MSFS: ‘We’re About Accurate Aviation, Not Just Gaming

MSFS: ‘We’re About Accurate Aviation, Not Just Gaming

FlightSimExpo touched down in Texas last week, where developer Asobo took the opportunity to showcase Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. The game, which was unexpectedly announced during the Xbox Games Showcase, initially caused some confusion among fans. Many were left wondering whether this was an entirely new game or just an expansion with a fresh title.

Jorg Neumann, the head of Microsoft Flight Simulator, acknowledged the initial uncertainty following the Xbox announcement, describing the reveal as “paper thin.” However, he was quick to clear things up during his presentation. “To give you some perspective, there were tens of millions of people watching the Xbox showcase,” Neumann explained. “It’s great for our hobby to be featured in such a prominent way.”

Addressing concerns from the Flight Simulator community, Neumann clarified that this isn’t just an add-on. “Some of you rightly asked, ‘What is this, just an expansion pack or something?’ Absolutely not. This is the most ambitious project ever in flight simulation, without question.”

The focus of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is firmly on aviation activities. According to Neumann, Asobo’s data shows that of the current Microsoft Flight Simulator’s player base, around three million are “core gamers,” while the other nine million are more casual players. The common thread among all these players was a desire for more engaging content in the simulation.

“We listened to that feedback and decided to create content that meets those needs,” said Neumann. “But we’re not making typical game-style missions. What we’re doing are accurate aviation activities. We’re working with numerous organizations around the world—those involved in firefighting, search and rescue, and other real-life aviation operations. That’s why we refer to it as ‘choose your pilot lifestyle.’ This is what real pilots do.”

Neumann also reassured fans concerned about the absence of airliners in the trailer. “There are going to be plenty of airliners, trust me. You’ll be pleasantly surprised when we reveal the full list of planes.”

Asobo CEO Sebastian Wloch then took the stage to discuss some of the technical advancements in MSFS 2024. One of the team’s top priorities, according to Wloch, was to reduce the size of the game client. “One of the biggest complaints we hear is about the lengthy download times and the massive amount of storage required,” Wloch said.

To address this, MSFS 2024 will further leverage cloud storage, ensuring that users only download the necessary content. “When you launch the sim, you’ll only download what you need, not a bunch of textures that you’ll never use,” Wloch explained.

The new version also features an upgraded physics and aerodynamics engine, with enhanced modeling for soft bodies like ropes and tissue. Wloch highlighted examples such as a helicopter lifting cargo with a rope and a yaw string reacting to wind, showcasing the improved physical interactions in the game.

Another significant update is that all new changes will be backward compatible. This means that existing community-created content will work seamlessly in the new version, even if the creators don’t update their mods.

The presentation hit its stride when Wloch delved into the technical improvements, much to the delight of the live audience. The excitement in the room was palpable, with Neumann visibly thrilled as Wloch detailed one enhancement after another.

The highlight came when Wloch demonstrated a hot air balloon, showcasing how it inflates, soars, and then deflates realistically, with all surfaces interacting naturally. With a flourish, Wloch concluded with a simple “voila,” prompting the room to erupt in applause. Neumann, beaming with pride, looked ready to burst with joy. It’s clear that Asobo’s passion for flight simulation runs deep, and their love for the craft is evident in every aspect of this ambitious project.