone who missed the initial pre-order opportunity will still be able to try their hand at virtual aerial combat and participate in the early access program by ordering the Premium Edition for $94.99 USD.

Key Features:

• Brand new single-player campaign mode for combat flight-sims: server supported campaign generator where all missions are historical, dynamic and unique.
• Unprecedented level of details in physics, damage model and aerodynamics of the virtual aircrafts.
• True-to-life and complex AI system.
• The largest and most detailed recreation of the air war in Stalingrad (unique structures/buildings, you can only find recreated here).
• Legendary combat aircraft thoroughly re-created using the original drawings and blueprints.
• Historically correct reconstruction of all key operations of the Stalingrad battle.
• Quick fights and large-scale battles in single-player and multiplayer with dedicated servers.
• In-game achievement system, allowing players to unlock new airplane modifications/upgrades based on player's mission results.
• Global player statistics.