Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024: Launch disaster upsets players worldwide

On November 19, Microsoft released Flight Simulator 2024 simultaneously worldwide. Unlike its predecessor, the 2024 version streams not only the map data, but also numerous landscape objects, aircraft models etc. directly from the cloud. Although Microsoft expressed optimism to heise online in advance that it would be able to cope with the rush for the release, the servers nevertheless collapsed, causing anger and frustration among buyers.

The disaster was almost pre-programmed: Microsoft did not offer buyers of the software, which costs up to 220 euros, a preload of relevant data, but only a few megabytes of data, which were only there to download the approximately 12 GB of basic data from the Marketplace for the release. However, this was necessary in order to download the remaining files directly via an upstream game screen; similar to its predecessor, in which updates and the like were also only available via an upstream loading menu.

The result: players all over the world stared at loading bars for hours. Even several hours after release, we were unable to access the main menu. The situation initially eased during the night, so that it was temporarily possible to play Flight Simulator 2024 relatively normally.

However, the problems continued the day after release: Although many players are now able to get into the game, many users are reporting crashes or massively reduced graphics details due to insufficient server bandwidth. We can also confirm this.

Currently, certain regions either load with reduced graphics or not at all. After starting a selected flight route via the world menu, the game often gets stuck in the loading menu. The list of problems is long, and many players are venting their anger in the official Flight Simulator forum.

Microsoft has now published a statement in which it addresses the problems. "The server responsible for processing data requests has been overloaded, resulting in delays and errors. As a result, players are experiencing long loading times and missing content such as airplanes," said Microsoft. However, the problems have been solved and players are now being let in bit by bit. However, we cannot confirm that the problems have been solved.

We are currently trying to gather impressions of Flight Simulator 2024 with several heise editors and provide you with a comprehensive article on the current status and playability as soon as possible.

You will also have the opportunity to put questions directly to the head of Microsoft Flight Simulator this evening at 6pm. Jörg Neumann will be a guest in our expert talk. You are also welcome to leave questions in advance in the corresponding article forum.

(mfi)