The launch of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 on Xbox Series X|S has been met with mixed reactions. While the game boasts impressive features, a rocky debut has raised concerns among players. However, the development team at Asobo Studio is actively addressing these issues with a series of updates planned in the coming weeks.
Turbulence at Launch and Upcoming Fixes
The release of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 encountered some technical hiccups on the Xbox Series X|S, leading to frustration for many players. Following reports of instability and performance problems, Asobo Studio rolled out a “hotfix 1” on November 22 to stabilize the experience, but further improvements are on the way.
Players can look forward to another patch on December 2, aimed at delivering additional stability improvements and other critical fixes. Asobo has also revealed plans for a more substantial patch scheduled for December 9, which promises to address several lingering issues.
Content Porting Challenges
One of the most challenging aspects of the transition to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 has been porting content from the 2020 version. According to Asobo Studio’s latest development update, the transfer of marketplace content, particularly third-party add-ons, has led to “significant issues.”
As a temporary measure, the team has decided to deactivate all non-aircraft content from Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 until they can determine which assets are causing problems. This decision was explained in a direct response to community feedback:
“Recent reports from the community show that some 3rd party add-ons are causing significant issues, including preventing some users from entering the simulator. Until we identify which content is causing these issues, we will temporarily deactivate all MSFS 2020 non-aircraft content from MSFS 2024.”
Upcoming Features in the December Update
The larger patch set to arrive on December 9 includes several new features that aim to enhance user experience. One notable addition is a toggle that will allow players to “disable or enable content” at their discretion. This feature will give users greater control over the third-party assets loaded into the game.
In cases where third-party add-ons cause crashes during the simulator’s boot process, a new “safe boot option” will be introduced. This functionality is designed to help players bypass problematic content and regain access to the game seamlessly, minimizing downtime for users.
Server Improvements and Future Communication
Despite the launch challenges, Asobo Studio has shared some positive updates regarding the game’s backend performance. The developer reported that its “distribution layer capacity has been increased” to handle the high volume of players engaging with the simulator. The reliability of servers and associated services has now reached an impressive level of “above 99.999%.”
Looking ahead, the development team is planning a developer Q&A stream. This event will provide an opportunity to share progress updates, address community concerns, and answer player questions, ensuring open communication between the developers and the user base.
Conclusion
While the launch of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 may not have been entirely smooth, Asobo Studio’s proactive approach and commitment to addressing issues reflect their dedication to enhancing the player experience. With several important updates on the horizon, fans can expect ongoing improvements to the game’s stability and content compatibility.
Are you enjoying your flight through the skies in the latest installment of Microsoft Flight Simulator? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
