With Microsoft Flight Simulator now set for release later this year, the MSFS team is gearing up to reveal more and more of the new platform’s features and capabilities. This release will offer enthusiasts important improvements to their virtual flying from the comfort of their own home and will improve interplay with the increasingly accurate replica of our world’s “Digital Twin” that made a huge impact when MSFS 2020 was released nearly four years ago. .
This year at FlightSimExpo, the MSFS team revealed a little more about what’s coming to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. Here are some of the highlights from their presentation!
Achievements and sustainable development
Jorg Neumann, head of Microsoft Flight Simulator, opened the session by expressing gratitude to the community, saying, “Thank you for entrusting us with this hobby.” He revealed that MSFS 2020 now has over 15 million unique users and over a billion flight sessions. Neumann also assured the community that support for MSFS 2020 will continue with near-monthly updates planned until 2028.
New features and improvements
Jorg described MSFS 2024 as “the largest and most complex flight simulator ever made”, with 800 developers currently working on it. The new simulator will feature a full 3D ground environment using Azure AI to create detailed landscapes with trees, rocks and grass. According to Asobo’s Sebastian Wloch, this is a significant step up from MSFS 2020, which has a 2D “textured” surface on top.
Integration real-time ray tracing it will improve lighting and shadow effects and provide more realistic visuals. Seb examined a screenshot from the MSFS 2024 trailer and noticed that the shadows from the buttons are “much sharper” than those from the window due to ray tracing.
Improved photogrammetry will ensure better accuracy when modeling terrain and structures, while a comprehensive rendering and lighting rework will further increase visual fidelity. Additionally, dynamic interactions with environmental elements such as grass, vegetation and water create an immersive experience.
Expanded aircraft and partnerships
Several new aircraft have been confirmed for MSFS 2024. The A330-200 and -300 from iniBuilds will be equipped with both GE and RR engines. Aerosoft’s Twin Otter has been almost completely rebuilt with improved systems. Most notably, a Boeing 737 MAX 8, billed as the most complex aircraft developed by Asobo to date, will be included in the basic simulator. Emphasizing the importance of community collaboration, Neumann stated, “MSFS is built for the community, with the community.
New game mechanics
MSFS 2024 will introduce new mechanics such as rounds, a feature that was audibly applauded and cheered around the room at FsExpo, with Jorg seen celebrating the reaction. The ability to walk around also means that the pre-flight inspection can be carried out outside the aircraft, including the removal of covers.
An advanced flight planner, accessible across multiple platforms, will offer detailed route planning. The weather systems have been improved with the addition of cirrus clouds and wake turbulence effects, providing a more realistic flying experience. The replay feature has also been improved.
Improved realism and interactivity
The new simulator will feature dynamic interactions with environmental elements. Rope physics and moving vegetation have been modeled, while people walking through airports add an immersive atmosphere. Water and waves will be rendered in 3D, and sky rendering has been improved for more realistic atmospheric effects. MSFS 2024 will also support new biomes and animals, realistic seasonal changes, and the Aurora Borealis.
Vegetation movement will be affected by aircraft, and a new engine will simulate cloth and tissue materials and enhance objects such as balloons. This new engine also improves Red Bull Air Race package; the pylons that the planes fly between are “completely simulated,” according to Seb, adding that “you can fly through and they’ll tear apart.”
Development partnerships
The MSFS team has announced several partnerships to enrich the simulator. iniBuilds will create aircraft for the official Red Bull Air Racing partnership. Global Ship AI Traffic will provide real-time ship position data and PuffinFlight will improve Visual Flight Rules (VFR). Fabio from FlightControlReplay will improve the replay features and Got Friends will develop the Optics and Avionics for the gliders, including the Stemme S12G, a project they announced a while ago that is integrated directly into MSFS 2024.
Conclusion
The FlightSimExpo 2024 presentation showcased the ambitious scope of MSFS 2024, which is set to redefine flight simulation. With a robust plan and extensive community involvement, the future of MSFS looks incredibly promising. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is set to release on November 19 and promises to deliver an unparalleled virtual flying experience. Stay tuned for more updates as the release date approaches.
