Today Microsoft and third-party developers had updates to share about Microsoft Flight Simulator and its upcoming add-ons.
In the latest development update published on the official website, Microsoft shared a brand new roadmap for the rest of July all the way to October. Here's what we can expect.
- World Update 14 and Local Legend 11 on July 25.
- City Update 4 and Local Legend 12 on August 23
- Sim Update 13 and Local Legend 13 on September 21
- World Update 15 and Local Legend 14 on October 24
At the moment, the specific content of these updates has not been shared.
It's worth mentioning for those who are unfamiliar with the lingo that Local Legend aircraft are usually historical planes tied to a specific location. It's interesting to see that a Local Legend will be released at the same time as a Sim Update in September, despite the fact that Sim Updates usually aren't tied to a location at all.
This can be explained by looking at the calendar. September 21 is the opening day of Tokyo Game Show, so it's very possible that we may see a Japanese aircraft. Personally, I'd be very happy to see a good NAMC YS-11. August 23 is also a significant date, as it's the opening day of Gamescom in Cologne, Germany. We may very well see a second pass at German cities and a German aircraft. That being said, this is my personal speculation so please take it with the customary grain of salt.
Below you can find the full infographic.
We also get a reveal from Simnord in the form of a small general aviation airfield in Denmark, Nordborg/Pøl Airfield (EKNB). According to the developer, it'll be ready "soon" for both PC and Xbox.
Last, but not least, Roman Design released Victoria International Airport (CTTJ) in Canada. It's currently available on the developer's own store for $23.99 and will soon be released on Orbx Direct, Simmarket, and the official marketplace.
Here's what you can expect:
- Custom high-resolution PBR materials
- Over 50 hand-crafted airport buildings meticulously modelled for full immersion
- Terminal building with interior modelling, tinted windows, and passengers throughout the terminal
- ATC Tower with interior modelling
- 6 Open hangars with interior modelling and starting spots. Interior hangar starts are designated the first numbers of the respective parking area: E Parking 1,2; SE Parking 1,2,3; SW Parking 1
- Victoria Flying Club – detailed interior modelling, static aircraft and multiple starts. Accurate apron markings and detailed area modelling
- Handcrafted Runways with custom authentic striped markings, detailed textures and true-to-life (and charts) lighting – they now look like a Canadian runway should look
- Custom taxiways with filly authentic custom ground markings true to life and charts
- Custom taxiway night lighting
- Custom taxiway signs and markings – taxi in confidence
- Custom aprons with authentic hand-made ground markings and wear and tear
- Custom runway approach lighting true to life and charts
- Parallax windows on all buildings with reflective glass and night lighting, based on custom 3D room interior renderings
- Multiple signs with emulated fluorescent night backlighting, 3D modelled letter-shaped signs, and other custom signage throughout the airport
- Custom night lighting throughout the airport and area, including hangar exterior and interior lights
- Hundreds of objects placed throughout the scenery to create an immersive experience
- Animated flags that respond to wind direction
- Two flashing beacons with their buildings are placed on top of surrounding hills as shown on the charts for visual navigation.
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 Orbx's Stockholm Arlanda and Oslo Gardermoen Airports, iniBuilds' New York-JFK Airport, and RHDSimulations' Boeing 767-300ER.
