The ambition behind Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is truly remarkable. Developed by a team of 800 over four years, this upcoming title boasts some impressive capabilities.
At a preview event held at the Grand Canyon, the creators showcased the game by flying us over the canyon, demonstrating its simulation fidelity. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 will launch on November 19 for PC, Xbox Series X/S, and Game Pass.
One standout feature is Microsoft’s decision to transition computing power from local PCs to the cloud. Jorg Neumann, head of Microsoft Flight Simulator, explained that vast amounts of data are processed in cloud data centers and streamed in real-time, enhancing simulation quality. The 2020 version utilized a hybrid model, requiring hefty local downloads of up to half a terabyte, whereas this year's version has been streamlined to just 23 gigabytes.
The 2024 edition offers significant enhancements to its virtual environment, increasing detail by a staggering factor of 4,000. The development team created a "digital twin" of Earth, integrating realistic physics and accuracy within the simulation. It factors in everything affecting flight—from ground operations and extreme weather conditions to fuel, cargo, and turbulence. For instance, the game simulates hot air balloons across 6,400 surfaces, allowing realistic heat reactions that fill the balloon when the heater is activated.
Neumann highlighted that this digital twin is the most accurate representation of the planet ever created. The game’s photogrammetry pulls data from diverse industries, similar to how companies like Nvidia use digital twins to optimize factory designs and even model climate change predictions.
Now, the concept of the metaverse may be somewhat underwhelming, but it finds relevance in initiatives like digital twins, which are integrated into simulations like Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. The game utilizes enhanced digital elevation maps, encompassing over 100,000 square kilometers of countryside photogrammetry. Developers meticulously crafted more than 150 airports, 2,000 glider airports, 10,000 heliports, and 900 oil rigs, while a procedural system generates an astounding 40,000 airports, 80,000 helipads, 1.5 billion buildings, and nearly 3 trillion trees globally.
During the event, I had the opportunity to discuss with Neumann alongside Samuel Stone from Den of Geeks. Our conversation revealed several intriguing insights.
GamesBeat: Did this project begin long before the event to include the plane?
Neumann: Not at all. Zean Nielsen, the CEO of Cirrus, aims to change perceptions of aviation. His approach reflects a friendly, approachable tone in their promotions, showcasing flying as an accessible weekend getaway rather than an intimidating experience.
GamesBeat: I was amazed our pilot let Charlie take control.
Neumann: That’s intentional! They want to demonstrate that flying can be as manageable as driving. With modern safety features and stability, it's an empowering experience for users.
Neumann emphasized the need to rekindle public interest in aviation, as commercial pilot shortages loom. With 800,000 lack of pilots projected, manufacturers are turning to flight simulators like theirs to inspire new aviators, supported by the extensive community of 15 million players.
Stone: After the successful 2020 launch and vast community engagement, how did that shape your direction for 2024?
Neumann: Our design approach flipped the traditional model. Instead of solely following our design vision, we gathered feedback to address user needs directly. Although we have our concepts, core design elements stem from community requests.
GamesBeat: How did you embrace the concept of digital twins?
Neumann: The idea of digital representation began in 2016 with our initial projects, showcasing cities through photogrammetry. The success of accurately simulating regions showed us the potential for a more extensive, global representation.
There’s a clear recognition that the project thrives on evolving data availability and user interest. The team is responsive to what the community wants, even expanding into locations overlooked in the past.
GamesBeat: How do you sift through petabytes of data to ensure an optimized experience?
Neumann: The majority of this data sits on the ground, and while we specify our priorities, there’s always a cut list—we can't implement every idea right away. For example, I wanted to include butterfly collections, which may not be essential but would enhance the world’s richness.
In summary, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is more than a game; it is a convergence of technology, data, and community. It aims to offer a breathtaking and immersive experience for aviation enthusiasts while contributing positively to real-world applications, such as training programs.
Disclosure: Microsoft covered my expenses for the Grand Canyon preview event; however, our review remains objective.
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