The launch of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 (MSFS 2024) yesterday is being met with both anticipation and frustration. While the game introduces career-driven gameplay and breathtaking realism powered by artificial intelligence, technical hiccups dominate its debut, leaving players stuck on loading screens or crashing to the dashboard.
Microsoft has acknowledged the issues, attributing them to overwhelming demand on its cloud infrastructure.
Server Bottlenecks and Frustrated Players
At launch, many players encountered persistent problems, including long load times and crashes during the new Career Mode. Many users reported being stuck at 97% on the loading bar, prompting widespread criticism on social media. One player summed up the sentiment, calling it “Loading Screen Simulator 2024.”
Well I would…. But I can’t. pic.twitter.com/kbjnJ1z6vl
— Darrell ⚡RIP Demi (@MightyGuyver) November 19, 2024
Microsoft’s support team cited a surge in server requests as the primary culprit. “We are aware of user reports of long initial loading times into Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024,” the team posted online. However, some players continued experiencing disruptions, particularly in regions with slower internet speeds. For users whose initial load is past 90% and no longer progressing, Microsoft recommends a reboot.
We are continuing to work to resolve the server-related issues that have resulted in long loading times and service outages in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.
Users can check the current service status for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 on the Xbox Support Status page:… https://t.co/haWTGtojQh
— MSFS Support (@MSFS_Support) November 19, 2024
Smaller Install, Higher Bandwidth Requirements
To reduce local storage demands, MSFS 2024 employs cloud-based data streaming, requiring only 30 GB for installation compared to its predecessor’s 130 GB. However, this shift increases bandwidth usage significantly.
During alpha testing, some players reported spikes as high as 180 Mbps in dense areas, translating to up to 81 GB of data per hour. For users with data caps or slower connections, this trade-off presents a challenge, especially when flying over detailed regions.
The move reflects a broader trend in gaming, where developers prioritize smaller downloads over local storage while relying heavily on internet infrastructure. For those with unlimited high-speed internet, the experience is seamless, but the reliance on streaming limits accessibility for others.
AI Mapping and Ray Tracing Transform Realism
MSFS 2024 uses advanced machine learning to process satellite images and generate hyper-detailed terrain. The AI recreates ground textures, such as wet gravel or snow-covered grass, dynamically adjusting for seasonal and weather changes. This level of detail, powered by Microsoft Azure, sets a new standard in environmental simulation.
Another visual upgrade is the addition of ray tracing, a technology that mimics light behavior for realistic reflections and shadows. These enhancements bring the game’s aircraft and landscapes to life, making both flight and exploration more immersive.
Aviation Careers Add New Gameplay Depth
The introduction of Career Mode broadens MSFS 2024’s appeal, offering 26 aviation roles. Players can take on diverse missions, from aerial firefighting and air ambulance rescues to hot air balloon flights and VIP transport. New aircraft types, like the motorized Flydoo balloon, further diversify gameplay.
Training modules, with 54 courses, help new players ease into these complex scenarios. Meanwhile, seasoned users can experiment with managing fleets or pursuing specialized paths, adding structure to the open-world experience
Wildlife and World Enhancements Elevate Exploration
In collaboration with Planet Zoo developer Frontier, MSFS 2024 also introduces dynamic animal behavior. Birds now migrate seasonally, while elephants and sheep respond to weather changes and low-altitude flights. These interactions enrich the low-level flying experience, adding depth to the game’s world.
Additionally, airports feature improved designs, including detailed passenger movement and vertical obstacles like wind turbines. Players can also exit their aircraft and explore on foot, a first for the series.
MSFS 2024 ensures continuity by supporting add-ons from the 2020 version, allowing players to carry over purchased aircraft and airports. This seamless integration preserves investments made in the earlier game, enhancing the user experience.
