Microsoft Flight Simulator Keeps Breaking Records; World Update Italy & Malta & More Announced

Today Microsoft and Asobo Studio hosted a livestream showcasing upcoming plans for Microsoft Flight Simulator.

As usual, we hear from head of Microsoft Flight Simulator Jorg Neumann, Asobo CEO Sebastian Wlock, and executive producer Martial Bossard.

First of all, we hear from Neumann that Microsoft Flight Simulator is breaking records again. After the launch of the cloud version, the sim has been enjoyed by more users than in any month in the history of the franchise. On top of that, 80% of those gamers trying the sim via the cloud are entirely new to the hobby.

We start with taking a look at the new settings and tools for trees, which will come with Sim Update 9 on April 26. We also got the confirmation that it’ll have a beta test.

We’re also treated to a teaser trailer for tomorrow’s world update that will focus on Spain, Portugal, Gibraltar, & Andorra.

The hand-crafted airports included will be Andorra–La Seu d’Urgell Airport (LESU), Pico Airport (LPPI), Faro Airport (LPFR), and A Coruña Airport (LECO).

We also learn that World Update 9 will feature Italy & Malta. It’s going to be the biggest World Update yet with 18 photogrammetry areas including 12 cities and 6 suburbs for 18,000 square kilometers of photogrammetry (the largest world update for size is currently Australia with 6.300 square km).

Gaya Simulations is working on the points of interest, of which you can see a few below. Aerial data used is brand new, from 2021, and there will be new digital elevation map data as well.

It will release in mid-May

Sim update 9 will not have a specific theme but will include tons of bug fixes. It’ll improve the F/A-18, it will bring a new soft body simulation, and much more.

You can see a video of some of those improvements below.

An upgrade on the Ju-52 is coming tomorrow (March 23), while the Fokker F.VII will be updated between next week and early April.

Local Legend 3, the Dornier Do J Wal will be released on March 29 and you can check out a trailer below.

The Famous Flyer 2 will be released on April 26 and it’ll be the Granville Gee Bee Model Z and Model R made by Carenado. You can see two screenshots below.

Microsoft is also donating $5 for every item sold in the official marketplace between March 24 and March 31 to the International Rescue Committee to help the people of Ukraine.

We then get a few reveals and releases from third-party developers today.

UK2000 Scenery announced John Wayne Airport (KSNA) serving Orange County and Santa Ana in California, US will be released on March 25. we also get plenty of new screenshots.

Moving on to new releases, Fly High released Miyazaki Bouganvillea Airport (RJFM) in Japan.

It’s currently available on SimMarket for approximately $16.5 plus applicable VAT.

Below you can read a list of features and take a look at a trailer.

• Extremely realistic airport
• Animated flag
• Custom jetway
• Dynamic lighting
• PBR Materials
• Frame rates friendly
• Version for Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS)

Another release comes from Aerosoft and partner developer Captain 7, and it’s Nuremberg (EDDN) in Germany.

It’s available at Aerosoft’s own store for €20.45 VAT included and you can check a trailer and official features below.

• Highly realistic rendition of Nuremberg Airport based on most recent data
• Highly detailed buildings with internal modelling of the terminal and Hangar 2
• Sloped runway and taxiways based on real world data
• Accurate taxiway, apron and stands layout
• Includes the newly build P4 car park
• Custom aerial image covering the airport area
• Custom taxiway signage
• Realistic materials (depiction of reflective/non reflective materials, bump maps…)
• Realistic night time dynamic lighting
• Using the new MSFS airport lighting system for taxiways with custom made models for this airport
• Smart features like:
  • Animated jetways
  • Moving custom ground traffic with proper animations, lighting and sounds
  • Animated characters
  • Upgraded service definition file (e.g., stairways available at gates that don’t have jetway)
  • Open / Close FAI gate
• Static aircraft with proper liveries and registrations

Lastly, Adver released  Marina di Campo Airport (LIRJ) in Italy.

It’s available on Simmarket for approximately $11 plus VAT.

• Airport fully updated to 2022
• Custom 3D models & PBR textures based on real imagery including the terminal, control tower and hangars
• Meticulous 2D surfacing, lines, markings and parkings
• Roadside reproduction with terminal, close neighbor buildings and roads
• Realistic calibration of the PAPI lights
• Accurate simplification of the objects complexity, FPS friendly

If you want to learn more about the game itself, you can read our review that will tell you everything you need to know about Asobo Studio’s game. Microsoft Flight Simulator is already available for Windows 10 and Steam, and Xbox Series X|S.