With Microsoft Flight Simulator now set for a release later this year, the MSFS team is gearing up for an increasing unveiling of the features and capabilities of the new platform. This release will offer simmers important improvements in their virtual flying experience from the comfort of their homes and enhance the interplay with an increasingly accurate replica of the “Digital Twin” of our world, which made a huge impact when MSFS 2020 released nearly four years ago.
This year at FlightSimExpo, the MSFS team lifted the veil a little more on what’s coming with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. Here are some of the highlights of their presentation!
Achievements and Sustained Development
Jorg Neumann, head of Microsoft Flight Simulator, began the session by expressing gratitude to the community, saying, “Thank you for entrusting us with the hobby.” He revealed that MSFS 2020 has now past 15 million unique users and over a billion flight sessions. Neumann also assured the community that support for MSFS 2020 would continue with near-monthly updates planned until 2028.
New Features and Enhancements
Jorg described MSFS 2024 as “the biggest, most complex flight simulator ever undertaken,” with 800 developers working on it currently. The new simulator will feature an entirly 3D ground environment, utilizing Azure AI to create detailed landscapes with trees, rocks, and grass. This is a significant step forwards from MSFS 2020, that features a 2D ground “with a texture” on top, according to Asobo’s Sebastian Wloch.
The integration of real-time ray tracing will enhance lighting and shadow effects, providing more realistic visuals. Seb examined a screenshot from the MSFS 2024 trailer, noting that the shadows from the buttons are “much sharper” than the ones from the window as a result of the ray tracing.
Improved photogrammetry will ensure better accuracy in terrain and structure modelling, while comprehensive rendering and lighting reworks will further elevate visual fidelity. Additionally, dynamic interactions with environmental elements such as grass, vegetation, and water will create a more immersive experience.
Expanded Aircraft and Partnerships
Several new aircraft have been confirmed for MSFS 2024. The A330-200 and -300 by iniBuilds will feature both the GE and RR engines. The Twin Otter by Aerosoft has been almost completely rebuilt with enhanced systems. Most notably, a Boeing 737 MAX 8, described as the most complex aircraft developed by Asobo to date, will be included in the base simulator. Neumann emphasized the importance of community collaboration, stating, “MSFS is made for the community with the community.”
New Gameplay Mechanics
MSFS 2024 will introduce new mechanics such as walkarounds, a feature that was audibly applauded and cheered in the room at FsExpo, with Jorg seen celebrating the reaction. The ability to walk around also means a pre-flight inspection can be done outside the aircraft, including removing covers.
An advanced flight planner, accessible across various platforms, will offer detailed route planning. The weather systems have been enhanced with the addition of cirrus clouds and wake turbulence effects, providing a more realistic flying experience. Replay functionality has also been improved.
Enhanced Realism and Interactivity
The new simulator will feature dynamic interactions with environmental elements. Rope physics and moving vegetation have been modelled, while people walking in airports will add to the immersive atmosphere. Water and waves will be rendered in 3D, and sky rendering has been improved for more lifelike atmospheric effects. MSFS 2024 will also support new biomes and animals, realistic seasonal changes, and Aurora Borealis.
Vegetation movement will be affected by aircraft, and a new engine will simulate cloth and tissue materials, enhancing objects like balloons. This new engine also enhances the Red Bull Air Race package; the pylons aircraft fly between are “simulated completely”, according to Seb, adding that you can “fly through and they rip apart.”
Development Partnerships
The MSFS team announced several partnerships to enrich the simulator. iniBuilds will create planes for the official Red Bull Air Racing partnership. Global Ship AI Traffic will provide real-time positional data for ships, and PuffinFlight will enhance visual flight rules (VFR) experiences. Fabio of FlightControlReplay will improve replay features, and Got Friends will develop the Optica and avionics for gliders, including the Stemme S12G, a project that they had announced quite a while back and that’s being 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 roadmap and extensive community involvement, the future of MSFS looks incredibly promising. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is set to release on November 19th, promising to deliver an unparalleled virtual flying experience. Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the release date.
