Microsoft's New Flight Simulator

[capflyer]

All,

XBox is not a platform anymore. Yes it is a device sold by Microsoft, but XBox is also the re-branded Microsoft Games Studio. XBox Game Pass is their cross-platform delivery service and not something specific to the XBox device. XBox Live is in fact part of every copy of Windows 10 delivered since it was released. They did a poor job of making that clear when they announced the project because they announced in conjunction with E3, where most involved were aware of this. Most of the FS community, however, aren't big into consoles, so that part was missed by the existing community and caused a lot of confusion. This was clarified within days, but too many didn't see those clarifications, so I don't blame anyone for still not knowing.

I highly encourage everyone to not only view the links above, but also the various videos from people like Frooglesim on the preview event held about a month an a half ago.

Here is Froogle's video -
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fj8h6yibHHc&t=3s

It's important to note that Microsoft *specifically* invited Froogle not just because he is a known FS YouTuber, but because he was one of the most critical of the initial marketing of the program. That they invited him to me shows how invested the team is at Microsoft and Ascerbo in trying to correct their initial mistakes in marketing the new version. That Froogle is now onboard tells me all I need to know to keep watching this and being optimistic that we'll have a good program, even though it'll probably not be really compatible with back-dated scenery (at least at first).

[Erik]

Many thanks for all this info, mostly new to me and does give a much better perspective.

Erik

[stansdds]

Oct 25, 2019 7:59:24 GMT -5 Pacific SMX said:

My son has an X-Box, and with the exception of maybe a car racing game, I can't think of any "game" that requires the level of weather, especially real time weather, that's detailed in this clip. Gamers probably won't have a clue about the effects of icing, barometric pressure, jet streams etc... that a true flight simmer is aware of and it's effect on aircraft performance. The weather engine that they're developing far exceeds any other that I've seen in any of the games my son plays, or for that matter, needs. I really think that although this is labeled as an X-Box game, the PC version is going to be geared more to the "hobbyist", which is what I like to think we all are, as opposed to the "gamers". Yeah, I've already started to work on the Mrs. about how our current computer needs an upgrade due to it's age. lol

Regards,
Phil

Based on the released videos and information, I'd say that you are correct in your assessment. I will definitely need a new computer, my old Core2Quad 9650 and 4GB of DDR2-800 RAM and Nividia GTX-560 running Windows XP will be faaaaaaaaaar below the minimum specs for MSFS.

[Tom/CalClassic]

It will require Window 10 at the minimum.

[zswobbie1]

Yes, Microsoft Flight Simulation will only run in Windows 10.
Frooglesim was one of many that was invited to a 'preview'of the sim, & his video is one of many released by the so-called ínfluencers of our hobby.
Have a look at www.flightsimulator.com/ and you register as an Insider, & you will see stunning videos, by the Microsoft team. So far, there are 2 major videos, World & Weather, plus a roadmap & plenty of pictures.

Also, have a look at www.xbox.com/en-ZA/games/microsoft-flight-simulator for more information.

The sim will be available for PC initially, then for the new still to be released Xbox ONE.

Development of the sim has been ongoing for the last 5 years, & it will be something special for us simmers.
Yes, there are the so-called sim experts out there... do your homework yourself!

No minimum computer specs have been released, apart from a PC having Windows 10, pretty obvious really, as the developers are developing for current operating systems, & the sim will be optimised & use some of the features that Windows 10 has. Also, Microsoft will want the sim to be used on as wide a range of hardware as possible, NOT only high speced machines.

So, do not rush out to get upgrade your hardware as yet, & try to ignore rumours.

Regards,
Robin

[stansdds]

I treat the hearsay about computer specs like a rumor, believer half of what you see and none of what you hear. Things I expect to be required would be a CPU with at least 4 cores running at more than 3 GHz, fast RAM, and a very capable video card. I'm guessing that this new sim will actually make good use of the video card.

[jymp]

From what I'm reading/seeing so far MS is listening to the community for this one, at first was skeptical, but it is impressive to see whats coming together.

[Pacific SMX]

MS has released an option in FSX, Steam edition only, to participate in a beta program. Sounds like, at least according to some of the other forums out there, that MS is using it to test backward and forward compatibility between FS2020 and FSX. So, not to get anyone's hopes up too high, there may be some hope that some FSX addons may work in FS2020. I figure we'll all know more about addons, compatible or not, if we hear of an SDK coming out with the release.

Regards,
Phil

[Wolfgang]

I'm speechless....There will be an "old style" FSX compatible mode.

[Wolfgang]

What to say ?.....

[Fran65]

Jan 3, 2020 7:56:19 GMT -5 Wolfgang said:

What to say ?.....

...I don't know, words are freezed.... 

[Bjoern]

Jan 3, 2020 7:56:19 GMT -5 Wolfgang said:

What to say ?.....

The second simulator (after the open-source FlightGear) discovered dynamic snowlines powered by pixel shaders.

[Wolfgang]

dynamic snowlines powered by pixel shaders

There seems to be even more at the start.

[stansdds]

I like it, but I wish the deciduous trees could shed their leaves for winter.

[Wolfgang]

OMG !



Here, the first time ( to my knowledge ) AI planes are mentioned...with additional information about third party addons in form of scenery, airports..




Cheers
Wolfgang