At FlightSim Expo 2024, Microsoft presented the long-awaited new features of Flight Simulator 2024. The conference, hosted by Jorg Neumann, head of Microsoft Flight Simulator, and Sebastian Wloch, CEO of Asobo Studio, revealed significant improvements and new features that promise to revolutionize the flight simulator experience.
A resounding success
Since its launch in August 2020, Microsoft Flight Simulator has accumulated 15 million unique users and logged over 15 billion flight sessions. The simulator has seen constant updates, including 16 simulator updates, 8 world updates, and XNUMX city updates, as well as collaborations with partners like the Top Gun and Dune films.
Continued commitment to Flight Simulator 2020
Microsoft assured that the Support for Flight Simulator 2020 would continue with regular updates planned until 2028. Planned additions include 18 city updates, 38 world updates, and many new local legends and famous planes.
What's new in Flight Simulator 2024
Team and collaboration
Flight Simulator 2024 is the most ambitious and complex project ever undertaken by Microsoft. With a team of 200 people and the collaboration of 25 partner teams spread across six continents, the development of the simulator involves the use of the latest Microsoft technologies, including cognitive services and advanced mapping.
Technical improvements
Flight Simulator 2024 introduces advanced 3D modeling of natural environments, with impressive detail thanks to photogrammetry. The rendering of soil, grass, rock, and tree materials has been improved to provide a more realistic visual experience.
biomes
The simulator now includes an increased diversity of biomes, each with distinct characteristics and faithful rendering of local vegetation and fauna. Whether dense rainforests, arid deserts or icy tundras, each biome is recreated with an attention to detail that enriches the flight experience and visual exploration.
New features and content
- Advanced physics :
- A new physics engine helps simulate inflatable objects and fabric, making elements like traffic cones more realistic and interactive.
- Pilot careers :
- Flight Simulator 2024 offers new pilot careers, including commercial flights with detailed aircraft models like the Airbus A330, developed in partnership with inibuilds.
- Interaction with the environment :
- Players can now get out of the plane to perform pre-flight checks, open doors and interact with the environment in a more immersive way.
- Airport and Airplane Updates :
- Airports like JFK have been improved to include more ground services and better aircraft modeling. Airplanes also benefit from more precise surfaces for more faithful aerodynamic simulation.
Community and creators
The creator community has played a crucial role, with nearly 5 add-ons available, including planes, airports and missions. Microsoft continues to support and celebrate the creativity of its users, building engagement and excitement around Flight Simulator.
Flight Simulator 2024 promises to be a monumental update, further enriching a simulator already acclaimed for its realism and immersion. You can find the video (in English) of the conference right here:
