Aviation enthusiasts and simulation fans rejoice!
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, the next iteration of the iconic flight simulation franchise, is set to take off on November 19th, available on Windows PC, Xbox Series X|S, and via cloud gaming with Xbox Game Pass.
The new installment promises a more immersive and expansive experience than ever before, featuring the “largest, most diverse and detailed fleet of aircraft, the most complete representation of airports and air traffic, and the most visually stunning rendition of Earth ever created,” according to Asobo Studio, the game’s developer.
While previous iterations focused primarily on the flight experience, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 introduces a plethora of aviation career paths, allowing players to engage in a range of activities beyond simply navigating from point A to point B.
“This brand-new simulator is designed to take advantage of the latest technologies in simulation, cloud, machine learning, graphics and gaming,” said the official announcement on the Microsoft Flight Simulator blog.
From battling wildfires as an aerial firefighter to delivering critical supplies in a helicopter, players can explore diverse roles within the aviation industry. The game also features the ability to pilot hot air balloons, blimps, and even engage in air racing, catering to a wider range of interests.
The trailer for the game, released during the Xbox Games Showcase, highlights these new features, showcasing detailed environments, passengers boarding planes, and even the ability to interact with the environment outside of the aircraft.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 promises a truly expansive experience, offering players the chance to “do anything they want,” according to PC Gamer, even venturing out of the cockpit to take photos of deer in the woods.
A standalone sequel with enhanced features
While the new game is a standalone sequel, Asobo Studio has confirmed that it will support all current aircraft and airports, as well as “virtually all” add-ons from the 2020 version, ensuring players can seamlessly transition their existing content.
The developers have also addressed key concerns regarding performance and loading times, promising improvements to the core simulator technology. This includes faster download and installation speeds, improved aerodynamics and physics simulation, and a new failure and wear & tear system.
The world itself will also see significant enhancements, with improved ground details, 3D tessellated ground materials, enhanced 3D trees, and more accurate live air traffic.
The development of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 has involved collaborations with various aircraft partners, including FlightFX, iniBuilds, Carenado, Blackbird, and DC Designs.
The current iteration of the Microsoft Flight Simulator franchise is available for purchase via Steam or the Microsoft Store.
Leave a comment