Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve gets criticism over Ace Combat Zero bonus on Steam
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve faces backlash after the Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War pre-order bonus did not appear as a separate Steam release.
That edition also includes Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War from 2006, but the bonus sparked criticism because some buyers expected the game to appear as a separate release on Steam.
The developer has since issued an explanation, apologised, and said it is reviewing player feedback.
What happened
According to Eurogamer, Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve went into early access on 1 October 2026. The Deluxe Edition costs £75 / $90 and gives buyers three days of early access to the game. The same offer also includes Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War, the 2006 Ace Combat game attached as a bonus to the edition.
That bonus is what triggered the backlash. Some early buyers assumed Ace Combat Zero would be available on Steam as a standalone product, when in practice it is tied to Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve. Eurogamer says the confusion stemmed from how the bonus was presented in the Steam version.
The developer then explained that the Steam release is distributed differently from the console versions. According to that explanation, Ace Combat Zero cannot be released as a separate app on Steam because of licensing restrictions and platform-related considerations. The studio apologised for the confusion and said it is carefully reviewing player feedback.
The developer is also looking into possible fixes for the Steam version. Eurogamer additionally reports that Ace Combat Zero on Steam does not have separate cloud saves or achievements, because the game sits under a different game entry. The source also notes that Ace Combat Zero is available as a standalone title on consoles, while the Steam release is delivered through Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve.
Timeline
2006: Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War originally releases.
1 October 2026: Eurogamer publishes coverage of the backlash over the Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve pre-order bonus.
1 October 2026: The developer explains why Ace Combat Zero is not appearing as a standalone Steam release and apologises.
1 October 2026: Eurogamer reports that the studio is reviewing player feedback and looking at possible fixes for the Steam version.
1 October 2026: The publication notes that the Deluxe Edition costs £75 / $90 and includes three days of early access.
Background
The discussion centres on how Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War is distributed on Steam. The developer says the game cannot be released separately there, while on consoles the title is available as a standalone release. According to the studio, that difference between platforms is the result of licensing restrictions and platform-related considerations.
Eurogamer also reports that the Steam version does not have separate cloud saves or achievements, because Ace Combat Zero is tied to a different game entry. That means the PC version differs from a standalone release, which further fuelled confusion around the bonus. The source does not specify the exact marketing wording that created the expectation, but it does say some players interpreted the offer as a separate release of Ace Combat Zero.
What remains unconfirmed is which specific licensing terms block a standalone release and what exact solutions the developer is considering for Steam users. It is also unclear whether the studio will later change the distribution method or add separate cloud saves and achievements. So far, the only confirmed response is that the developer has apologised and is reviewing player feedback.