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Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Launches with Enhanced Technology and Realism
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, which officially launches today, brings a host of advancements over its 2020 predecessor, particularly in physics and environmental simulations.
The increase in computational capability is a significant factor behind these enhancements. Unlike the 2020 version, where some processing was done on players’ devices and additional data was sourced from distant cloud servers, the entirety of the game in 2024 operates in real-time via cloud computing. This shift requires minimal local storage—approximately 50 gigabytes—allowing the game to function as a comprehensive digital twin of the Earth.
This robust technology enables the simulation of various aircraft types and scenarios, including gliders, hot air balloons, and supersonic jets, with detail on par with real-life conditions. The simulation boasts ground details that are an astounding 4,000 times more intricate than those generated in 2020.
In September, I had the opportunity to join the Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 development team for a demonstration at the Grand Canyon, where we experienced a flight preview ahead of the game’s release on November 19, 2024.
During this event, I spoke with Sebastian Wloch, the CEO of Asobo Studio, the primary development company involved in this ambitious project. With a team of around 800 people working over several years, Wloch provided insights into the game’s development process.
Digital Twins and Realism
Sebastian Wloch: As the CEO of Asobo, I am deeply involved in technology, rendering, and flight model physics.
GamesBeat: I’ve explored the concept of digital twins extensively, especially concerning initiatives led by companies like Nvidia. I noticed you have adopted this concept for Flight Simulator 2024 as well. What drove the decision to create a digital twin of the Earth and various aircraft?
Wloch: Flight simulation has always aimed for accuracy, be it in aircraft physics or visuals. The advancements in technology, including satellite imaging and easy scanning techniques, have transformed our approach. Now, nearly everything relies on cloud computing, enhancing our ability to represent the real world with unprecedented detail and accuracy.
This integration of cloud technology enables us to address the vast amount of data we require to simulate the planet. We’ve also integrated advanced AI capabilities that help differentiate between various geographic features by analyzing images effectively.
Specialized Approaches to Digital Twins
GamesBeat: Numerous organizations aim to build digital twins for various purposes, including climate predictions. How does your focus differ in flight simulation?
Wloch: Our specialty lies within flight simulation itself. While others may look at broader climate modeling, we focus on real-time atmospheric conditions critical for flight. We simulate specific air movements and drafts caused by local features like trees or buildings, allowing for accurate representation during flight experiences.
Our latest technology enables us to replicate subtle variations in air movement based on time of day and weather conditions, which significantly influences the dynamics of flight.
Precision and Data in Simulation
GamesBeat: Regarding physics and creating realism for various aircraft, how do you refine the physics engine for different types of planes?
Wloch: A major enhancement in 2024 is our ability to gather precise flight dynamics data from real-world aircraft. By measuring vital parameters such as acceleration forces and surface positioning, we developed a more accurate simulation of aircraft behavior across different models. This methodology allows for significant updates that align closely with actual aircraft dynamics.
This emphasis on instrumentation and data collection has propelled the realism of aircraft simulations higher than ever before.
Real-Time Environmental Factors
Stone: One of the impressive aspects of MSFS is its dynamic nature. How does it adapt to real-time environmental factors, such as current weather conditions in different regions?
Wloch: Our approach encompasses a wide range of parameters, including sunlight intensity, atmospheric pressure, cloud cover, and temperature variations. We analyze how these elements interact in real-time to accurately simulate flying conditions, adjusting for factors like surface heating from the sun and humidity that can affect air movements.
This level of detail allows the simulation to react to specific environmental situations, such as turbulence caused by geographical features, significantly enhancing the user experience.
User Feedback and Enhancements
Stone: With over 15 million users engaging with the 2020 version, what feedback impacted the physics and aircraft handling improvements for 2024?
Wloch: We place considerable emphasis on user feedback to balance reality with the pilot’s experience. Adjustments can make the simulation feel more realistic without compromising the physical accuracy, such as refining camera movements to enhance the perception of weight and lightness while flying.
This feedback has been instrumental in optimizing our systems to better reflect real-life sensations and dynamics.
Advancements in Cloud Technology
GamesBeat: The improvements in cloud technology from 2020 to 2024 are substantial. What specific changes enabled this transition?
Wloch: This progress is attributed to advancements in GPU technology and rewriting our code for more complex cloud simulations. Shifting nearly all data storage to the cloud significantly decreases local requirements, enhancing performance and responsiveness of the simulation.
While we pre-process data in our cloud environments, the real-time computations are executed locally, allowing us to deliver seamless experiences with a fraction of the storage requirements.
Source
venturebeat.com