Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 - The STATE of the SIM

Summary

The 2025 Microsoft Flight Simulator development live stream highlights the team's efforts to address issues with the 2024 version, including server problems and unresolved bugs. The update includes fixes for memory allocation, VR performance, and Xbox optimization, alongside the planned February 18 release of Sim Update 1. The Brazil World Update and new aircraft like the Cessna 185F are scheduled for later this year. With a focus on gradual improvements, the team plans regular updates, emphasizing smoother releases and better user experience moving forward.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 2025 development live stream marks the first of the year, focusing on major updates following the troubled 2024 Sim launch.
• 😀 Microsoft Flight Simulator's 2024 Sim currently has a larger user base, with two-thirds of players using the 2024 version and more opting for career mode rather than free flight mode.
• 😀 The 2024 Sim launched with significant bugs, with 18,000 unresolved issues at release, leading to a commitment to beta testing for future releases to avoid similar problems.
• 😀 Sim update 1, scheduled for release on February 18th, includes fixes for hundreds of bugs, many of which are not listed in the change log yet.
• 😀 The team is addressing performance issues, including excessive memory allocations and VRAM overcommitment, which cause stutters and crashes. Improvements are planned for both PC and Xbox users.
• 😀 For Xbox users, Microsoft suggests fully exiting the Sim rather than using the quick resume feature to prevent crashes and ensure smooth performance.
• 😀 Microsoft is working on increasing the cache size and introducing a dedicated download feature, allowing users to pre-download regions and assets to reduce reliance on streaming.
• 😀 The team is focusing on resolving VR issues in Sim update 2, with larger fixes expected by the end of April. There are no major new features expected until at least Sim update 3.
• 😀 The in-Sim Marketplace for 2024 is planned for release on February 18th, but there is uncertainty about the exact date due to ongoing issues with the release process.
• 😀 World updates, including the Brazil update scheduled for March, will be delayed until the in-Sim Marketplace is live, as the Marketplace is crucial for delivering such updates.

Q & A

What was the main focus of the 2025 First Development Live Stream for Microsoft Flight Simulator?

The main focus of the 2025 First Development Live Stream was to address the issues following the launch of the 2024 Sim, provide updates on Sim updates 1 and 2, discuss the ongoing development work, and share details on the upcoming features like World Update 11 and the Cessna 185F aircraft.

What were some of the major issues raised about the release of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024?

The major issues included server and CBM issues that prevented many users from accessing the sim, excessive bugs in the 2024 release, and performance problems like memory allocation issues, crashes, and blurry textures, particularly on Xbox.

How did the Microsoft team plan to prevent similar issues in future releases?

The team acknowledged the poor release of 2024, promising that future Sims, including the 2028 version, would undergo extensive beta testing (including Alpha and Beta phases) before release. They also plan for a slower, more controlled rollout of Sim updates.

What improvements have been made in Sim Update 1 for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024?

Sim Update 1, scheduled for release on February 18th, 2025, has focused on bug fixes, performance improvements (including memory allocation and VRAM usage), and optimizations for both PC and Xbox platforms. It also addresses various smaller bugs and offers enhancements for smoother gameplay.

What recommendation was given regarding Xbox users experiencing crashing or performance issues?

For Xbox users experiencing crashes or performance problems, Microsoft recommends completely exiting the sim and restarting it, rather than using the quick resume feature, to ensure the sim loads up fully from scratch, improving performance and reducing crashes.

What is the status of the In-Game Marketplace for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024?

The In-Game Marketplace for 2024 is scheduled to release on February 18th, but there are concerns about potential delays due to ongoing bug fixes and complications with the marketplace setup. The team is working hard to resolve these issues.

What future updates are planned for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 in 2025?

Future updates planned include Sim Update 2 (aimed for the end of April 2025), Sim Update 3 (expected by the end of June 2025), and additional fixes in future updates. The team plans to release up to four major Sim updates each year.

What new feature for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 will allow users to manage regional downloads more effectively?

A new feature in development will allow users to pre-download regions and assets to avoid relying on continuous streaming. This feature will help reduce bandwidth usage and improve performance, though no specific release date has been provided.

What was discussed about VR support in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024?

VR support in 2024 was discussed, with the team noting that only minor bug fixes were included in Sim Update 1. More substantial VR improvements and bug fixes are expected in Sim Update 2, as the team works on more extensive testing and development.

What is the status of the Brazil World Update and Local Legends aircraft for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024?

The Brazil World Update is scheduled for release in March 2025, although this may be delayed depending on the progress of the In-Game Marketplace. Additionally, the first 'Famous Flyer' aircraft, the Cessna 185F Sky Wagon, will be released for free, likely in February, though its release date depends on the marketplace's launch.