{{short description|Flight simulation video game}} {{redirect|Microsoft Flight Simulator (video game)||Flight simulator (disambiguation)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=January 2021}} {{Use Canadian English|date=January 2021}} {{Infobox video game | title = Microsoft Flight Simulator | image = Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 cover art.png | caption = Cover art, featuring an [[Airbus A320neo]] (top), [[Cessna Citation CJ4]] (right), and [[Zlin Savage Cub]] Classic (left) | alt = Three planes flying in unison above a savannah, snowy mountain, and exotic island, bordered by triangles. The title is placed in the center right. | developer = [[Asobo Studio]] | publisher = [[Xbox Game Studios]] | director = Jörg Neumann{{efn|Under Xbox Game Studios<ref name="Finishing" />}}<br />David Dedeine<ref>{{Cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8TGT87Fxyw|title=Feature Discovery Series Episode 2: Weather|date=2019-10-28|last=|first=|type=YouTube video|language=|publisher=[[Microsoft Flight Simulator]]|access-date=2021-01-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200117223612/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8TGT87Fxyw|url-status=live|archive-date=2020-01-17}}</ref> | designer = Damien Cuzacq<ref>{{Cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8_UZT8nL-U|title=Feature Discovery Series Episode 8: IFR|date=2020-05-29|last=|first=|type=YouTube video|language=|publisher=[[Microsoft Flight Simulator]]|access-date=2021-01-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706173404/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8_UZT8nL-U|archive-date=2020-07-06|url-status=live}}</ref> | programmer = Alain Guyet | artist = Patrice Bourroncle | composer = [[Finishing Move Inc.]]<ref name="Finishing">{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Music|url=https://www.finishingmoveinc.com/music|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200516183909/https://www.finishingmoveinc.com/music|archive-date=May 16, 2020|access-date=2021-01-19|website=|publisher=[[Finishing Move Inc.]]}}</ref> | series = ''[[Microsoft Flight Simulator]]'' | engine = | platforms = {{ubl|[[Windows]]|[[Xbox Series X/S]]}} | released = {{Unbulleted list|'''Windows'''|August 18, 2020|'''Xbox Series X/S'''|July 27, 2021}} | genre = [[Flight simulation video game|Flight simulation]] | modes = [[Single-player]], [[multiplayer]] }}
'''''Microsoft Flight Simulator''''' is a 2020 [[flight simulation video game]] developed by [[Asobo Studio]] and published by [[Xbox Game Studios]]. It is a sequel to ''[[Microsoft Flight Simulator X]]'' (2006) and a reboot of the ''[[Microsoft Flight Simulator]]'' series, which began in 1982. The game's development began six years prior to its release. It was released on August 18, 2020 for [[Windows]], with a [[virtual reality]] (VR) version released in December of the same year as part of a free update. ''Microsoft Flight Simulator'' is the first installment in the series to see a VR and [[Home video game console|console]] release, being released on the [[Xbox Series X and Series S]] on July 27, 2021.
''Flight Simulator'' simulates the topography of the Earth using data from [[Bing Maps]]. [[Microsoft Azure]]'s [[artificial intelligence]] (AI) generates the three-dimensional representations of Earth's features, using its [[cloud computing]] to render and enhance visuals, and real-world data to generate real-time weather and effects. ''Flight Simulator'' features a physics engine to provide realistic [[flight control surfaces]], with over 1,000 simulated surfaces, as well as realistic wind modeled over hills and mountains. Some places are handcrafted, introduced in region-specific updates. To augment its realism, Azure incorporates real-time elements like natural weather and real-world air traffic.
''Flight Simulator'' was released to critical acclaim, with universal praise for its visuals and realism, and it was cited by critics as the "safest way to travel" during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]]. Several reviewers placed it on their favorites' lists and called it the most aesthetically pleasing game of 2020, though there was some criticism of its slow loading times, inaccuracies in rendering certain buildings, and unrealistic [[aerodynamics]] models. It has been considered one of the [[List of video games considered the best|greatest video games]] and it received several accolades, most notably winning "Best Sim/Strategy Game" at [[The Game Awards 2020]], and "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Strategy/Simulation Game of the Year|Strategy/Simulation Game of the Year]]" at the [[24th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards]]. A sequel, ''[[Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024]]'', was released in November 2024.
== Gameplay == [[File:FS2020 cockpit view.png|alt=Screenshot of the game from inside the cockpit, featuring a plane taxiing.|thumb|288x288px|An [[Airbus A320neo family|A320neo]] is cleared for takeoff at [[Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport|Budapest]]'s runway 31L. The "Assistance" waypoints, in blue, are seen guiding the player, and the new subtitles feature is seen below. Above, an arrow can be seen; this signifies the centre, which is vital to implement a perfect take-off and landing. The [[cockpit]] ambience dominates the image.]] As a [[flight simulation video game]], ''Microsoft Flight Simulator'' has a [[Tutorial (video games)|tutorial]] segment divided into sequences that allow players who are new either to aviation or [[Flight simulator|flight simulators]], to learn the game's basic controls, [[flight instruments]], and other topics deemed essential for them to know before flying; it concludes with a takeoff and landing test.<ref name=":4" /> Throughout the tutorial, fictional pilot Captain Jess Molina, voiced by Marie Westbrook,<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1339222690587000833 |user=MWestbrookVO |title=Congrats to the brilliant minds at @MSFSofficial for winning the Best Sim/Strategy award at #thegameawards. I am so honored to have been a small part of it in voicing #captainmolina. |first=Marie |last=Westbrook |date=December 16, 2020 |access-date=January 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201216150914/https://twitter.com/MWestbrookVO/status/1339222690587000833 |archive-date=December 16, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> assists players.<ref>{{Cite video game|title=Microsoft Flight Simulator|developer=[[Asobo Studio]]|publisher=[[Xbox Game Studios]]|date=August 18, 2020|quote='''Captain''': Welcome to your flight training. I'm your instructor, Captain Molina, but you can just call me Jess.|level=Training}}</ref> It offers landing challenges at some of the most famous and dangerous airports and the player is graded based on "how close to the center of the runway you land, how long it takes your plane to come to a full stop, and the touchdown's smoothness."<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|last=Cuevas|first=Zackery|date=September 3, 2020|title=Tips for handling Microsoft Flight Simulator's landing challenges|url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/tips-for-handling-microsoft-flight-simulators-landing-challenges/ar-BB18Gvg2|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206094722/https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/tips-for-handling-microsoft-flight-simulators-landing-challenges/ar-BB18Gvg2|archive-date=December 6, 2020|access-date=November 29, 2020|website=Windows Central|via=[[MSN]]}}</ref> Another gameplay mode features three sight-seeing [[Bush flying|bush trips]] set in [[Nevada]], [[Patagonia]] and the [[Balkans]].<ref name=":9">{{Cite book|last=Matusiak|first=Dariusz|url=https://guides.gamepressure.com/microsoft-flight-simulator/#NH2_1|title=How to Become an Ace of the Skies in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020|publisher=Game Pressure. [[Webedia]]|isbn=|location=|publication-date=August 17, 2020|pages=|translator-last=Sawka|translator-first=Mateusz|access-date=December 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201006174255/https://guides.gamepressure.com/microsoft-flight-simulator/#NH2_1|archive-date=October 6, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>
''Flight Simulator'' has an [[Artificial intelligence in video games|artificial intelligence]] (AI) [[air traffic controller]] (ATC) and a virtual co-pilot who can assist players when they are unable to perform actions like requesting landing clearance or going through [[checklist]]s. It has several helper features: "Assistance" enables [[waypoint]] arrows at the [[taxiways]], showing players where to go; "Route & Waypoints" enables markers to guide players in the sky; "Landing Path" guides players on landing; "Travel To" allows the pilot to jump to certain points of the flight (climb, cruise, descent, approach, finals – similar to [[time-lapse photography|time-lapse]]), condensing [[long-haul flights]]; an "Active Pause" pauses the flight, allowing players to explore the surrounding area or take a break. There are subtitles available for radio transmissions.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|last=Hall|first=Charlie|date=August 20, 2020|title=12 tips to make Microsoft Flight Simulator much easier|url=https://www.polygon.com/microsoft-flight-simulator-guide/21376377/tips-tricks-takeoff-landing-taxi-copilot-animals-fauna-map-trackir|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200829132628/https://www.polygon.com/microsoft-flight-simulator-guide/21376377/tips-tricks-takeoff-landing-taxi-copilot-animals-fauna-map-trackir|archive-date=August 29, 2020|access-date=November 29, 2020|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|publisher=[[Vox Media]]|language=en}}</ref> These features are not available during challenges.<ref name=":4" /> The game also features a "legacy" option to enable a flight model from previous iterations of ''Flight Simulator''.<ref name="smith20230226">{{Cite magazine |last=Smith |first=Matthew S. |date=2023-02-26 |title=Flight Simulator Gave Birth to 3D Video-Game Graphics - IEEE Spectrum |url=https://spectrum.ieee.org/microsoft-flight-simulator |magazine=IEEE Spectrum |language=en |access-date=2023-02-28 |archive-date=February 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230227112044/https://spectrum.ieee.org/microsoft-flight-simulator |url-status=live }}</ref>
''Flight Simulator'' allows players to search for [[fauna]], either by filtering for it on the world map or selecting "Fauna Markers" when in mid-air.<ref name=":6" /> The "Autorudder" feature keeps the plane on the centre line of taxiways and runways when the player cannot control it. Another feature allows the player to enter a [[Geographic coordinate system|geographic coordinate]] to find a location. The gameplay screen features a [[toolbar]] of buttons which allow the player to open the various windows for air traffic control, the [[Point-of-view shot|camera views]], modify [[Preflight checklist|checklists]], view the [[Air navigation|navigation log]], see objectives, view the [[visual flight rules]] (VFR) map, etc. The gaming interface also has the [[VHF omnidirectional range]] (VOR) compass, and the [[altimeter]], [[throttle]], [[Aircraft engine|engine]], fuel, [[Flap (aeronautics)|flaps]], and [[trim tabs]] controls. Additional features like the [[head-up display]] (HUD) are accessible from the settings.<ref name=":9" />
''Flight Simulator'' features no animations or depictions of damage or collision when an aircraft crashes. Instead, it cuts to black and provides a one-line message explaining why the plane crashed. Damaging the plane without crashing can degrade the aircraft's flight characteristics and so cause the aircraft structure to fail, which will place a message saying the aircraft exceeded limits but not exactly which limits were exceeded.<ref name=":16">{{Cite web|last=Hall|first=Charlie|date=2020-08-03|title=A short list of dumb, dangerous stuff I did in Microsoft Flight Simulator|url=https://www.polygon.com/2020/8/3/21348000/microsoft-flight-simulator-crash-landings-breaking-laws|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109110534/https://www.polygon.com/2020/8/3/21348000/microsoft-flight-simulator-crash-landings-breaking-laws|archive-date=January 9, 2021|access-date=January 21, 2021|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|publisher=[[Vox Media]]|language=en}}</ref>
Due to its complex amount of topographical, scenery and object data, ''Flight Simulator'' requires a certain speed of Internet connection for seamless gameplay. ''Windows Central'' states that a minimum of 5 [[Mbit/s]] is required, with at least 20 Mbit/s recommended and 50 Mbit/s being ideal.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-08-14|title=Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 system requirements: Can my PC run it?|url=https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft-flight-simulator-pc-requirements|access-date=2021-03-29|website=Windows Central|archive-date=December 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201216135806/https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft-flight-simulator-pc-requirements|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Flight Simulator'' has an offline mode, which uses the latest pre-cached data saved to the local [[Hard disk drive|hard drive]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|last=Boyle|first=Alan|author-link=Alan Boyle|date=2019-09-30|title=Flight Simulator is back, and it's real: Microsoft uses cloud to help classic franchise soar again|url=https://www.geekwire.com/2019/microsoft-flight-simulator-cloud/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-29|website=[[GeekWire]]|language=en-US|archive-date=September 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190930150123/https://www.geekwire.com/2019/microsoft-flight-simulator-cloud/}}</ref> Two caches exist, a rolling cache (controlled automatically by the simulator) and a manual cache (which can be set by the user). The rolling cache is written to when the user goes to flight mode, caching the local objects and scenery, and updates as the pilot flies around the virtual world. The user sets the manual cache locations and amount of detail to be stored, and the user can determine the storage sizes used in both methods - as well as turn them off if required.<ref name=":9" />
=== Features === The Standard edition of ''Flight Simulator'' includes over 20 flyable aircraft; the Deluxe has five more, and the Premium Deluxe edition has ten additional airplanes compared to the basic version. Most of the aircraft are of American, French, or German origin, with a few manufactured by Austrian, Czech, and Slovenian companies. Aircraft included in the Deluxe version include those manufactured by [[Diamond Aircraft Industries|Diamond Aircraft]], [[Cirrus Aircraft]], and [[Textron Aviation]] Inc., while aircraft exclusive to the Premium Deluxe version includes the [[Boeing 787-10]] Dreamliner and the [[Cessna Citation Longitude]], and several [[general aviation]] aircraft.<ref name="launch" /> ''Flight Simulator'' includes around 37,000 manually edited airports from around the world based on real-world satellite images.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Morton|first=Lauren|date=February 21, 2020|title=Asobo Studio manually edited 37,000 airports for Microsoft Flight Simulator|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2020/02/21/asobo-studio-manually-edited-37000-airports-for-microsoft-flight-simulator/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922193730/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2020/02/21/asobo-studio-manually-edited-37000-airports-for-microsoft-flight-simulator/|archive-date=September 22, 2020|access-date=July 25, 2020|website=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]]|publisher=[[Gamer Network]]|language=en-US}}</ref> The Standard, Deluxe, and Premium Deluxe edition include, respectively, 30, 35, or 40 hand-crafted airports that replicate their real-world counterparts. Airports in the Deluxe edition include those in the United States, Europe, and Africa, while those exclusively for the Premium Deluxe version include [[Heathrow Airport|Heathrow]] and [[Dubai International Airport|Dubai Airport]]s, in addition to those from the US and Europe.<ref name="launch">{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2020-06-13|title=Microsoft Flight Simulator Set for Launch on August 18 for PC, also with Xbox Game Pass for PC (Beta)|url=https://www.flightsimulator.com/microsoft-flight-simulator-set-for-launch-on-august-18-for-pc-also-with-xbox-game-pass-for-pc-beta/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200713132829/https://www.flightsimulator.com/microsoft-flight-simulator-set-for-launch-on-august-18-for-pc-also-with-xbox-game-pass-for-pc-beta/|archive-date=July 13, 2020|access-date=July 13, 2020|publisher=[[Microsoft Flight Simulator]]|language=en-US}}</ref>
The addition of third-party aircraft and airports, including those from ''Flight Simulator X'' are supported within the simulator, as are additions of other services. [[Virtual Air Traffic Simulation Network]] (VATSIM) and the [[International Virtual Aviation Organisation]] (IVAO) are examples of online flight-simulation networks supported within ''Flight Simulator'' since release<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=A Big Day for VATSIM|url=https://www.vatsim.net/news/big-day-vatsim|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200725025158/https://www.vatsim.net/news/big-day-vatsim|archive-date=July 25, 2020|access-date=July 25, 2020|website=|publisher=[[Virtual Air Traffic Simulation Network]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Belkhiria|first=Fares (September)|date=|title=IVAO Announces New Pilot Client Compatible with MSFS2020|url=https://virtualsky.ivao.aero/simulation/ivao/ivao-announces-new-pilot-client-for-msfs2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200819035142/https://virtualsky.ivao.aero/simulation/ivao/ivao-announces-new-pilot-client-for-msfs2020/|archive-date=August 19, 2020|access-date=August 18, 2020|website=|publisher=[[International Virtual Aviation Organisation]]}}</ref> that allow pilots to talk to human air traffic controllers (instead of the AI ones) and to each other where there is no ATC coverage. These services add to the realism of flight simulators, and VATSIM was even used in 2008 to test proposed real-world changes to ATC before implementation.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sogandares|first=Frank|date=September 2009|title=VATSIM: New Realities in Virtual R&D|url=https://www.mitre.org/publications/project-stories/vatsim-new-realities-in-virtual-rd|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-31|publisher=[[Mitre Corporation]]|archive-date=April 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429014740/https://www.mitre.org/publications/project-stories/vatsim-new-realities-in-virtual-rd}}</ref> Many of the third-party add-ons are repaints or exclusive liveries.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) 2020 Addons & Mods|url=https://flyawaysimulation.com/downloads/msfs/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101023721/https://flyawaysimulation.com/downloads/msfs/|archive-date=November 1, 2020|access-date=2020-12-02|website=Fly Away Simulation|language=en}}</ref> In addition, there are other add-ons ([[Mod (video games)|mod]]s) for things such as recording flights, and a weather mod designed by Weather Preset Pro. The [[Microsoft]] team has said that they "welcome [all third party developers] onboard," and that they are "critically important".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Stephens|first=Ian|title=New Microsoft Flight Simulator MSFS (FS2020): The Ultimate Guide|url=https://flyawaysimulation.com/news/4953/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111212202/https://flyawaysimulation.com/news/4953/|archive-date=November 11, 2020|access-date=2020-12-02|website=Fly Away Simulation|language=en}}</ref> To simplify things, an in-game marketplace was created on the game's website featuring a variety of third-party content.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Morton|first=Lauren|date=2020-07-17|title=Microsoft Flight Simulator will have an in-game marketplace for add-ons|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2020/07/17/microsoft-flight-simulator-will-have-an-in-game-marketplace-for-add-ons/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118071658/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2020/07/17/microsoft-flight-simulator-will-have-an-in-game-marketplace-for-add-ons/|archive-date=November 18, 2020|access-date=2021-01-24|website=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]]|publisher=[[Gamer Network]]|language=en-US}}</ref> This includes the stock world updates, and some third-party mods such as A32NX by FlyByWire Simulations for the Airbus A320neo control systems. The team is committed to introducing new paid [[downloadable content]] (DLC) every "two or three months".<ref name=":19">{{Cite web|last=Brown|first=Matt|date=2020-07-30|title=Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 Roadmap: DLC, Updates, and More|url=https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft-flight-simulator-dlc-updates-roadmap|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-31|website=Windows Central|archive-date=January 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121052845/https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft-flight-simulator-dlc-updates-roadmap}}</ref>
== Technology == [[File:Microsoft Flight Simulator screenshot.jpg|thumb|left|''Microsoft Flight Simulator'' uses [[Microsoft Azure]] data, and simulates the Earth using textures and data from [[Bing Maps]]. In this gameplay screenshot, a [[Cirrus SR22]] is flying over Hong Kong's [[Victoria Harbour]].|alt=Screenshot of the game, featuring a Cirrus SR22 flying towards Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour. At the edges are the flight parameters, and the Hong Kong Convention Center is pinpointed.|254x254px]]
''Microsoft Flight Simulator'' uses its in-house graphics and physics engine while using [[Microsoft Azure]] to provide over two [[petabytes]] of world map data taken from the [[Cloud computing|cloud]] on demand.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Brown|first=Matt|date=August 14, 2020|title=Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 system requirements: Can my PC run it?|url=https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft-flight-simulator-pc-requirements|access-date=December 12, 2020|website=Windows Central|archive-date=December 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201216135806/https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft-flight-simulator-pc-requirements|url-status=live}}</ref> Microsoft partnered with Blackshark.ai,<ref>{{Cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ng-mGNqLe6M|title=Partnership Series: Blackshark.ai|date=August 6, 2020|last=|first=|type=YouTube video|language=|publisher=[[Microsoft Flight Simulator]]|access-date=November 29, 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119161039/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ng-mGNqLe6M|archive-date=January 19, 2021}}</ref> who developed a solution that uses [[Microsoft]] Azure and AI to analyze map data and [[photogrammetry]] to generate [[photorealistic]] [[3D models]] of buildings, trees, terrain, and so on. This allows the simulator to depict parts of the world in 3D photorealism, and others in high definition.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Conditt|first=Jesicca|date=September 30, 2019|editor-last=Wollman|editor-first=Dana|title=All I want to do is chill and play Flight Simulator|url=https://www.engadget.com/2019/09/30/flight-simulator-2020-hands-on-pre-alpha/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190930081858/https://www.engadget.com/2019/09/30/flight-simulator-2020-hands-on-pre-alpha/|archive-date=September 30, 2019|access-date=2019-10-01|website=[[Engadget]]|publisher=[[Verizon Media]]|language=en}}</ref> ''Flight Simulator'' generates its terrain and scenery objects initially from [[satellite]] imagery or [[Aerial photography|fly-by image]] scans.<ref name="Eurogamer2" /> Due to distortion from the fly-bys, color correction and shadow removal were essential.<ref name=":0">{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0w7q1ZFfsxs |title=How Microsoft Flight Simulator Recreated Our Entire Planet |date=2020-11-26 |last=O'Dwyer |first=Danny |type=Documentary film |publisher=[[Noclip]] |others=Edited and hosted by O'Dwyer, Danny. Filmed and colored by Jayne, Jeremy. |time=12:04-13:16; 19:48-20:43 |access-date=2022-07-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220621214358/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0w7q1ZFfsxs |archive-date=2022-06-21 |url-status=live |via=YouTube}}</ref> An "offline [[procedural generation]] AI" uses those and the data from [[Bing Maps]] to generate the scenery and objects for the virtual world. This can be enhanced using human intervention to assemble photorealistic objects and scenery for even higher levels of realism.<ref name="Eurogamer2" />
''Flight Simulator'' features multiple [[terabytes]] of texture and height map data. According to Alex Battaglia of ''[[Eurogamer]]'', "Using a base mesh and textures, the game utilises your [I]nternet connection to stream even higher quality terrain data onto your PC as you play, via the Azure cloud". This means that as the pilot flies around the world, the game downloads area-specific high quality scenery and objects which he says "boost the game's fidelity and diversity that I've yet to see in any other release".<ref name="Eurogamer2">{{Cite web|last=Battaglia|first=Alex|date=July 30, 2020|editor-last=Welsh|editor-first=Oli|title=How Flight Simulator delivers maximum fidelity visuals|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2020-flight-simulator-preview-tech-analysis|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810084411/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2020-flight-simulator-preview-tech-analysis|archive-date=August 10, 2020|access-date=August 12, 2020|website=[[Eurogamer]]|publisher=[[Gamer Network]]|language=en-US}}</ref> Bing Maps updates every 28 days, allowing for ''Flight Simulator''{{'}}s to stay up to date with reality.<ref name=":19" /> In rare cases where certain areas are [[Defocus aberration|blurred]] or [[pixelated]] on Bing Maps it "uses procedural techniques to fill in the blanks and make sure there is ''something'' in the space".<ref name=":12">{{Cite web|last=Gault|first=Matthew|date=August 25, 2020|title=How 'Flight Simulator' Handles Conflict Zones and Concentration Camps|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/how-microsoft-flight-simulator-handles-conflict-zones-and-concentration-camps/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930122938/https://www.vice.com/en/article/xg8kjw/how-microsoft-flight-simulator-handles-conflict-zones-and-concentration-camps|archive-date=September 30, 2020|access-date=December 7, 2020|website=[[Vice (magazine)|Vice]]|publisher=[[Vice Media]]|language=en}}</ref> Some other places, however, were blurred on purpose using clouds, filled with generic instead of specific graphics.<ref name=":2" />
Developer [[Asobo Studio]] scanned the interiors and exteriors of aircraft with a [[3D scanner]] to create their realistic looks, polished with [[3D modeling|modeling]] and [[3D printing|printing]].<ref name=":02">{{Cite web |last=M. |first=Aysha |date=October 27, 2020 |title=Microsoft Flight Simulator made more realistic thanks to 3D scanning |url=https://www.3dnatives.com/en/microsoft-flight-simulator-271020205/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117000000/https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:https://www.3dnatives.com/en/microsoft-flight-simulator-271020205/%23! |archive-date=January 17, 2021 |access-date=January 20, 2021 |website=3Dnatives |language=en-US}}</ref> [[Textron Aviation]] helped with the realism of the [[Cessna]] and [[Beechcraft]] aircraft.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdsjwig9PKQ |title=Partnership Series: Textron Aviation |date=2020-09-18 |last= |first= |type=YouTube video |language= |publisher=[[Microsoft Flight Simulator]] |access-date=2021-05-31 |archive-date=July 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220713043715/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdsjwig9PKQ |url-status=live }}</ref> There are realistic physics and weather systems, and utilization of real-world weather data. For instance, if it is raining somewhere in real life, it can rain in-game. Individual clouds have their own behaviours and impact aircraft performance depending on its location within the system.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Boyle |first=Alan |author-link=Alan Boyle |date=September 30, 2019 |title=Flight Simulator is back, and it's real: Microsoft uses the cloud to help classic franchise soar again |url=https://www.geekwire.com/2019/microsoft-flight-simulator-cloud/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190930150123/https://www.geekwire.com/2019/microsoft-flight-simulator-cloud/ |archive-date=September 30, 2019 |access-date=October 1, 2019 |website=[[GeekWire]] |language=en-US}}</ref> ''Flight Simulator'' features a {{convert|600|km|mi|adj=on}} [[draw distance]] and allows the player to see storms on the horizon, with lightning cracking inside the clouds.<ref name="tweak2">{{Cite web |last=Garreffa |first=Anthony |date=July 31, 2020 |title=Flight Simulator: machine learning-fueled simulator, grows over time |url=https://www.tweaktown.com/news/74179/flight-simulator-machine-learning-fueled-grows-over-time/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810013813/https://www.tweaktown.com/news/74179/flight-simulator-machine-learning-fueled-grows-over-time/index.html |archive-date=August 10, 2020 |access-date=August 10, 2020 |website=TweakTown |language=en-US}}</ref> ''Flight Simulator'' is the first flight simulator to enable worldwide [[visual flight rules]] (VFR), a feature not seen in contemporary [[flight simulator]]s used by airlines to train and test pilots.<ref name=":52">{{Cite web |last=Conditt |first=Jessica |date=January 13, 2021 |title=Breaking down the AI wizardry of 'Microsoft Flight Simulator' |url=https://www.engadget.com/flight-sim-interview-ces-2021-ai-photogrammetry-bing-224546632.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119155725/https://www.engadget.com/flight-sim-interview-ces-2021-ai-photogrammetry-bing-224546632.html |archive-date=January 19, 2021 |access-date=January 25, 2021 |website=[[Engadget]] |publisher=[[Verizon Media]] |language=en}}</ref>
Through cloud-based technology, ''Flight Simulator'' sends data to the computer or console in real time, with AI being utilized to [[extrapolate]] [[geometry]] from a blend of satellite and flyover imagery.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jensen |first=K. Thor |date=August 18, 2020 |title=Why Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 Is This Year's Most Ambitious Game |url=https://sea.pcmag.com/computer-console-gaming/38658/why-microsoft-flight-simulator-2020-is-this-years-most-ambitious-game |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201010043344/https://sea.pcmag.com/computer-console-gaming/38658/why-microsoft-flight-simulator-2020-is-this-years-most-ambitious-game |archive-date=October 10, 2020 |access-date=January 23, 2021 |website=[[PCMag]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]}}</ref> Other sources of data include terrain data for landscaping, data for [[foliage]] density, real-time [[meteorological]] data,<ref name=":52"/> and [[Aviation|air traffic]] updates.<ref name=":182">{{Cite web |last=Lardinois |first=Frederic |date=July 30, 2020 |title=Microsoft's new Flight Simulator is a beautiful work in progress |url=https://techcrunch.com/2020/07/30/microsofts-new-flight-simulator-is-a-beautiful-work-in-progress/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115105931/https://techcrunch.com/2020/07/30/microsofts-new-flight-simulator-is-a-beautiful-work-in-progress/ |archive-date=January 15, 2021 |access-date=January 26, 2021 |website=[[TechCrunch]] |publisher=[[Verizon Media]] |language=en-US}}</ref> A separate atmospheric renderer simulates accurate humidity and pollution.<ref name="80LV2">{{Cite web |last=Kirill |first=Tokarev |date=October 4, 2019 |title=Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020: Redefining Game Production |url=https://80.lv/articles/microsoft-flight-simulator-2020-redefining-game-production/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206094721/https://80.lv/articles/microsoft-flight-simulator-2020-redefining-game-production/ |archive-date=December 6, 2020 |access-date=August 12, 2020 |website=80 LEVEL |language=en-US}}</ref> Skyscrapers cast shadows over each other that darken as the player reaches street level and cities disperse light at night that radiates the sky.<ref name="wow2">{{Cite web |last=Robinson |first=Martin |date=July 30, 2020 |editor-last=Welsh |editor-first=Oli |title=Microsoft Flight Simulator is a Once-in-a-Generation "Wow" Moment |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2020-07-30-microsoft-flight-simulator-is-a-once-in-a-generation-wow-moment |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810085056/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2020-07-30-microsoft-flight-simulator-is-a-once-in-a-generation-wow-moment |archive-date=August 10, 2020 |access-date=August 12, 2020 |website=[[Eurogamer]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]] |language=en-US}}</ref> Cloud technology is used to calculate, among other things, the way air [[Airflow|flows]] around natural structures such as mountains to cause pockets of turbulence, or stream in the world's real-time air traffic, and time of day and weather.<ref name="vg247-22">{{Cite web |last=Donaldson |first=Alex |date=July 30, 2020 |title=Microsoft Flight Simulator is nothing short of astounding |url=https://www.vg247.com/2020/07/30/microsoft-flight-simulator-hands-on-preview/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807131546/https://www.vg247.com/2020/07/30/microsoft-flight-simulator-hands-on-preview/ |archive-date=August 7, 2020 |access-date=August 12, 2020 |website=[[VG247]] |publisher=videogaming247 |language=en-US}}</ref> The game's detailed physics were chained to the aircraft itself: for instance, certain aircraft speeds determine the speed of the water streaming through the aircraft's windows, and certain wind movements determine the shape of [[turbulence]].<ref name=":22">{{Cite web |last=Boyle |first=Alan |author-link=Alan Boyle |date=2019-09-30 |title=Flight Simulator is back, and it's real: Microsoft uses cloud to help classic franchise soar again |url=https://www.geekwire.com/2019/microsoft-flight-simulator-cloud/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190930150123/https://www.geekwire.com/2019/microsoft-flight-simulator-cloud/ |archive-date=September 30, 2019 |access-date=2021-03-29 |website=[[GeekWire]] |language=en-US}}</ref>
[[Volumetric]] lighting is used for various effects, including illuminating water droplets, which can cover the entire [[cockpit]] window, and with everything being simulated in real time.<ref name="pcgamer2">{{Cite web |last=Ridley |first=Jacob |date=June 26, 2020 |title=What's the next Crysis? The games that give the RTX 2080 Ti nightmares |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/most-demanding-games/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200527210309/https://www.pcgamer.com/most-demanding-games/ |archive-date=May 27, 2020 |access-date=August 12, 2020 |website=[[PC Gamer]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |language=en-US}}</ref> Light sources such as the sun, moon, or city lights scatter appropriately through the environment, pollution levels and humidity affect [[refraction]] and overall visibility, and the atmosphere is layered the same as it is in the real world. Clouds are volumetrically modelled, with 32 layers determining shape, density, and “fuzziness".<ref name="vg247-32">{{Cite web |last=Kamen |first=Matt |date=June 26, 2020 |title=Microsoft Flight Simulator preview – photorealism powered by *checks notes* Bing? |url=https://www.vg247.com/2019/09/30/microsoft-flight-simulator-preview-photorealism/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191001235832/https://www.vg247.com/2019/09/30/microsoft-flight-simulator-preview-photorealism/ |archive-date=October 1, 2019 |access-date=August 12, 2020 |website=[[VG247]] |publisher=videogaming247 |language=en-US}}</ref> At times, ''Flight Simulator''{{'}}s reflection system uses [[ray marching]] by retranslating [[voxels]]. Otherwise, the reflection system uses a mix of screen-space reflections and cube maps to show reflections on more distant bodies of water.<ref name="AusGamers2">{{Cite web |last=KostaAndreadis |date=July 30, 2020 |title=Microsoft Flight Simulator is As Awe Inspiring as Flight Itself |url=https://www.ausgamers.com/features/read/3628969 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806115555/https://www.ausgamers.com/features/read/3628969 |archive-date=August 6, 2020 |access-date=August 12, 2020 |website=[[AusGamers]] |publisher=Mammoth Media |language=en-US}}</ref> In addition to a complex lighting system, ''Flight Simulator'' makes use of highly detailed [[shaders]].<ref name="pcinvasion2">{{Cite web |last=Rahming |first=A.K. |date=June 26, 2020 |title=FSX vs Microsoft Flight Simulator comparison video shows massive upgrades |url=https://www.pcinvasion.com/fsx-vs-microsoft-flight-simulator-comparison-video-shows-massive-upgrades/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811001652/https://www.pcinvasion.com/fsx-vs-microsoft-flight-simulator-comparison-video-shows-massive-upgrades/ |archive-date=August 11, 2020 |access-date=August 12, 2020 |website=PC Invasion |language=en-US}}</ref> The game uses screen-space reflections (an optional feature selected by players) extensively,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jarrard |first=Chris |date=August 24, 2020 |title=Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 graphics and settings guide |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/119932/microsoft-flight-simulator-2020-graphics-and-settings-guide |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128114544/https://www.shacknews.com/article/119932/microsoft-flight-simulator-2020-graphics-and-settings-guide |archive-date=November 28, 2020 |access-date=January 23, 2021 |website=[[Shacknews]] |publisher=Gamerhub}}</ref> and [[bokeh]] [[depth of field]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Garreffa |first=Anthony |date=April 26, 2020 |title=Microsoft Flight Simulator looks breathtaking in these new screenshots |url=https://www.tweaktown.com/news/72060/microsoft-flight-simulator-looks-breathtaking-in-these-new-screenshots/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805110315/https://www.tweaktown.com/news/72060/microsoft-flight-simulator-looks-breathtaking-in-these-new-screenshots/index.html |archive-date=August 5, 2020 |access-date=2021-01-23 |website=TweakTown}}</ref>
''Flight Simulator'' populates the world with animals and roads with vehicles, grasses have individual blades, and water flows realistically based on wind direction, creating the illusion of a living world.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZL5PCZO8cc |title=Feature Discovery Series Episode 1: World |date=October 14, 2019 |last= |first= |type=YouTube video |language= |publisher=[[Microsoft Flight Simulator]] |access-date=November 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028003038/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZL5PCZO8cc |archive-date=October 28, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> The game world includes over 2 million cities and towns,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hall |first=Charlie |date=September 30, 2019 |title=The biggest surprise of Microsoft Flight Simulator: it makes Bing cool |url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/9/30/20885197/microsoft-flight-simulator-bing-maps-hands-on-demo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190930090110/https://www.polygon.com/2019/9/30/20885197/microsoft-flight-simulator-bing-maps-hands-on-demo |archive-date=September 30, 2019 |access-date=October 1, 2019 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |language=en}}</ref> 1.5 billion buildings, 2 trillion trees, and 37,000 real-world airports.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hachman |first=Mark |date=July 13, 2020 |title=Microsoft Flight Simulator takes off August 18 in three editions for PC |url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/3566305/microsoft-flight-simulator-takes-off-august-18-in-three-editions-for-pc.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727070043/https://www.pcworld.com/article/3566305/microsoft-flight-simulator-takes-off-august-18-in-three-editions-for-pc.html |archive-date=July 27, 2020 |access-date=July 26, 2020 |website=[[PC World]] |publisher=[[International Data Group]] |language=en}}</ref> This approach allows Microsoft to flag artifacts and visual anomalies from a [[bird's-eye view]], clearing up the input for a world-building algorithm. The result is fed into Microsoft's artificial intelligence, stringing the environment together in the cloud, and then streamed to the computer (PC) or [[Video game console|console]] in real time.<ref name="wclist2">{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Matt |date=July 30, 2020 |title=List of Microsoft Flight Simulator Airports |url=https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft-flight-simulator-airports |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724222830/https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft-flight-simulator-airports |archive-date=July 24, 2020 |access-date=August 12, 2020 |website=Windows Central |language=en-US}}</ref> ''Flight Simulator'' features various animal species that can even be viewed at ground level, including birds, elephants, giraffes and bears.<ref name="animals2">{{Cite web |last=Walker |first=Alex |date=August 10, 2020 |editor-last=Totilo |editor-first=Stephen |title=The Animals Of Microsoft Flight Simulator |url=https://www.kotaku.com.au/2020/08/the-animals-of-microsoft-flight-simulator/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919194151/https://www.kotaku.com.au/2020/08/the-animals-of-microsoft-flight-simulator/ |archive-date=September 19, 2020 |access-date=November 29, 2020 |website=[[Kotaku]] |publisher=[[G/O Media]] |language=en-US}}</ref> It allows the player to scout, [[Storm chasing|chase]] and interact with real-world storms as they occur in real time.<ref name="StormIsaias2">{{Cite web |last=Robinson |first=Martin |date=August 5, 2020 |editor-last=Welsh |editor-first=Oli |title=Chasing Storm Isaias in Microsoft Flight Simulator |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2020-08-05-chasing-storm-isais-in-microsoft-flight-sim |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814011255/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2020-08-05-chasing-storm-isais-in-microsoft-flight-sim |archive-date=August 14, 2020 |access-date=August 12, 2020 |website=[[Eurogamer]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]] |language=en-US}}</ref>
== Development == {{quote box
| quote = Using data of Microsoft's home city of Seattle, which Bing Maps has rendered down to five-centimeter resolution [...], Asobo took a few weeks to put together a demo of a [[Cessna]] flying downtown. Neumann then showed it to [[Phil Spencer (business executive)|Phil Spencer]] [...].
"He just looked at me and said, 'Why are you showing me a video of [...] a plane?'" Neumann says. "And then the plane turned, and we flew over the Microsoft campus where we were [... right now]. And he's like, 'Is this real time? Is this running?' And I'm like, 'Yes, it is!' And we knew then we had something special." | source = – Jörg Neumann on presenting an early build of ''Flight Simulator'' to Xbox head Phil Spencer<ref name="Verge">{{cite web|last=Byford|first=Sam|url=https://www.theverge.com/21347809/microsoft-flight-simulator-2020-preview-interview-hands-on|title=How Microsoft Flight Simulator returned to the skies|work=[[The Verge]]|publisher=[[Vox Media]]|date=July 30, 2020|access-date=July 31, 2020|archive-date=July 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731024552/https://www.theverge.com/21347809/microsoft-flight-simulator-2020-preview-interview-hands-on|url-status=live}}</ref> | width = 30% }}
France's Asobo Studio developed ''Microsoft Flight Simulator'' published by [[Xbox Game Studios]].<ref name="Ars Technica 2019-10-01">{{Cite web|last=Machkovech|first=Sam|date=September 30, 2019|title=The new MS Flight Simulator taught me how to fly an actual plane|url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2019/09/the-new-ms-flight-simulator-taught-me-how-to-fly-an-actual-plane/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190930072234/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2019/09/the-new-ms-flight-simulator-taught-me-how-to-fly-an-actual-plane/|archive-date=September 30, 2019|access-date=October 1, 2019|website=[[Ars Technica]]|publisher=[[Condé Nast]]|language=en-us}}</ref> The game was announced at [[E3 2019]] on June 9, 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Endicott|first=Sean|date=June 9, 2019|title=Microsoft Flight Simulator arrives in 2020, see the gameplay trailer here|url=https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft-flight-simulator-arrives-2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919072103/https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft-flight-simulator-arrives-2020|archive-date=September 19, 2020|access-date=November 29, 2020|website=Windows Central}}</ref> It is the first major entry in the ''[[Microsoft Flight Simulator]]'' series since 2006's ''Flight Simulator X'' (''FSX''), following a long period of uncertainty over the future of the series after the closure of [[Aces Game Studio]] in 2009.<ref name="Ars Technica 2019-10-01" />{{r|smith20230226}} The game was mainly developed by 120 people.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/microsoft-flight-simulator-2024-preview|title="I think you have to be honest and trusting. You need to not treat them as business entities, but as partners." Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 team talks collaboration, community, feedback, and building a bigger sim.|first=Samuel|last=Tolbert|work=Windows Central|date=September 19, 2024|accessdate=September 21, 2024}}</ref>
Six years before its release, Microsoft began working with Asobo on a product called ''HoloTour'' for Microsoft's [[HoloLens]] [[mixed reality]] headset. They built a digital version of [[Machu Picchu]]'s vast mountainside and vistas versus normal buildings at street level. Microsoft executives and Neumann consulted with the Bing Maps team to use their detailed photogrammetry data of Machu Picchu, which included the ruins, to create a HoloLens replica of it. Neumann later used Bing Maps photogrammetry data for Asobo to build a flight demo for the city of [[Seattle]],<ref name="Verge" /> The technology incorporates Microsoft's discontinued [[Photosynth]] project, which generates 3D models from 2D photos.<ref name="protocol">{{Cite web|last=Schiesel|first=Seth|date=August 16, 2020|title=Why Microsoft's new Flight Simulator should make Google and Amazon nervous|url=https://www.protocol.com/microsoft-flight-simulator-2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200817225749/https://www.protocol.com/microsoft-flight-simulator-2020|archive-date=August 17, 2020|access-date=November 29, 2020|website=Protocol Gaming|language=en-US}}</ref> Wanting to use the technology for a game, project leader Jörg Neumann realized that Microsoft possessed ''Flight Simulator''. David Denhart of Aces Game Studio had archived its flight simulator work, which was given to Asobo.<ref name="smith20230226"/>
The franchise's return after a 14-year time span is partially credited to the business model of [[Xbox Game Pass]], allowing for a wider variety and diversity of games.<ref name="Game Pass">{{Cite web|last=Grubb|first=Jeff|date=June 17, 2019|title=Microsoft Flight Simulator embodies Game Pass' potential|url=https://venturebeat.com/2019/06/17/microsoft-flight-simulator-reveals-game-passs-potential/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108002613/https://venturebeat.com/2019/06/17/microsoft-flight-simulator-reveals-game-passs-potential/|archive-date=November 8, 2020|access-date=August 25, 2020|website=[[Venture Beat]]|language=en-US}}</ref> Xbox chief [[Phil Spencer (business executive)|Phil Spencer]] said that ''Flight Simulator'' is part of Microsoft's renewed commitment to PC gaming. According to Spencer, their head of global partnerships Sarah Bond worked on the Game Pass "with the [[Indie game|indie]] montage" and all the games set to launch on Game Pass, then announced it for PC, as well as Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. "I didn't know if the PC community was going to be watching or not, but we went ''Flight Sim'', we went ''[[Age of Empires|Age]]'', we went [[Wasteland (series)|''Wasteland'']]—I wanted people to know that we want to make sure we're building games and supporting games that respect what the PC community loves", he elaborated. On bringing back ''Flight Simulator'', he said: "We do have some pilots on the teams that are big fans of flight, and flight sims, and flying themselves, who are passionate about it, so we said, 'okay, let's see what we can do'." Reflecting on the legacy of the series to the aviation community, Spencer thought, "Can we do something new with ''Flight Sim''? Can we actually move it forward in an interesting way?"<ref name="PCSpencer">{{Cite web|last=Roberts|first=Samuel|date=June 14, 2019|title=Xbox's Phil Spencer on Game Pass, Steam and the Epic Games Store|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/xboxs-phil-spencer-on-game-pass-steam-and-the-epic-games-store/2/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108002201/https://www.pcgamer.com/xboxs-phil-spencer-on-game-pass-steam-and-the-epic-games-store/2/|archive-date=November 8, 2020|access-date=August 25, 2020|website=[[PC Gamer]]|publisher=[[Future plc]]|language=en-US}}</ref>
Neumann said there is a pilot shortage crisis, and he felt the simulation would "create a funnel" for future pilots.<ref name=":14">{{Cite web|last=Hardawar|first=Devindra|date=December 24, 2020|title=Microsoft Flight Simulator's new VR mode haunts my dreams|url=https://www.engadget.com/microsoft-flight-simulator-vr-review-200246099.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201230102830/https://www.engadget.com/microsoft-flight-simulator-vr-review-200246099.html|archive-date=December 30, 2020|access-date=January 13, 2021|website=[[Engadget]]|publisher=[[Verizon Media]]|language=en}}</ref> On [[CNN]], he said: <blockquote>When you meet pilots a lot of them that say 'you know what? -- my interest in this whole thing started with ''Microsoft Flight Sim'' many years ago'. Some people choose that as a career, and we do hope to inspire this new generation. Ever since we showed our trailer we've been called by almost every airplane manufacturer and they all tell us there's a pilot crisis, but for us it's about priority-setting. We're excited about making a sim, and if we can help with the pilot crisis in some shape or form - we'll try when the time is right."<ref name="pilot shortage">{{Cite web|last=Sillers|first=Paul|date=October 17, 2019|title=Can Microsoft Flight Simulator's 2020 reboot solve the pilot shortage?|url=https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/microsoft-flight-simulator-2020-reboot/index.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806235149/https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/microsoft-flight-simulator-2020-reboot/index.html|archive-date=August 6, 2020|access-date=July 13, 2020|website=[[CNN]]|publisher=[[WarnerMedia]]|language=en-US}}</ref></blockquote>
Regarding the aircraft 3D scanning technology, Asobo recalled that, although scanning saves time and simplifies the work, scanning an aircraft can take a full day, depending on its size. Veteran pilots checked and ensured the accuracy of the aircraft models after scanning.<ref name=":2" /> Neumann met with [[Meteoblue]], a Swiss company, to incorporate their realistic, real-time, and worldwide weather data into the product.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web|last=Warren|first=Tom|date=August 27, 2020|title=Microsoft Flight Simulator players are flying into Hurricane Laura|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/27/21403769/hurricane-laura-microsoft-flight-simulator|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028070621/https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/27/21403769/hurricane-laura-microsoft-flight-simulator|archive-date=October 28, 2020|access-date=October 20, 2020|website=[[The Verge]]|publisher=[[Vox Media]]|language=en}}</ref> To port realistic weather, the Earth is divided into 250 million boxes, and meteorological and [[climatological]] data are embedded in them. Further layers of data are placed higher up in the skies to the [[stratosphere]]. Using data of the forces on the weather at each location, Meteoblue's system created a set of mathematical equations incorporated in the game that forecast weather conditions.<ref>{{Cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AfQGA8i7uQ|title=Partnership Series: Meteoblue - Weather Forecast System|date=June 6, 2020|last=|first=|type=YouTube video|language=|publisher=[[Microsoft Flight Simulator]]|access-date=January 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612005006/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AfQGA8i7uQ|archive-date=June 12, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>
A team of [[audio directors]], [[Audio designer|designers]], and recordists were in charge of the audio incorporated into ''Flight Simulator''. The team worked with a pilot who provided the aircraft. They had a tight schedule of two and a half hours per day; they managed to record three planes per day. 30 aircraft types and five [[turbofan]]s were recorded using [[Sennheiser]] and [[AUDIX|Audix]] microphones to record the audio. A [[Shure]] VP88 was used to record propeller sounds. To record cockpit sounds, a small portable rig was used that recorded in [[Quadraphonic sound|quadraphonic]] and [[Ambisonics|ambisonic]] sound formats at the same time. Biome systems were used to create [[soundscape]]s for different environments and times on Earth. All of these recordings were recorded using [[Audiokinetic Wwise]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Walden|first=Jennifer|date=November 3, 2020|title=Creating the Soaring Sound of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020|url=https://www.asoundeffect.com/flight-simulator-2020-sound/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201104080551/https://www.asoundeffect.com/flight-simulator-2020-sound/|archive-date=November 4, 2020|access-date=January 31, 2021|website=A Sound Effect}}</ref> The [[Azure Cognitive Services]] plays a role in improving the pilot and ATC automated dialogue: they built a universal [[Text to Speech|text-to-speech]] model using 3,000 hours of data to achieve naturalness in dialogue, and used pre-built as well as volunteer-submitted audio in order to give different accents to ATCs of different regions.<ref>{{Cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbMxU4h8y5E|title=Partnership Series: Azure Cognitive Services (Speech)|date=October 14, 2019|last=|first=|type=YouTube video|language=|publisher=[[Microsoft Flight Simulator]]|access-date=2021-05-31|archive-date=July 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706161118/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbMxU4h8y5E|url-status=live}}</ref>
Sometime after its unveiling at E3 2019, Microsoft organized a temporary Insider Program, where members could access the [[alpha version|alpha and beta versions]] of the game, and provide the developers with immediate feedback, suggestions and criticism.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Chalk|first=Andy|date=June 11, 2019|title=Microsoft Flight Simulator alpha and beta test signups are open|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/microsoft-flight-simulator-alpha-and-beta-test-signups-are-open/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108010558/https://www.pcgamer.com/microsoft-flight-simulator-alpha-and-beta-test-signups-are-open/|archive-date=November 8, 2020|access-date=January 22, 2021|website=[[PC Gamer]]|publisher=[[Future plc]]|language=en-US}}</ref> Those willing to volunteer for the program underwent a selection session; if they were chosen, they had to sign a [[non-disclosure agreement]] (NDA) that they would not share their gameplay or their thoughts on the game's under-maintenance version. One volunteer broke their agreement and shared footage to [[YouTube]]; Microsoft used [[Digital Millennium Copyright Act|their copyrights]] to have the videos removed immediately. That individual lost the testing privileges.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Rahming|first=A.K.|date=February 13, 2020|title=Alpha invitations open again for MS Flight Simulator 2020|url=https://www.pcinvasion.com/alpha-invitations-open-again-for-ms-flight-simulator-2020/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200617115713/https://www.pcinvasion.com/alpha-invitations-open-again-for-ms-flight-simulator-2020/|archive-date=June 17, 2020|access-date=December 5, 2020|website=PC Invasion|language=en-US}}</ref> In November 2019, ''FSX'' had a beta "branch" which gained [[telemetry]] data that would help the development of ''Flight Simulator.'' It was available at no cost for all ''FSX'' and ''FSX Steam Version'' players.<ref>{{Cite web|first=|date=November 16, 2019|title=New beta branch available on Steam!|url=https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/314160/view/2549529393507642733|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126151234/https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/314160/view/2549529393507642733|archive-date=January 26, 2021|access-date=January 26, 2021|website=[[Steam (website)|Steam]]|publisher=[[Valve Corporation]]|language=en-US}}</ref>
=== Updates === ''Flight Simulator'' is constantly updated with "World Update[s]" and "Sim Update[s]". The former concerns geographically specific updates, while the latter concerns updates on the game in general.<ref name=":5" /> Updates in general are essential to retain the game's realistic stature, as photogrammetry may be outdated, or an early render may be inaccurate.<ref name=":0" /> The first was "World Update I: Japan", was released on September 29, 2020, after [[Tokyo Game Show 2020|Tokyo Game Show 2020 Online]]. It features photogrammetry for [[Sendai]], [[Takamatsu, Kagawa|Takamatsu]], [[Tokushima (city)|Tokushima]], Tokyo, [[Utsunomiya]], and [[Yokohama]], as well as handcrafting for [[Hachijojima Airport|Hachijojima]], [[Kerama Airport|Kerama]], [[Kushiro Airport|Kushiro]], [[Nagasaki Airport|Nagasaki]], [[Shimojishima Airport|Shimojishima]], and [[Suwanosejima]] airports. It adds landing challenges set in Japan.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|last=Hall|first=Charlie|date=September 24, 2020|title=Microsoft Flight Simulator's first major update focuses on Japan|url=https://www.polygon.com/2020/9/24/21454362/microsoft-flight-simulator-japan-world-update-1-release-date-price-free-dlc|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004050509/https://www.polygon.com/2020/9/24/21454362/microsoft-flight-simulator-japan-world-update-1-release-date-price-free-dlc|archive-date=October 4, 2020|access-date=November 29, 2020|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|publisher=[[Vox Media]]|language=en}}</ref> Most notable of all was during [[Thanksgiving]] 2020, when "World Update II: USA" was released. 50 structures in the United States were handcrafted, including the [[Las Vegas Strip]], which lights up at night<ref>{{Cite web|last=Hardyan|first=Redza|date=November 25, 2020|editor-last=Simamora|editor-first=Novita Sari|title=Sambut Thanksgiving, Microsoft Flight Simulator Ciptakan Pembaruan|trans-title=Celebrating Thanksgiving, Microsoft Flight Simulator Updates|url=https://teknologi.bisnis.com/read/20201125/564/1322232/sambut-thanksgiving-microsoft-flight-simulator-ciptakan-pembaruan|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125034915/https://teknologi.bisnis.com/read/20201125/564/1322232/sambut-thanksgiving-microsoft-flight-simulator-ciptakan-pembaruan|archive-date=November 25, 2020|access-date=December 1, 2020|website=[[Bisnis Indonesia|Bisnis.com]]|publisher=Jurnalindo Aksara Grafika|language=id}}</ref> and four handcrafted airports: [[Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport|Atlanta Hartsfield–Jackson]], [[Friday Harbor Airport|Friday Harbor]], [[Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport|Dallas/Fort Worth]] and [[Stewart International Airport|New York Stewart]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-11-24|title=Release Notes (1.11.6.0) World Update II: U.S. Now Available!|url=https://www.flightsimulator.com/release-notes-1-11-5-0/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117055658/https://www.flightsimulator.com/release-notes-1-11-5-0/|archive-date=January 17, 2021|access-date=2021-05-27|website=|publisher=[[Microsoft Flight Simulator]]|language=en-US}}</ref>
Early into 2021, Microsoft released an update named "Let It Snow", which unveiled real-time snow and winter environments for winter locations.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mercante |first=Alyssa |date=January 6, 2021 |title=Microsoft Flight Simulator now has real-time snow |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/microsoft-flight-simulator-real-time-snow/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210106171024/https://www.gamesradar.com/microsoft-flight-simulator-real-time-snow/ |archive-date=January 6, 2021 |access-date=January 6, 2021 |website=[[GamesRadar+]] |publisher=[[Future US]] |language=en}}</ref> This is then succeeded with four World Updates concerning various places in Europe,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.flightsimulator.com/release-notes-1-13-16-0-world-update-iii-united-kingdom-now-available/|title=Release Notes (1.13.16.0) World Update III: United Kingdom Now Available!|date=February 16, 2021|website=Microsoft Flight Simulator|access-date=February 28, 2022|archive-date=February 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210217163915/https://www.flightsimulator.com/release-notes-1-13-16-0-world-update-iii-united-kingdom-now-available/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.flightsimulator.com/release-notes-1-15-7-0-world-update-iv-france-benelux-now-available/|title=Release Notes (1.15.7.0) World Update IV: France/Benelux Now Available!|date=April 13, 2021|website=Microsoft Flight Simulator|access-date=February 28, 2022|archive-date=May 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523151249/https://www.flightsimulator.com/release-notes-1-15-7-0-world-update-iv-france-benelux-now-available/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.flightsimulator.com/release-notes-1-17-3-0-world-update-v-nordics-now-available/|title=Release Notes (1.17.3.0) World Update V: Nordics Now Available!|date=June 17, 2021|website=Microsoft Flight Simulator|access-date=February 28, 2022|archive-date=October 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211004023325/https://www.flightsimulator.com/release-notes-1-17-3-0-world-update-v-nordics-now-available/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.flightsimulator.com/release-notes-1-19-8-0-world-update-vi-germany-austria-switzerland-now-available/|title=Release Notes (1.19.8.0) World Update VI: Germany, Austria, Switzerland Now Available!|date=September 7, 2021|website=Microsoft Flight Simulator|access-date=February 28, 2022|archive-date=September 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907153207/https://www.flightsimulator.com/release-notes-1-19-8-0-world-update-vi-germany-austria-switzerland-now-available/|url-status=live}}</ref> as well as five Sim Updates including a special "Game of the Year" update, made as a tribute to fans of the game.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.flightsimulator.com/release-notes-1-14-5-0/|title=Release Notes (1.14.5.0) Sim Update III Now Available!|date=March 9, 2021|website=Microsoft Flight Simulator|access-date=February 28, 2022|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925174149/https://www.flightsimulator.com/release-notes-1-14-5-0/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.flightsimulator.com/release-notes-1-16-2-0-sim-update-iv-now-available/|title=Release Notes (1.16.2.0) Sim Update IV Now Available!|date=May 25, 2021|website=Microsoft Flight Simulator|access-date=February 28, 2022|archive-date=May 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210529010220/https://www.flightsimulator.com/release-notes-1-16-2-0-sim-update-iv-now-available/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.flightsimulator.com/microsoft-flight-simulator-available-today-on-xbox-series-xs-and-xbox-game-pass/|title=Microsoft Flight Simulator Available Today on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox Game Pass|date=July 27, 2021|website=Microsoft Flight Simulator|access-date=February 28, 2022|archive-date=July 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728125722/https://www.flightsimulator.com/microsoft-flight-simulator-available-today-on-xbox-series-xs-and-xbox-game-pass/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.flightsimulator.com/release-notes-1-20-6-0-sim-update-vi-now-available/|title=Release Notes (1.20.6.0) Sim Update VI Now Available!|date=October 19, 2021|website=Microsoft Flight Simulator|access-date=February 28, 2022|archive-date=October 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019150726/https://www.flightsimulator.com/release-notes-1-20-6-0-sim-update-vi-now-available/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.flightsimulator.com/game-of-the-year-edition-release-notes-1-21-13-0-sim-update-vii-now-available/|title=Game of the Year Edition - Release Notes (1.21.13.0) Sim Update VII Now Available!|date=November 18, 2021|website=Microsoft Flight Simulator|access-date=February 28, 2022|archive-date=November 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120134831/https://www.flightsimulator.com/game-of-the-year-edition-release-notes-1-21-13-0-sim-update-vii-now-available/|url-status=live}}</ref> At [[E3 2021]], an [[expansion pack]] in response to the release of ''[[Top Gun: Maverick]]'' was announced to be released in late 2021, featuring the aircraft and [[Aircraft carrier|carrier]] seen in its [[Trailer (promotion)|trailer]];<ref name=":20">{{Cite web |date=2021-06-17 |title=June 17th, 2021 Development Update |url=https://www.flightsimulator.com/june-17th-2021-development-update/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210619082148/https://www.flightsimulator.com/june-17th-2021-development-update/ |archive-date=June 19, 2021 |access-date=2021-06-19 |publisher=[[Microsoft Flight Simulator]]}}</ref> when the film is announced to be released much later on May 27, 2022, the expansion pack was also delayed to be released alongside the film.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Leblanc |first=Wesley |date=2021-09-04 |title=Microsoft Flight Simulator: Top Gun Maverick Expansion Release Date Shifts to Match the Movie's New Release Date |url=https://sea.ign.com/microsoft-flight-simulator-1/176196/news/microsoft-flight-simulator-top-gun-maverick-expansion-release-date-shifts-to-match-the-movies-new-re |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211119090943/https://sea.ign.com/microsoft-flight-simulator-1/176196/news/microsoft-flight-simulator-top-gun-maverick-expansion-release-date-shifts-to-match-the-movies-new-re |archive-date=2021-11-19 |access-date=2022-04-04 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]}}</ref> In 2022, three new updates were implemented concerning Australia,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.flightsimulator.com/release-notes-1-22-2-0-world-update-vii-australia-now-available/|title=Release Notes (1.22.2.0) World Update VII: Australia Now Available!|date=January 31, 2022|website=Microsoft Flight Simulator|access-date=February 28, 2022|archive-date=February 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220201080719/https://www.flightsimulator.com/release-notes-1-22-2-0-world-update-vii-australia-now-available/|url-status=live}}</ref> the Iberian Peninsula,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.flightsimulator.com/release-notes-1-24-5-0-world-update-viii-iberia-now-available/|title=Release Notes (1.24.5.0) World Update VIII: Iberia Now Available!|date=March 24, 2022|website=Microsoft Flight Simulator|access-date=March 26, 2022|archive-date=March 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220324141617/https://www.flightsimulator.com/release-notes-1-24-5-0-world-update-viii-iberia-now-available/|url-status=live}}</ref> and Italy, Malta and Vatican City, as well as one Sim Update and a second update for United States territories, which also added ''Halo Infinite''’s ''Pelican'' as new aircraft.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.flightsimulator.com/release-notes-1-23-12-0-sim-update-viii-now-available/|title=Release Notes (1.23.12.0) Sim Update VIII Now Available!|date=February 28, 2022|website=Microsoft Flight Simulator|access-date=February 28, 2022|archive-date=February 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228162357/https://www.flightsimulator.com/release-notes-1-23-12-0-sim-update-viii-now-available/|url-status=live}}</ref> In August 2022, a ''40th Anniversary Edition'' update was announced, which arrived in November 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-08-25 |title=Microsoft Flight Simulator Celebrates gamescom with Its First-Ever City Update and Shares New Details for Its 40th Anniversary Edition |url=https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2022/08/25/microsoft-flight-simulator-celebrates-gamescom/ |access-date=2022-08-26 |website=Xbox Wire |language=en-US |archive-date=August 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826234227/https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2022/08/25/microsoft-flight-simulator-celebrates-gamescom/ |url-status=live }}</ref> As a tribute to the franchise's long-running trajectory, the update included several historical planes, [[helicopter]]s and [[Glider (sailplane)|gliders]], along with classic airports and missions from previous installations of the franchise.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-08-25 |title=August 25th, 2022 Development Update |url=https://www.flightsimulator.com/august-25th-2022-development-update/ |access-date=2022-08-26 |website=Microsoft Flight Simulator |language=en-US |archive-date=August 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220825232815/https://www.flightsimulator.com/august-25th-2022-development-update/ |url-status=live }}</ref> An expansion based on ''[[Dune (2021 film)|Dune]]'' and ''[[Dune: Part Two]]'' is set to be released on November 3, 2023.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/dune-is-coming-to-microsoft-flight-simulator-in-time-for-dune-part-2/1100-6515056/|title=Microsoft Flight Simulator Sequel Is Coming In 2024, But You Can Play A Dune Crossover Later This Year|first=Cameron|last=Koch|work=[[GameSpot]]|date=June 11, 2023|accessdate=June 25, 2023|archive-date=June 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230611174250/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/dune-is-coming-to-microsoft-flight-simulator-in-time-for-dune-part-2/1100-6515056/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Microsoft frequently receives feedback from users of ''Flight Simulator'' via their forums, including requests for helicopters, structure updates, inaccurate detail fixes, and the need for improved systems. Some fixes have been made, others are planned, are under investigation, or have begun. The ''Flight Simulator'' team constantly receives feedback from players and has said the game is updated when it is received.<ref name=":52"/>
== Release == The first people to play ''Flight Simulator'' — journalists, bloggers, [[influencers]], and flight simmers — were invited by the developer team to Rainier Flight Service, a flight school in [[Renton, Washington]]. Attendees also flew post-gameplay in a real Cessna aircraft with Justin Fancher, Rainier's [[flight instructor]].<ref name=":2" /> On July 13, 2020, Microsoft began accepting [[Pre-order|preorders]], and on August 18, 2020, ''Flight Simulator'' became available for the PC.<ref name="MC" /> The company said the game was the largest release in its history,<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|last=McAloon|first=Alissa|title=Microsoft Flight Simulator attracts 1 million players in just over two weeks|url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/369511/Microsoft_Flight_Simulator_attracts_1_million_players_in_just_over_two_weeks.php|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200905101409/https://gamasutra.com/view/news/369511/Microsoft_Flight_Simulator_attracts_1_million_players_in_just_over_two_weeks.php|archive-date=September 5, 2020|access-date=2020-11-28|website=[[Gamasutra]]|date=September 3, 2020|publisher=[[Informa]]|language=en}}</ref> and announced three versions of the title—Standard, Deluxe, and Premium Deluxe—each providing an incremental set of airplanes to fly and additional airports with more detailed scenery and objects.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|last=Lardinois|first=Frederic|date=June 13, 2020|title=Microsoft's Flight Simulator 2020 will launch on August 18|url=https://techcrunch.com/2020/07/13/microsofts-flight-simulator-2020-will-launch-on-august-18/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206094724/https://techcrunch.com/2020/07/13/microsofts-flight-simulator-2020-will-launch-on-august-18/|archive-date=December 6, 2020|access-date=July 14, 2020|website=[[Tech Crunch]]|publisher=[[Verizon Media]]|language=en-US}}</ref> In addition to digital licenses from [[Microsoft Store (digital)|Microsoft Store]] and [[Steam (service)|Steam]], the game is also available on the PC version of the Xbox Game Pass subscription service,<ref name="launch" /> allowing for the first one-month play of the Standard version of ''Flight Simulator'' for just US$1, as opposed to the normal purchase price of US$69, and at US$3.99 for subsequent months subscriptions.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Pearson|first=Craig|date=2020-08-06|title=Props to Microsoft for letting you play Flight Simulator for £1|language=en|work=[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]]|publisher=[[Gamer Network]]|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/props-to-microsoft-for-letting-you-play-flight-simulator-for-1|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-29|archive-date=June 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210619082316/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/props-to-microsoft-for-letting-you-play-flight-simulator-for-1}}</ref>
At E3 2021, Microsoft announced that the game would be released for [[Xbox Series X and Series S|Xbox Series X and Series S]] on July 27, 2021,<ref name=":20" /> with undated announcements going back to December 11, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Kent|first=Emma|date=December 11, 2020|title=Microsoft Flight Simulator lands on Xbox Series X/S next summer|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2020-12-11-microsoft-flight-simulator-lands-on-xbox-series-x-s-next-summer|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201212014754/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2020-12-11-microsoft-flight-simulator-lands-on-xbox-series-x-s-next-summer|archive-date=December 12, 2020|access-date=2020-12-11|website=[[Eurogamer]]|publisher=[[Gamer Network]]|language=en}}</ref> Anticipating a wider range of players, Microsoft made several modifications in order to make gameplay more accessible, like adding four more tutorial sequences, diversifying the AI abilities, as well as adding the option of slander floats and skis in aircraft so that it can land anywhere.<ref name=":20" /> Indeed, the game was released on the platform on time as announced. Video game critics were provided a preview of it several days ahead of public release.<ref name=":21">{{Cite web|last=Byford|first=Sam|date=2021-07-21|title=Microsoft Flight Simulator is an impressive Xbox Series X workout|url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/7/26/22593883/microsoft-flight-simulator-xbox-series-x-s-review|url-status=live|access-date=2021-07-28|website=[[The Verge]]|publisher=[[Vox Media]]|archive-date=July 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727143455/https://www.theverge.com/2021/7/26/22593883/microsoft-flight-simulator-xbox-series-x-s-review}}</ref> A Microsoft spokesperson stated that plans for its release on [[Xbox One]] will be discussed sometime in 2021,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Clementoss|date=December 15, 2020|title=Flight Simulator : Microsoft parlera de ses plans pour la Xbox One en 2021|trans-title=Flight Simulator: Microsoft to talk about plans for Xbox One in 2021|url=https://www.jeuxvideo.com/news/1341454/flight-simulator-microsoft-parlera-de-ses-plans-pour-la-xbox-one-en-2021.htm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201216135732/https://www.jeuxvideo.com/news/1341454/flight-simulator-microsoft-parlera-de-ses-plans-pour-la-xbox-one-en-2021.htm|archive-date=December 16, 2020|access-date=December 16, 2020|website=[[Jeuxvideo.com]]|publisher=Webedia|language=fr}}</ref> although Microsoft stated that the Series X version of the game would be playable on Xbox One via [[Xbox Cloud Gaming]] in 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Yin Poole|first=Wesley|date=2021-06-16|title=Microsoft says it will use cloud streaming to bring 2022 exclusives to Xbox One|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-06-16-microsoft-says-it-will-use-cloud-streaming-to-bring-2022-exclusives-to-xbox-one|url-status=live|access-date=2021-06-20|website=[[Eurogamer]]|publisher=[[Gamer Network]]|archive-date=June 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616172920/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-06-16-microsoft-says-it-will-use-cloud-streaming-to-bring-2022-exclusives-to-xbox-one}}</ref> It was later released on Xbox One and Cloud Gaming on March 1, the latter allowing gameplay on smartphones, tablets, and PCs with lower-than-required specifications. [[Bluetooth]] and [[Xbox Wireless Controller]]s are also supported with the Cloud.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Microsoft Flight Simulator Soars to New Heights on Xbox One and Across Devices with Xbox Cloud Gaming |date=2022-03-01 |publisher=[[Xbox]] Wire |url=https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2022/03/01/microsoft-flight-simulator-with-xbox-cloud-gaming/ |access-date=2022-03-04 |url-status=live |last1=Neumann |first1=Jörg |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301202257/https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2022/03/01/microsoft-flight-simulator-with-xbox-cloud-gaming/ |archive-date=2022-03-01}}</ref>
The game is available for purchase worldwide, except for China; although some aspiring Chinese players are finding ways to purchase it via Steam and the Microsoft Store.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Why Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 Isn't Available In China|url=https://kotaku.com/why-microsoft-flight-simulator-2020-isnt-available-in-c-1844772444|access-date=2021-04-05|website=Kotaku|date=August 19, 2020 |language=en-us|archive-date=March 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210310121450/https://kotaku.com/why-microsoft-flight-simulator-2020-isnt-available-in-c-1844772444|url-status=live}}</ref> Microsoft did not explain why it is unavailable in China, but it has been suggested by the ''[[South China Morning Post]]'' that it could be an "approval issue", a lack of Internet capacity for the Azure data services to "keep it running smoothly", or because of the high quality of the mapping data used "that would potentially bring up a lot of issues with the content for [[Chinese Government|Chinese regulators]]".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Shen|first=Xinmei|date=August 19, 2020|title=Microsoft Flight Simulator isn't available in China, but it lets you land in Forbidden City|url=https://www.scmp.com/abacus/games/article/3097845/microsoft-flight-simulator-lets-you-fly-through-china-where-game-isnt|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007000755/https://www.scmp.com/abacus/games/article/3097845/microsoft-flight-simulator-lets-you-fly-through-china-where-game-isnt|archive-date=October 7, 2020|access-date=December 7, 2020|website=[[South China Morning Post]]|publisher=[[South China Morning Post Publishers Limited]]|language=en}}</ref>
=== Other releases === [[File:The European-only DVD set of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020.jpg|thumb|Aerosoft's physical release of the Standard edition came on ten DVDs. Its physical nature allows for installing with slower Internet connections.|alt=Photograph of the game's CD release. Inside the box there are two discs.]]
Aerosoft, a German developer and publisher of [[simulation software]], announced in July 2020 that they partnered with Microsoft to release a physical version in Europe. Released corresponding with the PC, the physical version is more suitable to install from for those with slower Internet connections. It is available in two editions, Standard and Premium Deluxe and comes with 10 [[DVD#Dual-layer discs|dual-layer DVDs]], a printed manual, and a keyboard reference chart.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Orland|first1=Kyle|date=July 17, 2020|title=Please insert disc: Microsoft Flight Simulator will spread across ten DVDs|url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2020/07/microsoft-flight-simulators-physical-release-spans-a-whopping-ten-dvds/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200718122644/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2020/07/microsoft-flight-simulators-physical-release-spans-a-whopping-ten-dvds/|archive-date=July 18, 2020|access-date=18 July 2020|website=[[Ars Technica]]|publisher=[[Condé Nast]]|ref=dvds}}</ref> The DVDs are each able to store a maximum of 8.5 [[gigabytes]] (GB), and so contain around 85 GB of data that consists of the [[Installation (computer programs)#Installer|installer]] and basic content, including aircraft and the standard-definition default world;<ref name=":15">{{Cite web|last=Walker|first=Alex|date=2020-07-15|title=Microsoft Flight Simulator's Physical Release Comes With 10 DVDs|url=https://www.kotaku.com.au/2020/07/microsoft-flight-simulators-physical-release-comes-with-10-dvds/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929165143/https://www.kotaku.com.au/2020/07/microsoft-flight-simulators-physical-release-comes-with-10-dvds/|archive-date=September 29, 2020|access-date=December 2, 2020|website=[[Kotaku]] Australia|publisher=[[Gawker Media]]|language=en-AU}}</ref> however, an Internet connection allows the [[Patch (computing)|patches]] and updates to be downloaded during installation. An active Internet connection is needed for the simulator to update itself when needed. As with the digital versions, after installation the game does not require an active Internet connection and can be played [[Online and offline|offline]]; users also have the option to stream more details for the world, better ground imagery, real-world weather and ATC data from Microsoft's servers.<ref name=":15" />
Project leader Jörg Neumann stated that a [[virtual reality]] (VR) version of ''Flight Simulator'' was the "very first feedback" they received after the unveiling at E3 2019,<ref name=":10" /> however aspirations of creating a VR version in the game series has been in his mind as far as 2016. They only started developing it in June 2019.<ref name=":14" /> In July at a developer [[Live streaming|livestream]] on [[Twitch (service)|Twitch]], they announced a VR version of ''Flight Simulator''.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Hall |first=Charlie |date=November 30, 2020 |title=Microsoft Flight Simulator VR to launch as free upgrade in late December |url=https://www.polygon.com/2020/11/30/21726495/microsoft-flight-simulator-vr-launch-date-price |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130173634/https://www.polygon.com/2020/11/30/21726495/microsoft-flight-simulator-vr-launch-date-price |archive-date=November 30, 2020 |access-date=December 1, 2020 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |publisher=[[Vox Media]] |language=en}}</ref> It was later released on December 22, 2020, designated as a free update.<ref name=":13">{{Cite web|last=Clark|first=Mitchell|date=2020-12-22|title=You can now play Microsoft's Flight Simulator in VR|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/12/22/22194274/microsoft-flight-simulator-update-vr-xbox-announcement|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201222171030/https://www.theverge.com/2020/12/22/22194274/microsoft-flight-simulator-update-vr-xbox-announcement|archive-date=December 22, 2020|access-date=2020-12-22|website=[[The Verge]]|publisher=[[Vox Media]]|language=en}}</ref> While it was previously announced to only be supported on [[Windows Mixed Reality|Microsoft Mixed Reality]] devices, Asobo announced that it is supported on all [[OpenXR]]<ref name=":7" /> and [[SteamVR]] devices<ref name=":11">{{Cite web|last=Coberly|first=Cohen|date=2020-12-01|title=Microsoft's Flight Simulator 2020 is getting SteamVR support this month|url=https://www.techspot.com/news/87807-microsoft-flight-simulator-2020-getting-steamvr-support-month.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201213539/https://www.techspot.com/news/87807-microsoft-flight-simulator-2020-getting-steamvr-support-month.html|archive-date=December 1, 2020|access-date=2020-12-05|website=TechSpot|language=en-US}}</ref> The first device that will be supporting the game is [[Hewlett-Packard]]'s Reverb G2; it was the [[VR headset|headset]]'s [[launch title]]. Support for other devices will be launched after the Reverb launches.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web|last=Hall|first=Charlie|date=2020-07-30|title=Microsoft Flight Simulator will support VR this fall|url=https://www.polygon.com/2020/7/30/21346743/microsoft-flight-simulator-vr-support-confirmed-hp-reverb-g2-oculus-htc|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101021312/https://www.polygon.com/2020/7/30/21346743/microsoft-flight-simulator-vr-support-confirmed-hp-reverb-g2-oculus-htc|archive-date=November 1, 2020|access-date=2020-12-05|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|publisher=[[Vox Media]]|language=en}}</ref> In the VR version, two new tutorials were released, including one using the [[Airbus A320neo family|Airbus A320neo]].<ref name=":7" /> Corresponding with the VR update, "real-time snow and true-to-life ice coverage to the entire planet" was introduced by Microsoft.<ref name=":13" /> Microsoft announced "new [[Computer performance|performance]] [[Computer Optimization|optimizations]]" which reduces the complications of the "hefty" required specifications: an [[I5 6400|i5-8400]]/[[Ryzen 5 3500X|Ryzen 5 1500X]], [[GTX 970]], and 16 GB of [[RAM]].<ref name=":11" />
== Reception == === Critical response === {{Video game reviews | MC = PC: 91/100<ref name="MC">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/microsoft-flight-simulator/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Microsoft Flight Simulator for PC Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[Red Ventures]] |access-date=November 21, 2020 |archive-date=August 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200819095233/https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/microsoft-flight-simulator |url-status=live }}</ref><br />XSX: 90/100<ref name="MCXSXS">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/microsoft-flight-simulator/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-series-x |title=Microsoft Flight Simulator for Xbox Series X Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[Red Ventures]] |access-date=August 6, 2021 |archive-date=July 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210725055429/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-series-x/microsoft-flight-simulator |url-status=live }}</ref> | GSpot = 9/10<ref name="Gamespot Review">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/microsoft-flight-simulator-review-max-altitude/1900-6417537/ |title=Microsoft Flight Simulator Review – Max Altitude |last=Tran |first=Edmond |date=August 24, 2020 |work=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=August 24, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-date=September 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200916094038/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/microsoft-flight-simulator-review-max-altitude/1900-6417537/ }}</ref> | IGN = 10/10<ref name="IGNReview">{{Cite web|last=Macy|first=Seth G.|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/microsoft-flight-simulator-review|title=Microsoft Flight Simulator Review|website=[[IGN]]|date=August 17, 2020|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|archive-date=August 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200817130258/https://www.ign.com/articles/microsoft-flight-simulator-review|url-status=live}}</ref> | JXV = 18/20<ref>{{Cite web|title=Microsoft Flight Simulator|url=https://www.jeuxvideo.com/jeux/jeu-1056648/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201203151007/https://www.jeuxvideo.com/jeux/jeu-1056648/|archive-date=December 3, 2020|access-date=December 16, 2020|website=[[Jeuxvideo.com]]|publisher=[[Webedia]]}}</ref> | PCGUS = 89/100<ref name="PC Gamer review">{{cite web |last=Iwaniuk |first=Phil |title=Microsoft Flight Simulator Review |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/microsoft-flight-simulator-review/ |work=[[PC Gamer]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |date=August 20, 2020 |access-date=August 20, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-date=August 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200821122643/https://www.pcgamer.com/microsoft-flight-simulator-review/ }}</ref> | PCGN = 9/10<ref name="PCGamesN">{{Cite web|last=Maxwell|first=Ben|title=Microsoft Flight Simulator review – achieving the impossible|url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/microsoft-flight-simulator/review|website=[[PCGamesN]]|publisher=Network N|date=August 27, 2020|access-date=August 27, 2020|archive-date=September 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918171819/https://www.pcgamesn.com/microsoft-flight-simulator/review|url-status=live}}</ref> | SN = 9/10<ref name="Shacknews">{{Cite web |title=Microsoft Flight Simulator review: The killer app |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/119812/microsoft-flight-simulator-review-the-killer-app |website=[[Shacknews]] |publisher=Gamer Hub |date=August 17, 2020 |access-date=August 17, 2020 |archive-date=September 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200917040116/https://www.shacknews.com/article/119812/microsoft-flight-simulator-review-the-killer-app |url-status=live }}</ref> | TG = 5/5<ref name="theguardian review">{{Cite web |last=Stuart |first=Keith |date=August 18, 2020 |title=Microsoft Flight Simulator review – buckle in and see the world |url=https://www.theguardian.com/games/2020/aug/18/microsoft-flight-simulator-review-asobo |url-status=live |website=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=August 19, 2020 |archive-date=August 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200819210140/https://www.theguardian.com/games/2020/aug/18/microsoft-flight-simulator-review-asobo }}</ref> | VB = 95/100<ref name="VentureBeat">{{Cite web |title=Microsoft Flight Simulator review — Born to fly |url=https://venturebeat.com/2020/08/20/microsoft-flight-simulator-review-baby-we-were-born-to-fly/ |website=[[VentureBeat]] |date=August 20, 2020 |access-date=August 20, 2020 |archive-date=September 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200902051100/https://venturebeat.com/2020/08/20/microsoft-flight-simulator-review-baby-we-were-born-to-fly/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | VG247 = 5/5<ref name="VG247Review">{{Cite web |title=Microsoft Flight Simulator review: a remarkable release fit for seasoned pilots and beginners alike |url=https://www.vg247.com/2020/08/17/microsoft-flight-simulator-review/ |website=[[VG247]] |publisher=videogaming247 |date=August 17, 2020 |access-date=August 19, 2020 |archive-date=August 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200818161008/https://www.vg247.com/2020/08/17/microsoft-flight-simulator-review/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | rev1 = ''[[Common Sense Media]]'' | rev1Score = 5/5<ref name=":17" /> | award1Pub = [[The Game Awards 2020]] | award1 = Best Sim/Strategy Game<ref>{{Cite web|last=Stedman|first=Alex|date=December 10, 2020|title=The Game Awards 2020: Complete Winners List|url=https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/the-game-awards-winners-list-2020-1234850547/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201211075416/https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/the-game-awards-winners-list-2020-1234850547/|archive-date=December 11, 2020|access-date=December 11, 2020|website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|publisher=[[Penske Media Corporation]]|language=en-US}}</ref> | award2Pub = [[Steam Awards]] | award2 = Sit Back And Relax ''(Nominated)''<ref>{{Cite web|last=Jati|first=Anggoro Suryo|date=2021-01-05|title=Ini Deretan Game Terbaik Versi Steam Awards 2020|trans-title=The Best Games from Steam Awards 2020|language=id|url=https://inet.detik.com/games-news/d-5322035/ini-deretan-game-terbaik-versi-steam-awards-2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210105232229/https://inet.detik.com/games-news/d-5322035/ini-deretan-game-terbaik-versi-steam-awards-2020|archive-date=January 5, 2021|access-date=January 24, 2021|website=|publisher=[[Detik.com]]. [[Trans Media]]}}</ref> | award3Pub = [[17th British Academy Games Awards]] | award3 = Technical Achievement ''(Nominated)''<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-03-25|title=2021 BAFTA Games Awards: The Winners|publisher=[[17th British Academy Games Awards]]|url=https://www.bafta.org/games/awards/2021-nominations-winners|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429221939/https://www.bafta.org/games/awards/2021-nominations-winners|archive-date=2021-04-29|access-date=2021-06-26}}</ref> | award4Pub = [[24th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards]] | award4 = [[D.I.C.E. Award for Strategy/Simulation Game of the Year|Strategy/Simulation Game of the Year]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.interactive.org/awards/award_category_details.asp?idAward=2021&idGameAwardType=129 |title=D.I.C.E. Awards by Awards Category Details Strategy/Simulation Game of the Year |publisher=[[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]] |access-date=18 July 2023 |archive-date=June 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230607101511/https://www.interactive.org/awards/award_category_details.asp?idAward=2021&idGameAwardType=129 |url-status=live }}</ref><br>[[D.I.C.E. Award for Outstanding Technical Achievement|Outstanding Technical Achievement]] ''(Nominated)''<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2021&idGame=1756 |title=D.I.C.E. Awards by Video Game Details Microsoft Flight Simulator |publisher=[[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]] |access-date=18 July 2023 |archive-date=July 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718200401/https://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2021&idGame=1756 |url-status=live }}</ref> | award5Pub = [[SXSW Gaming Awards]] 2021 | award5 = Excellence in Technical Achievement<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sea.ign.com/news/170016/sxsw-gaming-awards-2021-winners-announced-hades-awarded-video-game-of-the-year|title=SXSW Gaming Awards 2021 Winners Announced: Hades Awarded Video Game of the Year|first=Adele|last=Ankers-Range|work=[[IGN]]|date=March 21, 2021|accessdate=January 11, 2026}}</ref> | award6Pub = [[The Game Awards 2021]] | award6 = Best Sim/Strategy Game ''(Nominated)''<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/the-game-awards-2021-nominations-announced |title=The Game Awards Nominations Announced |first=Adele |last=Ankers |website=[[IGN]] |date=16 November 2021 |access-date=13 December 2021 |archive-date=December 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211210004219/https://www.ign.com/articles/the-game-awards-2021-nominations-announced |url-status=live }}</ref> | EuroG = (PC) Essential<ref>{{cite web |last1=Robinson |first1=Martin |title=Microsoft Flight Simulator review - a sim for everyone, and one of the best sims yet |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2020-08-17-microsoft-flight-simulator-review-a-sim-for-everyone-and-one-of-the-best-sims-yet |website=[[Eurogamer]] |date=18 August 2020 |access-date=3 October 2021 |archive-date=December 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201211202901/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2020-08-17-microsoft-flight-simulator-review-a-sim-for-everyone-and-one-of-the-best-sims-yet |url-status=live }}</ref><br/>(XSXS) Essential<ref>{{cite web |last1=Robinson |first1=Martin |title=Microsoft Flight Simulator Xbox edition review - occasionally clunky port can't dull the magic |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-07-26-microsoft-flight-simulator-console-review-occasionally-clunky-port-cant-dull-the-magic |website=[[Eurogamer]] |date=27 July 2021 |access-date=3 October 2021 |archive-date=October 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211004005634/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-07-26-microsoft-flight-simulator-console-review-occasionally-clunky-port-cant-dull-the-magic |url-status=live }}</ref> | GameRev = 4.5/5<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tamburro |first=Paul |date=2022-08-17 |title=Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 Review {{!}} 'A landmark technical achievement' |url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/656068-microsoft-flight-simulator-2020-review-pc-xbox-game-pass |access-date=2022-12-13 |website=[[GameRevolution]] |language=en-US |archive-date=December 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221213152259/https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/656068-microsoft-flight-simulator-2020-review-pc-xbox-game-pass |url-status=live }}</ref> | PCM = 4.5/5<ref>{{Cite web |last=Buzzi |first=Matthew |date=2020-08-26 |title=Microsoft Flight Simulator (for PC) Review |url=https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/microsoft-flight-simulator-for-pc |access-date=2022-12-13 |website=[[PC Mag]] |language=en |archive-date=December 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221213152259/https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/microsoft-flight-simulator-for-pc |url-status=live }}</ref> }}
''Microsoft Flight Simulator'', within PC as well as Xbox Series X and Series S, received "universal acclaim" from video game critics, according to [[review aggregator]] website [[Metacritic]].<ref name="MC" /><ref name="MCXSXS" /> Within the site, the game is rated the third-best PC [[2020 in video games|game of 2020]], behind ''[[Half-Life: Alyx]]'' and ''[[Hades (video game)|Hades]],''<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Best PC Video Games for 2020|url=https://www.metacritic.com/browse/games/score/metascore/year/pc/filtered?year_selected=2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926140041/https://www.metacritic.com/browse/games/score/metascore/year/pc/filtered?year_selected=2020|archive-date=September 26, 2020|access-date=October 9, 2020|website=[[Metacritic]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]}}</ref> as well as the tenth most discussed game. On [[OpenCritic]], another aggregator, it was rated "Mighty" based on 86 critics, along with the summary: "''Microsoft Flight Simulator'' is a technical marvel, with an insane amount of polish, incredible realism, and phenomenal controls."<ref name="OpenCritic2">{{Cite web|date=August 17, 2020|title=Microsoft Flight Simulator|url=https://opencritic.com/game/9793/microsoft-flight-simulator|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118102753/https://opencritic.com/game/9793/microsoft-flight-simulator|archive-date=November 18, 2020|access-date=November 30, 2020|website=[[OpenCritic]]|language=en}}</ref> Many reviewers have placed it among the best games of the year<ref>{{Cite web|title=GOTY 2020|url=https://www.polygon.com/best-games-2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201216141603/https://www.polygon.com/best-games-2020|archive-date=December 16, 2020|access-date=December 16, 2020|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|publisher=[[Vox Media]]}}</ref><ref name="paste">{{cite web|last=Martin|first=Garret|date=December 2, 2020|title=The 40 Best Games of 2020|url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/games/best-of-2020/best-games-of-2020/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206152239/https://www.pastemagazine.com/games/best-of-2020/best-games-of-2020/|archive-date=December 6, 2020|access-date=December 9, 2020|website=[[Paste Magazine]]|publisher=Paste Media Group}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Common Sense Selections|url=https://www.commonsensemedia.org/seal|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126212745/https://www.commonsensemedia.org/seal|archive-date=November 26, 2020|access-date=December 2, 2020|website=[[Common Sense Media]]|language=en}}</ref> and a gaming essential,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Robinson|first=Martin|date=August 17, 2020|title=Microsoft Flight Simulator review - a sim for everyone, and one of the best sims yet|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2020-08-17-microsoft-flight-simulator-review-a-sim-for-everyone-and-one-of-the-best-sims-yet|access-date=December 11, 2020|website=[[Eurogamer]]|publisher=[[Gamer Network]]|language=en|archive-date=December 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201211202901/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2020-08-17-microsoft-flight-simulator-review-a-sim-for-everyone-and-one-of-the-best-sims-yet|url-status=live}}</ref> with Kat Bailey of ''[[USgamer|USGamer]]'' awarding it August 2020's Game of the Month.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Bailey|first=Kat|date=August 31, 2020|title=USG Game of the Month: Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 is a Vision of the Future|url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/usg-game-of-the-month-microsoft-flight-simulator-2020-august-2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201122204229/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/usg-game-of-the-month-microsoft-flight-simulator-2020-august-2020|archive-date=November 22, 2020|access-date=December 16, 2020|website=[[USGamer]]|publisher=[[Gamer Network]]|language=en}}</ref>
Reviewers considered the graphics and realism of ''Flight Simulator'' as the reason it stands out,<ref name="IGNReview" /><ref name="VentureBeat" /><ref name=":23">{{Cite news |last=Quattromani |first=Geoff |date=2020-08-24 |title=Review: Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 |work=[[The Australian]] |publisher=[[News Corp Australia]] |url=https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A633402777/AONE |url-access=subscription |access-date=2022-04-08 |via=[[Gale (publisher)|Gale]] |archive-date=September 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230916070612/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=AONE&id=GALE%7CA633402777&v=2.1&it=r&userGroupName=anon%7Ec037c252&aty=open-web-entry |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":24">{{Cite magazine |last=Hachman |first=Mark |date=October 2020 |title=Flight Simulator: Hands on with Microsoft's breathtaking virtual, real world |magazine=[[PC World]] |publisher=[[International Data Group]] |volume=38 |issue=10 |pages=67–74}}</ref> with Tokarev Kirill of ''80 LEVEL'' and Chad Sapieha of [[Common Sense Media]] describing its authenticity as unprecedented,<ref name="80LV">{{Cite web |last=Kirill |first=Tokarev |date=October 4, 2019 |title=Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020: Redefining Game Production |url=https://80.lv/articles/microsoft-flight-simulator-2020-redefining-game-production/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206094721/https://80.lv/articles/microsoft-flight-simulator-2020-redefining-game-production/ |archive-date=December 6, 2020 |access-date=August 12, 2020 |website=80 LEVEL |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":17">{{Cite web|last=Sapieha|first=Chad|date=2020-08-17|title=Microsoft Flight Simulator - Game Review|url=https://www.commonsensemedia.org/game-reviews/microsoft-flight-simulator|url-access=limited|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926022959/https://www.commonsensemedia.org/game-reviews/microsoft-flight-simulator|archive-date=September 26, 2020|access-date=December 2, 2020|website=[[Common Sense Media]]|language=en}}</ref> and other critics calling it an aesthetic feat within PC gaming.<ref name="polygon2">{{Cite web|last=Hall|first=Charlie|date=July 30, 2020|title=Microsoft Flight Simulator pulls off an amazing trick, mostly|url=https://www.polygon.com/2020/7/30/21347048/microsoft-flight-simulator-preview-pc-release-date-price|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200819162503/https://www.polygon.com/2020/7/30/21347048/microsoft-flight-simulator-preview-pc-release-date-price|archive-date=August 19, 2020|access-date=2020-12-01|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|publisher=[[Vox Media]]|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Dy |first=Bernard |date=May 2021 |title=Microsoft Flight Simulator |magazine=Aviation History |publisher=[[World History Group]] |volume=31 |issue=5 |page=68}}</ref> It has also been said to be a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that appears once a generation, and is predicted to see everlasting legacy.<ref name="wow2"/> Despite some technical issues, [[Engadget]]{{'s}} Devindra Hardawar found the VR version of the game realistic, to the extent that its visuals resonated with him.<ref name=":14" /> ''[[Shacknews]]'' and ''[[VG247]]'' described the game as revolutionary within the series, as it is the first entry to be used widely by those outside the aviation community.<ref name="Shacknews" /><ref name="VG247Review" /> Thus, many critics suggest that non-aviation lovers will also adore the game, especially due to its inherent futuristic sensation.<ref name=":18" /><ref>{{Cite magazine|date=2020-09-03|title=Microsoft Flight Simulator|magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]|publisher=[[Future plc]]|issue=350|page=88|quote=Despite the laundry list of issues that have arisen as a result of Asobo's ambition, in the end, it's those sudden sensations - especially the frequent feeling that we've finally got our hands on something truly next-gen, imperfect as it may be - that count for the most.}}</ref> Mark Hachman of ''[[PC World]]'' also opines that the game allows for a free exploration of Earth, without worrying about [[Environmental effects of aviation|contributing to climate change]].<ref name=":24" /> It has been labeled the best-looking video game of all time<ref>{{Cite news|last=Lamy|first=Corentin|date=August 22, 2020|title=Peut-être le plus beau jeu vidéo du monde, " Microsoft Flight Simulator " drague le grand public|language=fr|work=[[Le Monde]]|publisher=Groupe Le Monde|url=https://www.lemonde.fr/pixels/article/2020/08/22/peut-etre-le-plus-beau-jeu-video-du-monde-microsoft-flight-simulator-drague-le-grand-public_6049665_4408996.html|url-status=live|access-date=January 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122085038/https://www.lemonde.fr/pixels/article/2020/08/22/peut-etre-le-plus-beau-jeu-video-du-monde-microsoft-flight-simulator-drague-le-grand-public_6049665_4408996.html|archive-date=January 22, 2021}}</ref> as well as the best-looking flight simulator, albeit being disclaimed as a still-imperfect "work in progress".<ref name=":18">{{Cite web|last=Lardinois|first=Frederic|date=July 30, 2020|title=Microsoft's new Flight Simulator is a beautiful work in progress|url=https://techcrunch.com/2020/07/30/microsofts-new-flight-simulator-is-a-beautiful-work-in-progress/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115105931/https://techcrunch.com/2020/07/30/microsofts-new-flight-simulator-is-a-beautiful-work-in-progress/|archive-date=January 15, 2021|access-date=January 26, 2021|website=[[TechCrunch]]|publisher=[[Verizon Media]]|language=en-US}}</ref>
The Xbox Series X and Series S version was also raved among reviewers, with the accessibility additions being praised. Most reviews focused mainly on the graphical and visual side. Although the graphics are noted to be smaller, with the resolution of the affordable, US$299 version downgraded from [[4K resolution|4K]] to [[1080p]], it did not ruin the experience, which was still similar to the original. The [[frame rate]] was also found to be better than the PC version. Contemporarily, it was considered the best releases for the platform, and was described as next-generation. According to Matt Brown of ''Windows Central'', the memorable hint within the game's visual still retains. He recommended the Series X version over the Series S, though stated the Series S is also great. Poor accessory support was also stressed upon its release. Many reviewers were dismayed over the lack of gameplay difference from the PC, with the use of controls being described as irritating.<ref name=":21" /><ref>{{Cite web|last=Brown|first=Matt|date=2021-07-26|title=Microsoft Flight Simulator Xbox review: The true graphical showcase for Xbox Series X & Series S|url=https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft-flight-simulator-xbox-review|url-status=live|access-date=2021-07-28|website=Windows Central|archive-date=July 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727123904/https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft-flight-simulator-xbox-review}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Marrelli|first=Giovanni|date=2021-07-26|title=Microsoft Flight Simulator - La recensione della versione Xbox Series X/S|url=https://it.ign.com/microsoft-flight-simulator-2020/184836/review/microsoft-flight-simulator-la-recensione-della-versione-xbox-series-xs|url-status=live|access-date=2021-07-28|website=[[IGN]] Italia|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|language=it|archive-date=July 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726213923/https://it.ign.com/microsoft-flight-simulator-2020/184836/review/microsoft-flight-simulator-la-recensione-della-versione-xbox-series-xs}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Shannon|first=Grixti|date=2021-07-26|title=Microsoft Flight Simulator Xbox Series X Review - The World In Even More Hands|url=https://press-start.com.au/reviews/xbox-series-x-reviews/2021/07/26/microsoft-flight-simulator-xbox-series-x-review-the-world-in-even-more-hands/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-07-28|website=Press Start|language=en-US|archive-date=July 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726072321/https://press-start.com.au/reviews/xbox-series-x-reviews/2021/07/26/microsoft-flight-simulator-xbox-series-x-review-the-world-in-even-more-hands/}}</ref> Because of the game's routine updates prior to the Xbox release, Gianluca Musso of the Italian ''[[Eurogamer]]'' opined that Xbox players have more enjoyment than PC players, at least from that viewpoint; he also recommended it as a Series X and Series S starter.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Musso|first=Gianluca|date=2021-07-26|title=Microsoft Flight Simulator per Xbox Series X{{!}}S - recensione|url=https://www.eurogamer.it/articles/2021-07-26-microsoft-flight-simulator-per-xbox-series-x-s-recensione|url-status=live|access-date=2021-07-28|website=[[Eurogamer]]|publisher=[[Gamer Network]]|language=it|archive-date=July 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726080712/https://www.eurogamer.it/articles/2021-07-26-microsoft-flight-simulator-per-xbox-series-x-s-recensione}}</ref>
The mainstream media also viewed ''Flight Simulator'' in a positive light. According to Paul Sillers, writing for CNN, ''Flight Simulator'' might be "the safest way to travel" during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], and because of the [[Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on aviation|global economic conditions in the wake of COVID-19]], is being used by furloughed pilots to keep their skills fresh.<ref name="CNN release">{{Cite web|last=Sillers|first=Paul|date=August 6, 2020|title=Microsoft Flight Simulator's 2020 reboot may be the safest way to fly this year|url=https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/microsoft-flight-simulator-2020-release/index.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806130422/https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/microsoft-flight-simulator-2020-release/index.html|archive-date=August 6, 2020|access-date=July 13, 2020|website=[[CNN]]|publisher=[[WarnerMedia]]|language=en-US}}</ref> As "a comprehensive simulator that steadily guides players from square one to being able to fly, combined with kitchen-sink graphics", ''[[The Guardian]]'' concluded that ''Flight Simulator'' "captures the wonder of flight, and the spiritual and emotional rush of seeing the world in a different way".<ref name="theguardian review" /> Writing for ''[[The New York Times]]'', [[Farhad Manjoo]] describes the game as "more than a technical achievement or a marketing demo", writing the experience it offers is akin to an online life. "The game plunged me into sustained meditations on the permeability between the real [and online world]—[offering] me some hope of a more realistic kind of online life in the future."<ref name="NYT">{{Cite web|last=Manjoo|first=Farhad|author-link=Farhad Manjoo|date=August 19, 2020|title=I Tried Microsoft's Flight Simulator. The Earth Never Seemed So Real.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/19/opinion/microsoft-flight-simulator.html|url-access=limited|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200824034344/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/19/opinion/microsoft-flight-simulator.html|archive-date=August 24, 2020|access-date=August 24, 2020|website=[[The New York Times]]|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
=== Sales === Within the first few weeks of release, over one million users had played ''Microsoft Flight Simulator''.<ref name=":3" /> [[Market intelligence]] firm Jon Peddie Research noted in August 2020 that simulator enthusiasts are among the most active gamers online, projecting that ''Flight Simulator'' fans would spend $2.6 billion over the next three years on the game. Peddie also predicted that there would be more than 2.27 million copies sold, and that [[Intel]], [[Nvidia]], and [[Advanced Micro Devices]] (AMD) might benefit from this, as the game is shown to have operational shortcomings, which may increase the demand for more advanced [[graphics processing unit]]s (GPUs) and [[central processing unit]]s (CPUs).<ref>{{Cite web|last=Grubb|first=Jeff|date=August 20, 2020|title=Microsoft Flight Simulator could push PC-hardware spending to $2.6 billion|url=https://venturebeat.com/2020/08/20/how-microsoft-flight-simulator-could-help-stimulate-2-6-billion-spending-on-pc-hardware/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129051624/https://venturebeat.com/2020/08/20/how-microsoft-flight-simulator-could-help-stimulate-2-6-billion-spending-on-pc-hardware/|archive-date=November 29, 2020|access-date=November 28, 2020|website=[[VentureBeat]]|language=en-US}}</ref> Following its console debut, the Xbox version was the third best-selling game across Xbox platforms in the U.S. in July 2021. ''Microsoft Flight Simulator'' dropped to fifth-position in the Xbox charts the following month.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Grubb|first=Jeff|date=September 14, 2021|title=August 2021 NPD: Ghost of Tsushima returns to dominate August game sales|url=https://venturebeat.com/2021/09/14/august-2021-npd-ghost-of-tsushima-returns-to-dominate-august-game-sales/|access-date=September 15, 2021|website=[[VentureBeat]]|language=en-US|archive-date=September 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210914225936/https://venturebeat.com/2021/09/14/august-2021-npd-ghost-of-tsushima-returns-to-dominate-august-game-sales/|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Audience response === Game developer [[Rami Ismail]] conducted a casual test of the accuracy of the game performing an in-game real-time flight from [[Montréal–Mirabel International Airport|Montreal]] to [[Amsterdam Airport Schiphol|Amsterdam]] while simultaneously travelling commercially on that same route and found the game's flight to be accurate within minutes of the real flight. He described the game "absolutely staggering" and "wild".<ref>{{cite web|last=Wales|first=Matt|date=December 3, 2020|title=Plane passenger simultaneously flies exact same route in Flight Simulator with impressively accurate results|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2020-12-03-plane-passenger-simultaneously-flies-exact-same-route-in-flight-simulator-with-impressively-accurate-results|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206094755/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2020-12-03-plane-passenger-simultaneously-flies-exact-same-route-in-flight-simulator-with-impressively-accurate-results|archive-date=December 6, 2020|access-date=December 3, 2020|work=[[Eurogamer]]|publisher=[[Gamer Network]]}}</ref> [[Investigative journalism|Investigative journalist]] Giancarlo Fiorella used the game to detour around [[El Helicoide]], currently a building used for [[detaining]] [[political prisoners]] in Venezuela and [[SEBIN]] offices in Bolivia, the northeastern area of [[Damascus]], [[Battle of Aleppo (2012–2016)|Battle of Aleppo]] sites, and the [[Xinjiang re-education camps|Uyghur camps]] in Xinjiang. He concluded the game is not a viable tool for geolocation and investigative works, but said that if it improves to absolute realism, it "might actually help us with [[geolocation]] when we’re trying to figure out where a video or picture was taken".<ref name=":12" />[[File:FS2020 Brazil chasm.png|left|thumb|256x256px|A [[Diamond DA62]] in [[Lagoa Nova]] approaches a deep abyss, an error of the game's terrain system.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Livingston|first=Christopher|date=September 29, 2020|title=There's a freaky gaping chasm in Microsoft Flight Simulator, with an airport at the bottom of it|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/theres-a-freaky-gaping-chasm-in-microsoft-flight-simulator-with-an-airport-at-the-bottom-of-it/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101111126/https://www.pcgamer.com/theres-a-freaky-gaping-chasm-in-microsoft-flight-simulator-with-an-airport-at-the-bottom-of-it/|archive-date=January 1, 2021|access-date=January 19, 2021|website=[[PC Gamer]]|publisher=[[Future plc]]}}</ref> Neumann acknowledged the discovery, and thought that "it was cool". It has since been fixed and no longer exists.<ref name=":52"/>|alt=Screenshot of a blue plane approaching an abyss at a grass field.]]
Initial criticism focused on the simulator's loading times. On Steam, the long in-game installation frustrated many users, forcing them to exceed two hours of gameplay and lose the right to a refund. This resulted in a [[review bomb]], several users demanding refunds and the game's rating dropping. However, Doug Lombardi, Vice President of Steam's owner [[Valve Corporation|Valve]], says they have addressed this issue.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Phillips|first=Tom|date=August 20, 2020|title=Steam users want Microsoft Flight Simulator refund time extended|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2020-08-18-steam-users-want-microsoft-flight-simulator-refund-time-extended|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200821094614/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2020-08-18-steam-users-want-microsoft-flight-simulator-refund-time-extended|archive-date=August 21, 2020|access-date=January 26, 2021|website=[[Eurogamer]]|publisher=[[Gamer Network]]|language=en-US}}</ref> The download times had been either slow or stuck. ''Windows Central'' said such [[Bug (software)|bugs]] are expected saying: "Just remember, it's launch day."<ref>{{Cite web|last=Brown|first=Matt|date=August 17, 2020|title=How to fix Microsoft Flight Simulator download issues|url=https://www.windowscentral.com/how-fix-microsoft-flight-simulator-download-issues|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200819215415/https://www.windowscentral.com/how-fix-microsoft-flight-simulator-download-issues|archive-date=August 19, 2020|access-date=December 2, 2020|website=Windows Central}}</ref> There were also reports that features exclusive to the Deluxe and Premium Deluxe version could not be loaded.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Brown|first=Matt|date=August 18, 2020|title=Microsoft responds to missing Flight Simulator Premium Deluxe content|url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/microsoft-responds-to-missing-flight-simulator-premium-deluxe-content/ar-BB186qSN|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206094751/https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/microsoft-responds-to-missing-flight-simulator-premium-deluxe-content/ar-BB186qSN|archive-date=December 6, 2020|access-date=December 2, 2020|website=Windows Central|via=[[MSN]]}}</ref> ''[[PCGamesN]]'' compared the problem to a delayed flight: although it may irritate passengers at first, the result will do otherwise.<ref name="PCGamesN" />
Some users reported inaccuracies in rendering buildings like the [[Washington Monument]] in Washington, D.C., and [[Buckingham Palace]] in London, which were mistakenly rendered as a generic skyscraper and an office block, respectively. Because of a typographical error in the height of a [[Melbourne]] suburban building in [[OpenStreetMap]], data which had been used by Bing Maps and then used by Asobo, the flight simulator initially rendered a two-storey building as 212 storeys—inserting an improbably thin and tall skyscraper into the suburb.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Taylor|first=Josh|date=August 21, 2020|title=Microsoft Flight Simulator's mysterious Melbourne 212-storey skyscraper: is it a tower, is it a pole, is it a typo?|url=http://www.theguardian.com/games/2020/aug/21/melbourne-fawkner-suburbia-users-poke-fun-at-microsoft-flight-simulator-glitches|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200821105636/https://www.theguardian.com/games/2020/aug/21/melbourne-fawkner-suburbia-users-poke-fun-at-microsoft-flight-simulator-glitches|archive-date=August 21, 2020|access-date=August 21, 2020|website=[[The Guardian]]|language=en}}</ref> Users also discovered the system is unable to render [[palm trees]], making them into [[obelisks]] "jutting forth from the pavement like so many teeth". The [[TIAA Bank Field]] in [[Jacksonville, Florida|Jacksonville]], Florida had also been misrendered as an office building with grass roofs. Many users on the ''Flight Simulator'' support forums also reported instability and game crashes without an obvious cause. Despite this, Tom Warren of ''[[The Verge]]'' said "the [[glitch]]es are more amusing than they are game breaking".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Warren|first=Tom|date=August 20, 2020|title=Microsoft Flight Simulator has some amazing bugs, glitches, and mountain-high obelisks|url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/microsoft-flight-simulator-has-some-amazing-bugs-glitches-and-mountain-high-obelisks/ar-BB18bEyS|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206094829/https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/microsoft-flight-simulator-has-some-amazing-bugs-glitches-and-mountain-high-obelisks/ar-BB18bEyS|archive-date=December 6, 2020|access-date=August 20, 2020|website=[[The Verge]]|publisher=[[Vox Media]]|via=[[MSN]]}}</ref> Engadget's Jessica Conditt opined such bugs represent what the amateur flight simulation genre is all about: creating a planet [[Sandbox game|sandbox]] where players can do whatever they want.<ref name=":52"/>
Further negatives were voiced by [[Aircraft pilot|pilots]], expressing disappointment with the game's unrealistic [[aerodynamics]] and the aircraft's "sluggish" response. At ''[[Gizmodo]]'', a pilot commented on the overly sensitive [[Flight control surfaces|control surfaces]] at slow airspeeds, noting that it could be fixed "if the physics model accounted more for reduced airflow over [them]".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Pilotman|first=Tim|date=September 30, 2020|title=A Pilot's Review of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020|url=https://gizmodo.com/a-pilot-s-review-of-microsoft-flight-simulator-2020-1845224897|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116163402/https://gizmodo.com/a-pilot-s-review-of-microsoft-flight-simulator-2020-1845224897|archive-date=January 16, 2021|access-date=January 27, 2021|website=[[Gizmodo]]|publisher=[[Gizmodo Media Group]]|language=en-us}}</ref>
=== Popular destinations === Large numbers of users have been attracted to several destinations. In August 2020, many players went to [[Little Saint James]], an island in the [[United States Virgin Islands|US Virgin Islands]], where the [[child sex offender]] [[Jeffrey Epstein]] reportedly molested underage girls. YouTubers and [[Reddit]]ors shared their experiences and shared the island's coordinates. ''[[The Independent]]'' opines that the [[Jeffrey Epstein conspiracy theories|conspiracy theories]] of which the Epstein case are the subject are a main driver of interest. It was quickly noted that the game failed to render the island in a detailed fashion;<ref>{{Cite web|last=Chilton|first=Louis|date=2020-08-19|title=Flight Simulator players flock to virtual recreation of Jeffrey Epstein's private island|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/games/news/microsoft-flight-simulator-2020-jeffrey-epstein-private-island-pc-a9678791.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201123002513/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/games/news/microsoft-flight-simulator-2020-jeffrey-epstein-private-island-pc-a9678791.html|archive-date=November 23, 2020|access-date=December 7, 2020|website=[[The Independent]]|publisher=Independent Digital News & Media Ltd|language=en}}</ref> ''[[Vice (magazine)|Vice]]'' noticed the game does not include the island's iconic [[dome]] and said the activity "is just another way for people to satisfy their fascination with one of the most horrible stories in recent memory, and not that different than sending [[Drone (aircraft)|drones]] to film the island and [[Charter boat|chartering private boats]] to explore its buildings".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Gault|first=Matthew|date=2020-08-20|title='Flight Simulator' Players Are Flocking to Jeffrey Epstein's Private Island|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/flight-simulator-players-are-flocking-to-jeffrey-epsteins-private-island/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129062744/https://www.vice.com/en/article/jgxn5d/flight-simulator-players-are-flocking-to-jeffrey-epsteins-private-island|archive-date=November 29, 2020|access-date=December 7, 2020|website=[[Vice (magazine)|Vice]]|publisher=[[Vice Media]]|language=en}}</ref> In addition, many players have travelled to their own homes via the game,<ref name=":23" /> with Asobo revealing in a November 2020 survey that 70% of players had immediately flown to their homes or hometown.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Linken |first=André |date=2020-11-30 |title=Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020: Zu diesem Ort sind die meisten Spieler bisher geflogen |trans-title=Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020: Most players have flown to this location so far |url=https://www.pcgames.de/Microsoft-Flight-Simulator-Spiel-15259/News/zu-diesem-ort-sind-die-meisten-spieler-bisher-geflogen-1362754/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130141158/https://www.pcgames.de/Microsoft-Flight-Simulator-Spiel-15259/News/zu-diesem-ort-sind-die-meisten-spieler-bisher-geflogen-1362754/ |archive-date=November 30, 2020 |access-date=December 1, 2020 |website=PC Games |language=de |quote=70 Prozent der Spieler umgehend zu ihrem Heimatort beziehungsweise ihrem Haus geflogen waren, als sie die Tutorial hinter sich gebracht hatten.}}</ref>
''Flight Simulator''<nowiki/>'s weather has been noted for incorporating real-time data of notable weather abnormalities. During the [[2020 Western United States wildfire season|2020 Western United States fires]], players discovered that smoke from the wildfires had been incorporated into the game's weather model and was visible to players. Although details were not perfectly accurate, ''[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]'' journalist Austen Goslin stated that it "does help to contextualize just how big the fires are, and how much of [California] is impacted by them".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Goslin|first=Austen|date=2020-09-10|title=You can see the smoke from the West Coast fires in Microsoft Flight Simulator|url=https://www.polygon.com/2020/9/10/21430825/microsoft-flight-simulator-west-coast-fires-smoke-california-oregon|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127090312/https://www.polygon.com/2020/9/10/21430825/microsoft-flight-simulator-west-coast-fires-smoke-california-oregon|archive-date=November 27, 2020|access-date=November 22, 2020|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|publisher=[[Vox Media]]|language=en}}</ref> As [[Hurricane Laura]] was approaching [[Texas]] and [[Louisiana]], players flew inside the [[Category 4 hurricane]].<ref name=":8" /> ''[[The Washington Post]]'' added the inaccuracy of the [[wind speeds]], and that the [[hurricane]] did not swirl.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Park|first=Gene|date=2020-08-27|title=Would-be stormchasers in 'Microsoft Flight Simulator' observed Hurricane Laura in real-time|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/video-games/2020/08/27/would-be-stormchasers-microsoft-flight-simulator-observed-hurricane-laura-real-time/|url-access=limited|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200905223725/https://www.washingtonpost.com/video-games/2020/08/27/would-be-stormchasers-microsoft-flight-simulator-observed-hurricane-laura-real-time/|archive-date=September 5, 2020|access-date=December 7, 2020|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|publisher=[[Fred Ryan]]|quote=The weather system isn’t perfect. The Washington Post tested this out by flying into the hurricane: Wind speeds were clearly inaccurate, as it was a relatively smooth flight headed toward the outer edges of the storm. The clouds also didn’t swirl, though from a satellite view within the game, an eye is clearly formed.}}</ref> Mathias Müller, head of Meteoblue said: "Yesterday’s hurricane was very beautiful to look at and was accurately predicted by our models even days ahead. We are very happy that real-time weather is now part of ''Flight Simulator''. It was a long journey as integrating these massive amounts of data required the solution of many problems." He said that Laura inspired them to improve ''Flight Simulator''{{'}}s weather quality.<ref name=":8" />
The [[Suez Canal]] soon became popularized among players following the [[2021 Suez Canal obstruction|obstruction of the canal]] by the ''[[Ever Given]]'' ship, with the vessel later becoming a downloadable [[Video game modding|mod]]. Players using it shared their flights on social media.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Statt|first=Nick|date=2021-03-28|title=This Microsoft Flight Simulator mod features the cargo ship stuck in the Suez Canal|url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/3/28/22355368/suez-canal-cargo-ship-stuck-microsoft-flight-simulator-flyby|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-29|website=[[The Verge]]|publisher=[[Vox Media]]|language=en|archive-date=March 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210331204302/https://www.theverge.com/2021/3/28/22355368/suez-canal-cargo-ship-stuck-microsoft-flight-simulator-flyby}}</ref>
== See also ==
* [[2020 in video games]] * [[List of video games considered the best]]
== Notes == {{notelist}}
== References == {{reflist}}
== External links == * {{Official website}} * {{MobyGames|/149407}} * {{IMDb title|id=11750162}}
{{Microsoft Flight Simulator}} {{Subject bar|portal1=Video games|portal2=Aviation|portal3=Technology|portal4=Maps}}
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