Since 1982, Microsoft Flight Simulator accompanies aviation enthusiasts in their first steps towards the virtual skies. This legendary saga, which began on the modest monochrome screens of the first IBM PCs, has spanned four decades by constantly pushing technological boundaries.
In 2020, after fourteen years of absence, the franchise made a spectacular return by offering, for the first time, a complete modeling of our planet using cloud computing and artificial intelligence. This triumphant rebirth, which had attracted more than ten million virtual pilots, is about to experience a new lease of life with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024expected on November 19. Beyond a simple technical update, this new version represents a profound overhaul of the flight experience, the result of four years of intensive development by the teams at Asobo Studio, a French studio based in Bordeaux.
Cutting-edge technologies serving a virtual earth truer than nature
The game, like its predecessor, is based on an innovative hybrid architecture, where the game installed locally constantly dialogues with Microsoft’s Azure servers. This synergy between local power and cloud computing makes it possible to transcend the usual limitations of video games.
Landscapes generate dynamically during flight, downloading the necessary data on the fly to provide a smooth and detailed experience, without compromising visual quality. The game is much lighter than the 2020 edition, since it will only require 50 GB of storage; on the other hand, a very high speed connection will be necessary to enjoy it in good conditions.
The completely redesigned graphics engine uses a technology called photogrammetry. This complex technique, based on data from Bing Maps, mobilizes an armada of drones, planes and satellites to capture millions of photos from different angles. Artificial intelligence algorithms then analyze these images to identify points of correspondence and reconstruct the exact geometry of the locations.
The process first generates a dense cloud of three-dimensional points, then transformed into a polygonal mesh to which ultra-high definition textures are applied. More than 500 metropolises now benefit from irregular triangulation modeling (TIN), which gives them an architectural rendering of absolute precision. Result: the entire planet is available to you in every nook and cranny, transcribed almost to perfection. The ultimate open world, in short!
The game will also feature ray tracing, capable of calculating the actual physical diffusion of light rays through the atmosphere. The subtle variations in natural light throughout the day, the complex reflections on water surfaces, and even the spectacular Northern Lights shave reproduced with astonishing fidelity.
Atmospheric modeling has reached such a level of sophistication that the simulator now reproduces cloud formations, weather systems and their interactions with terrain with even greater accuracy. Real-time weather data, provided by a global network of weather stations, is continuously integrated to guarantee perfect consistency with real atmospheric conditions. As you can see in the video below, the differences with the previous game are very visible, even if the 2020 edition still remains a reference from a graphic point of view.
A greatly improved flight model
Another development, just as spectacular, is hidden under the hood of the simulator. Where its predecessor fell short with aircraft flight models that were sometimes too simplistic (be careful though, this remains a simulator, but one that does not achieve the realism of a certain X-Plane), cThis new version takes a big step forward.
New simulation engine incorporates over 10,000 rigid-body surfaces – ten times more than the previous version – allowing the behavior of each part of an aircraft to be reproduced with exceptional fidelity. The wings deform under stress, the landing gear absorbs shocks with precision, and the control surfaces react to turbulence with astonishing realism.
For the first time in the history of mainstream simulation, embedded systems are modeled in their entirety. Each electrical circuit, each pneumatic valve, each hydraulic component is individually simulated, creating a complex network of interactions that faithfully reflects the operation of a real aircraft. Failures are no longer simple scripted events, but the logical consequence of cascading failures in these interconnected systems. A faulty electrical generator can thus gradually affect the navigation instruments, forcing the pilot to adapt his flight strategy as in reality.
This quest for authenticity even extends to ground procedures. Pre-flight checks, once limited to a few checkboxes on a menu, are becoming an integral part of the experience. Pilots can now get out of the cockpitperform a complete visual inspection of their device, physically check the condition of control surfaces, and monitor fluid levels. This attention to detail is accompanied by extensive modeling of interactions with the environment: ground effect is precisely calculated, rolling resistance varies depending on the surface of the runway, and even the behavior of the seaplanes on the water benefits from dedicated physics.
The arrival of career mode (finally)!
Even if Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 was very complete, we quickly went through the challenges of landings, bush flights and other preconceived flights that the game offered. The 2024 version finally has a real career modea new system that puts players in the shoes of a real professional pilot, allowing them to climb the ranks of the aviation world one by one. The journey begins with obtaining a private pilot license, supervised by virtual instructors who provide advice and assessments in accordance with civil aviation standards.
As they progress, pilots take on increasingly complex missions : transport of VIP or cargo, firefighting, emergency medical evacuations, etc. Many missions will be randomly generated across the entire planet, a big plus for replayability.
Obviously, to fully enjoy the game, you will need a fairly muscular configurationas you can see below. If the minimum recommendations remain quite modest, to run the game in ideal conditions, the game will require a configuration costing several thousand euros. This technological profligacy has a cost, and this is also confirmed in the different editions of the game.
Available of course on PC, but also for Xbox Series X|S (it is also compatible with Game Pass), the game comes in four main versions. The edition Standard (65 planes and 150 airports modeled by hand) is offered at 79.89 euros. The edition Deluxe (70 planes and 155 airports) increases to 109.99 euros. There Premium Deluxe (90 planes and 160 airports) will be sold at 140.09 euros. Finally, the ultimate edition,Aviator Edition (release content Premium Deluxeplus 30 additional planes normally sold on the Microsoft marketplace) will cost 219.99 euros.
A game that already promises to be a success, but which is not for all budgets. Finally, for true aviation enthusiasts, it will always be cheaper than getting your private pilot license (PPL) and maintaining a Cessna 172 Skyhawk all year round.
- Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 arrives on November 19 with photorealistic graphics, ultra-realistic physics and a much more precise simulation engine.
- An immersive career mode allows players to experience the life of a professional pilot, with the opportunity to embark on a wide variety of missions.
- The game nevertheless requires an expensive configuration and offers editions of up to 219.99 euros.
