Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, the upcoming version of Microsoft’s long-running flight simulation series, is set to take the genre to new heights. Unveiled at FlightSimExpo 2023, the game promises a host of new features and improvements, including 16 Pilot Lifestyles, new physics and weather effects, reduced footprint on HDD and internet usage, and reduced loading and installation times. The game is expected to be released in 2024 for Xbox Series X|S and PC.
At the FlightSimExpo, a convention focused on displaying the latest flight simulation games, Jorg Neumann, the lead developer of Microsoft’s Flight Simulator series, and Sebastian Wloch, the CEO of Asobo Studio, presented exciting details about the next entry in the franchise, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. They thoroughly covered the game’s major features, gameplay mechanics, and graphical enhancements that will be available on Xbox.
More Realistic Aviation Experiences
The game will feature 16 Pilot Lifestyles, allowing players to experience the lifestyle of several aviation jobs realistically. These include Aerial Firefighting, Search & Rescue, Helicopter Cargo Transportation, Skydive Aviation, Industrial Cargo Transportation, Mountain Rescue, VIP Charter Service, Air Ambulance, Crop Dusting, Aerial Construction, Remote Cargo Ops, Air Racing, Scientific Research, Low Altitude Training, Airship Tour, and Glider Pilot.
Enhanced Performance and Realism
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 will also feature a new “Thin Client” that will reduce installation and loading times, as well as reduce the footprint on HDDs and internet download usage. The game’s engine will feature massive performance enhancements and allow Aircraft Creators more control of their chosen aircraft. The game will also feature fully-realized immersive weather effects like tornadoes, storms, full seasons, and even an Aurora Borealis.
Despite the wide array of activities and experiences, the developers stress that Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is not a game. Instead, it is a simulator that aims to provide accurate aviation activities. The developers are working with various organizations across the globe that specialize in these activities, such as firefighting and search and rescue, to ensure the authenticity of the experiences.
Future-Proof and Backward Compatible
The developers also promise that the new client will keep the PC version’s minimum specification requirements low while maintaining backward compatibility with the game’s cloud servers. All changes being done to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 will be backward compatible, meaning previously created community content should continue to work as before, whether the creator upgrades it to the new system or not.
