PlayStation has officially announced that Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 will be available on PS5 starting December 8, 2025, bringing a highly detailed and advanced flight simulation experience to PlayStation users, along with the development of PSVR2 support for immersive gameplay.
Sony's latest State of Play showcased upcoming PS5 games including the gameplay reveal and release date for Saros, the return of Zero Parades, the PS5 release of Microsoft Flight Simulator, trailers for Battlefield 6, Deus Ex remaster, Halloween multiplayer, Lost Epoch, The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin, Sonic Racing DLC, Nioh 3, Dynasty Warriors remaster, CodeVein 2, Let It Die sequel, Chronoscribe, Crimson Desert, new Sony Pulse Elevate speakers, a limited edition God of War controller, and the reveal of Insomniac's Wolverine game, with release dates spanning from late 2023 to 2026.
PMDG is facing compatibility challenges with its aircraft in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, as the transition from MSFS 2020 has not been smooth. CEO Robert Randazzo detailed issues like screen brightness, font rendering, and API problems affecting various aircraft, particularly the Boeing 777. PMDG plans to rebuild its product lineup using the MSFS 2024 development toolkit to resolve these issues and leverage new features. Meanwhile, Microsoft and Asobo are working on platform updates, but no timeline is available for fixes.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 players have encountered a new character, dubbed "Red Error Guy," due to server issues during the game's launch. This character appears when the game fails to load assets, a problem exacerbated by the new always-online component and high player traffic. The developers are aware of the long loading times and are working to resolve the server issues.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 utilized machine learning and AI to create its detailed map data, a task that would have been impossible to complete manually. The development involved 800 people, with AI helping to generate terrain details by marking up 28,000 tiles representing Earth's landscapes. Despite concerns about AI leading to job losses, the project saw team growth. The game, released on November 19, faced initial server issues due to underestimated demand and is available on Xbox and PC, including Game Pass.
Xbox has reportedly considered releasing Microsoft Flight Simulator and the next Doom game on rival consoles, following an Xbox business update confirming plans to release four unnamed Xbox exclusives on other platforms. While titles like Gears of War have been considered for non-Xbox release, Xbox boss Phil Spencer stated that Starfield and Indiana Jones would not be going multiplatform at this time, but did not rule out the possibility of games going to other platforms in the future. The move is seen as an effort to expand the reach and impact of these titles and invest in future versions or elsewhere in the first-party portfolio, without fundamentally changing the approach on exclusivity.
The cast of Masters of the Air, including stars like Austin Butler and Barry Keoghan, received training on flying the B-17 Flying Fortress from military consultant Taigh Ramey, who had to teach them the basics of flight controls using a partial replica of the original B-17 flight deck. The actors also used Microsoft Flight Simulator for further study and were tested on their knowledge of the aircraft. The show invested in a live-action digital film set to create realistic flight scenes, providing an immersive experience for the actors. Masters of the Air is now available for streaming on Apple TV Plus.
Xbox has partnered with Warner Bros. and Legendary Entertainment to offer immersive game content tied to the release of "Dune: Part Two," including a floating Xbox controller, a specially designed Xbox Series S, and console holder inspired by the world of "Dune." The aviation game "Microsoft Flight Simulator" is also getting a Dune-themed expansion, allowing players to pilot the Royal Atreides Ornithopter in the harsh environment of Arrakis. Additionally, two life-size Ornithopter gaming simulators will be available at the London and New York Microsoft Experience Centers.
Microsoft Flight Simulator has released a free Dune expansion featuring the Royal Atreides Ornithopter from the upcoming Dune: Part Two movie, offering tutorials, time trials, and a rescue mission. The expansion is a tie-in with the movie and allows players to fly the ornithopter in a science fiction setting within the realistic physics simulation of the game. This expansion was announced alongside Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, which will include a range of aerial jobs, and also offers a chance to win a custom Dune-themed Xbox and controller.
Microsoft Flight Simulator partners with Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros. Entertainment to release a free Dune expansion, marking the franchise's first departure from Earth. Players can now navigate the deserts of Arrakis using a bug-like ornithopter, completing tutorials, time trials, and a rescue mission. The next installment, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, is set to focus on various aviation-based jobs and will be available for Xbox Series X/S and PC.
Microsoft Flight Simulator introduces Paul Atreides’ Ornithopter and the desert plains of Arrakis in a free expansion, allowing players to pilot the iconic aircraft through tutorials and time-trial activities, as part of the lead-up to the highly anticipated release of Dune: Part Two. This follows other video game tie-ins, such as the addition of Dune characters to Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3.
Aerosoft confirms that the A330 for Microsoft Flight Simulator will be delayed until around the release of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, citing the decision to take advantage of new technology in the upcoming simulator. No further details were provided, and it is expected that more information will be revealed when Microsoft showcases the new flight simulator later this year. In the meantime, alternative options for the A330 in the current simulator are being developed by other companies.
PMDG's Robert Randazzo shared updates on the Boeing 737 and a teaser of the Boeing 777 in Microsoft Flight Simulator. The preview showcased the aircraft's landing gear, tires, brake lines, and engine. Development is progressing smoothly, but it may be some time before the community can experience the aircraft firsthand. Randazzo also outlined updates to the Universal Flight Tablet, including bug fixes and plans for additional functionality. Updates will be available for Marketplace users in the next 7 days, while direct purchase users can access them now. Xbox users are still unable to use the UFT due to communication challenges. Further previews and updates are expected in the holiday season.
Players of Microsoft Flight Simulator are requesting a time machine feature that would allow them to revisit historical weather events and famous flights. The game's developer, Asobo Studio, built the simulation using raw data such as satellite imagery and real-world weather information. While the idea of historical weather is something the team has considered, the necessary data does not currently exist. However, the head of Microsoft Flight Simulator, Jorg Neumann, has not ruled out the possibility in the future, stating that the game will continue to evolve and they may figure it out at some point. The latest update for the game, focused on flight mechanics, is now available.
A new DLC for Microsoft Flight Simulator allows players to explore the game's open world from the ground level with a highly-detailed electric off-road Utility Task Vehicle, or dune buggy. The DLC offers three motor variants, 13 liveries, optional accessories, realistic suspension, simulated tire friction, cruise control, lighting options, a built-in radio, and crossplay with airplanes. Players can also download a custom pack with ramps and obstacles to test out the new vehicle. The DLC is available for purchase now and will soon be released on the official Flight Sim marketplace.