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Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 in the test: crash landing instead of a dream takeoff?
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What’s inside
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Hardware requirements
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Graphic high-flyer
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Let’s go
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Authentic tasks
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Conclusion
Around 12 million players regularly take off in Microsoft’s Flight Simulator 2020. The 2024 version has now been released, which is more than just a version update. Microsoft has rebuilt the technical basis so that the vast majority of data now streams from the cloud. Players no longer have to reserve half a terabyte on their SSD, but they do need a stable and fast internet connection.
Microsoft has also integrated a career mode: Players can now earn a virtual pilot license, certifications and specializations in order to then fight fires with firefighting aircraft, fly rescue missions, fertilize fields or chauffeur VIPs. On the one hand, the new simulator should appeal to even more casual players, but on the other hand, it should also give hardcore simmers more to do in the huge world. However, the simulation is not neglected: the flight behavior has been improved, which is particularly noticeable when flying smaller aircraft as well as during take-off and landing. Microsoft has also improved the graphics in crucial areas – such as ground details, which is particularly beneficial for low-flying aircraft.
Microsoft released Flight Simulator worldwide on November 19th, but journalists were not given access in advance. In order to be able to give our readers a meaningful impression of the new simulation in a timely manner, we played with several editors, tested it and wrote down our impressions. And we did it as quickly as we could – because although Microsoft was optimistic in advance in an interview with heise online, the servers completely collapsed right after publication and caused long waiting times, graphic errors and crashes. This situation lasted for several days, and at the time of publishing this article the servers are still not running smoothly at all times. We will address some of the resulting problems where appropriate in this article, especially if they will have a long-term impact on the gaming experience. To avoid frustration, we recommend waiting a few more days before you plunge fully into the Flight Simulator 2024 adventure.
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How might the dependency on cloud streaming for Flight Simulator 2024 impact the accessibility of the simulator for players with varying internet speeds and data caps?
## Open-ended questions about Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 based on the provided text:
**General:**
* How do you think the shift to cloud streaming will impact the future of flight simulators and gaming in general?
* What are the biggest pros and cons of this new approach compared to traditional game installations?
* Do you think the new career mode will attract a wider audience to flight simulators? How might it change the experience for experienced simmers?
**Hardware Requirements:**
* What are your thoughts on the reliance on a stable internet connection for Flight Simulator 2024?
* How might this new model impact people with limited internet access or living in areas with unreliable connectivity?
* Do you think the minimum hardware requirements for Flight Simulator 2024 are accessible to most players?
**Gameplay and New Features:**
* What excites you most about the new features and improvements in Flight Simulator 2024?
* How do you think the new career mode will affect the overall feel and progression of the game?
* Do you think the improvements to flight behavior and graphics are significant enough to warrant an upgrade?
* Do you think the server issues experienced at launch will have a long-term impact on the game’s popularity?
**Future of Flight Simulators:**
* How do you see the future of flight simulators evolving in the next few years?
* What other features or improvements would you like to see in future versions of Flight Simulator?
* Do you think cloud streaming will become the standard for future flight simulators and other games?
