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FSExpo 2024 highlighted significant developments in the field of flight simulation, particularly focusing on Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. Jorg Neumann, head of Microsoft Flight Simulator, and Sebastian Wloch, CEO of Asobo Studio, shared insights on new features and the status of Microsof Flight Simulator 2024. This article provides a summary of the key updates and announcements related to the simulator made during the expo, including new features, partnerships, and technological advancements. With the upcoming version in mind, Microsoft will still continue to support the current version of Microsoft Flight Simulator (2020) for the foreseeable future, which includes several updates, including City and World Updates.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 introduces a host of innovative features. The simulator boasts enhanced 3D ground textures and procedurally generated vegetation across nearly 30 distinct biomes, creating a more immersive and realistic terrain. Airline simulation has been significantly improved, with AI aircraft now featuring real-world liveries and new pre-flight tasks for added realism. For example, pilots will be able to perform an outside check or walk around prior to taxi. On the technical front, the simulator includes more data points, ray-traced shadows, and advanced simulation methods that enhance aircraft dynamics. The world within Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is more lifelike than ever, with new default airports populated by passengers, upgraded lighting and cloud systems, and the inclusion of global tow vehicles and oil rigs.
A significant focus of the seminar was the introduction of new third-party aircraft for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. Jorg and Sebastian announced several aircraft and their developers. iniBuilds is working on the A400M and the Twin Otter, acquired from Aerosoft, in addition to the A330. Got Friends updated the Optica for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and will enhance gliding capabilities with a new avionics system. Asobo Studio's most detailed aircraft to date, the Boeing 737 Max, will be included as a default plane in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.
New partners will be at the core of the Microsoft Flight Simulator experience. Working Title, renowned for avionics updates, revealed a new flight planning tool, incorporating fuel and payload planning, airport information, and charts. They will also introduce the Primus Epic 2 avionics system. Climax, a game studio known for various Microsoft and Xbox games, will help bring racing activities like the Red Bull Air Race and Reno Air Races to the simulator. The Reno Air Races will feature a new location in Roswell, New Mexico. Flight Control Replay will introduce their instant flight replay tool from FCR Version 5 to Microsoft Flight Simulator, including a "ghost plane" feature that allows users to fly alongside their recordings. Jorg also announced that Gaya Simulations will handle much of the world and scenery updates, including enhanced default airports. Henrik Nielsen's Global Ship AI Traffic will be included for improved ship traffic. Holger Sandmann from Orbx, in collaboration with PuffinFlight, will add obstructions and obstacles such as antennae, towers, turbines, masts, and cooling towers.
Julie, Head of the Marketplace Team, began by detailing the Marketplace's inception and growth. She shared user demographics, sales data by platform, spending habits, and popular add-on types. Notably, PC users tend to spend more on add-ons than Xbox users, with the $15 to $20 range being the most popular. Mabelle, Marketplace Program Lead, previewed the 2024 Marketplace interface, highlighting a new banner for add-ons and a 'For You' section.
Julie also emphasized that 2020 content will be available in 2024, but developers must manually test and approve it. The interface will label content as either 2020 or 2024, indicating whether it has been ported or developed natively. That said, Microsoft has confirmed that virtually all add-ons and paid content currently available for Microsof Flight Simulator 2020 will be compatible with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. This includes aircraft, airports, and other marketplace add-ons. This backward compatibility ensures that users who have invested in content for 2020 will not need to repurchase these items for the new simulator. Most of the content purchased through the in-simulator marketplace will automatically be available in 2024 without additional costs or steps required from the user once the developer has approved them. With that, all marketplace purchases from MSFS 2020 are expected to carry over to MSFS 2024, with very few exceptions.
However, before content becomes available in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, developers will need to thoroughly test and certify its compatibility with the new simulator. Besides this, developers may also have the option to offer upgrade pricing for their products. This means that if a developer creates an enhanced version of their add-on specifically for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, customers who already own the 2020 version can purchase the upgraded version at a discounted rate. Customers will then likely have the choice of keeping the 2020 version (if made available by the developer) or upgrading to the 2024 version with enhancements. As we understand it, the product developer can choose which option they prefer. The information shared only relates to official Marketplace content and does not specifically apply to freeware offerings.
In September 2024, Microsoft plans to release the 2024 SDK, allowing developers to test migrated content and submit their updates. Scott from the Marketplace Partner Program team discussed the Marketplace Content Portal (MCP) for developers. Key changes include automated add-on submission and faster testing availability. Developers no longer need the SDK or project editor for product descriptions and data entry. Updating packages is now more efficient, and once testing is complete, developers can submit a release request. Additional MCP updates include sale requests, hangar descriptions, and user access.
You can watch the entire Saturday Microsoft Flight Simulator Development Update - Live from FlightSim Expo 2024 here on YouTube and the Sunday Marketplace Update Announcement here.
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