New details about Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

Microsoft announces far-reaching innovations for Flight Simulator 2024. In addition to a large number of additional details, it should be possible to leave the aircraft. In addition, the manufacturer promises a significantly reduced installation size despite the expanded range of functions.

Since its new edition in 2020, Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) has established itself as a prime example of the integration of real-world data into a simulation. Now the next big step is imminent with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, announced for November 19, 2024. In an interview with PC Gamers Jörg Neumann, head of the MSFS project, revealed further details about the upcoming version.

About land, air and vegetation

One of the most surprising innovations: pilots will now be able to leave their planes. “You can now get out of the plane and walk around,” explains Neumann. This should open up new perspectives on the digital world. Players can explore mountain paths, linger by lakes and watch sunsets. MSFS 2024 is thus evolving from a pure flight simulation to a comprehensive world simulation.

There are also new things to discover in the air. The team has visually improved every airport and integrated additional glider airfields, oil platforms and lighthouses. What is particularly impressive is that every ship on the world’s oceans that sends a transponder signal is displayed in real time – and can even serve as a landing site. The development team is clearly paying particular attention to the representation of vegetation. Neumann claims: “In MSFS 2024 we will see every tree on earth.” Machine learning will be used to determine not only locations but also tree species. “We are literally planting trillions of trees, and all of this at runtime, so it is pretty accurate,” he adds.

Reduced installation size

Despite the announced extensions, the installation size is to be significantly reduced. While MSFS 2020 grew to around 500 GB with all updates, Microsoft is planning a size of 50 GB or less for MSFS 2024. This is to be achieved through a new “thin client” architecture and increased cloud streaming. The extent to which this will affect the performance of the simulator is still open.

Gameplay enhancements

In addition to these technical improvements, Microsoft is also known to be expanding the gaming options. A previously announced career mode offers a variety of missions, including forest firefighting, search and rescue missions, cargo transport and air racing. More unusual activities such as parachute jump escort or scientific research flights are also planned. The team’s ambitions are high. Neumann sees MSFS 2024 as the forerunner of a new era of game development that will set new standards in terms of complexity.

PC Gamer describes the project as an attempt to “achieve a parallelism with the real world that no game has achieved before.” Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is scheduled to be released on November 19, 2024 for Windows PCs, Xbox Series X|S and via Xbox Cloud Gaming. As with previous versions, the game is expected to be available both individually and as part of Xbox Game Pass. What do you think of the announced features? Are you looking forward to exploring your favorite places on earth on foot? Or do you view the exit from the cockpit critically? Tell us in the comments.