At the first Live Developer Q&A for Microsoft Flight Simulator of 2021 on Twitch, Head of Microsoft Flight Simulator Jorg Neumann, Asobo Studio CEO and Co-Founder Sebastian Wloch and Asobo Studio Executive Producer Martial Bossard shared new information on the future of the amateur flight simulator program.
During the live stream, the team revealed a new trailer showcasing World Update III: United Kingdom and Ireland, which will be released between February 9 and February 11. The update adds photogrammetry to Cambridge, Oxford, Birmingham and Bristol, 80 points of interest, and handcrafted airports at Liverpool, Land’s End, Barra, Out Skerries and Manchester-Barton.
The update will be followed by a new update featuring France and the Benelux — Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg — which is set to be released in March. The developers also discussed the most requested features, which include a freeware section in the Microsoft Flight Simulator Marketplace as well as being able to download content via the flight sim, like the FlyByWire Simulations A32NX.
The requested features are currently being prototyped by Asobo Studio along with a new Scenery Gateway System that allows developers and community members to add edits to existing scenery to improve the default environment. Asobo will also release Sim Update 3 next month, which includes weather panel improvements, Garmin autopilot systems, and aircraft enhancements.
The Microsoft Flight Simulator series was awarded seven world records in the Guinness World Records: Gamer's Edition 2008, including Longest Running Flight Sim Series, Most Successful Flight Simulator Series, and Most Expensive Home Flight Simulator Cockpit, built by Australian trucking tycoon Matthew Sheil for $200,000.
Microsoft Flight Simulator, which includes standard, deluxe, and premium deluxe editions, was announced on June 9, 2019 at the E3 conference. Released for PC in August, the game is the company’s first simulator since Microsoft Flight in 2012. The new version features integration of ground satellite data and Azure AI in the simulator's engine to deliver photorealistic graphics. The launch date for Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S is yet to be announced.
Source: FSELITE