Today both Microsoft and third-party developers shared some interesting news about Microsoft Flight Simulator and its add-ons.
We start with the big elephant in the room, the announcement of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. While this is defined as a brand-new generation of the simulator featuring significant evolution, we learn that virtually all the content for the current sim will work in the new one.
This brand-new simulator is designed to take advantage of the latest technologies in simulation, cloud, machine learning, graphics and gaming to create the most sophisticated, immersive and awe-inspiring flight simulator of all time. To achieve this unprecedented level of accuracy, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is powered by the significantly evolved Asobo Studio engine.
Microsoft published a FAQ answering the most burning questions, including the fact that support for the old simulator will continue and current add-ons will be supported.
Will Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 be a completely standalone sequel, or will it also be offered as a paid update for existing players?
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is a standalone simulator and the next-generation sequel to Microsoft Flight Simulator that launched in 2020. Current aircraft and airports that are in Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020), as well as virtually all Marketplace add-ons, will be supported in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.
What kind of support can Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) players expect to see once Flight Simulator 2024 has been released?
We will continue to deliver our Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) Roadmap which has content ranging from Aircraft and Avionics Updates, Sim Updates, City and World Updates, and also the free Dune DLC. We will continue to support Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) post the Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 launch.
Will all purchases users have made from the Marketplace be transferrable to the new simulator?
With very few exceptions, virtually all add-ons that work in Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) today will function in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. Add-ons that were purchased from the in-simulator Marketplace will not need to be re-purchased in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.
More details will be shared over the coming months.
Below you can check out the trailer on top of the Dune expansion that will be released on November 3, 2023, including the House Atreides Ornithopter.
Moving on to add-ons, SimWorks Studios provided an update and new screenshots of its Pilatus PC-12.
The electrical system is now functioning properly, and we are gradually connecting gauges, lights and under-the-hood systems with it. This is the last big piece of “aircraft” development, before doing the cosmetic things like visors and cargo. We want to go a little deeper with some cosmetics, as they really make the plane feel more alive. Still, we will soon ask you for some input to better distribute our time.
Orbx announced and released a brand-new Australian airport, Mount Hotham Airport (YHOT). It's currently available on Orbx Direct for $16.82. Here's what it promises.
- Detailed ground and apron texturing
- Highly detailed terminal interior
- Extensive Custom Vegetation
- Custom animations: working clock, wind turbine, and many more
- Airport-specific static aircraft
- 140+ custom assets
- Full PBR texturing
- Designed by Milo Taylor
We also get a new look at Compton Abbas Airfield (EGHA) in the UK by Burning Blue Design via a new trailer.
Microsoft Flight Simulator is currently available for PC, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox Cloud Gaming, including Game Pass. If you'd like to learn more, you should stay tuned on TechRaptor as we have daily Microsoft Flight Simulator news to keep you updated on the many add-ons coming and released for the sim. We have also recently interviewed Microsoft's Jorg Neumann about the Antonov An-225 "Mriya" and iniBuilds' CEO Ubaid Mussa on the work of the popular third-party developer. If you're interested in reviews, you can check out iniBuilds' New York-JFK Airport, Orbx's Oslo Gardermoen Airport, and RHDSimulations' Boeing 767-300ER.
