PMDG faces last minute struggles with the 737 for MSFS, release date put on hold
A troubling update is out today from PMDG’s boss Robert Randazzo. Speaking on the official PMDG forum, Robert expressed his concerns about the current stage of the development of the highly-anticipated Boeing 737 for MSFS, the necessary changes that need to be made on platform for the product to be released, and some broader worries about the persistent introduction of new issues with every new Sim Update.
The 737 is certainly the most awaited aircraft for Microsoft Flight Simulator at this point, so naturally everyone is eager to know more about an eventual release date, specially considering that a release this year was a likely not too long ago (although current expectations, as of yesterday, pointed to earlier 2022).
Robert Randazzo arrived today to completely put to shambles that expectation: MSFS needs to get some changes and fixes without which the 737 can’t be released. And PMDG doesn’t know when, or if, these changes will be implemented by Asobo, so they will refrain from giving any release date expectations for now. Hold your breath!
Furthermore, Sim Update 7 brought some new issues for developers, who are facing stability problems and long build-up times. This also brings delays to the development process, and Robert Randazzo again expressed his concerns about “continued disruptions to forward progress because of problems introduced by updates in this manner“.
It’s an odd turn of events, when everything appeared to be going so well. PMDG was even announced as an official MSFS partner just a few weeks ago, which would indicate that both teams are actively working together to tackle any hurdles that show up on the road.
But there’s not just bad news. The 737 development continues to move along, albeit slowly at this point. There are some “fantastic areas of progress“, such as with the flight model, cockpit and model animations. See below, for example, the reflection of the MCP LEDs on the panel cover. These and other convincing lighting plays will be seen across many surfaces, which should result in a very authentic and immersive overall environment in the flight deck.
The long statement from Robert Randazzo is available from PMDG’s forums, and also includes other details about the DC-6 and P3D development.
While this is a bit worrying and unexpected, we are confident that PMDG and Asobo will continue to work together and fix any existing issues. When the 737 finally comes out, whenever it may be, it will certainly be a real treat for everyone and well worth the wait. Until then, we will keep you posted on any further updates!
haider
i feel this plane is just going to never be released
Patrick
+1
SGaber
Agreed, or maybe not for a very loooong time…
Afsin
+1
Laulenture
They are too busy banning people on their forums for asking about the news they promised months ago.
peter seazel
I thought Pmdg is making the 737 max why are they designing an old plane ? they should be on the max not on the NGX
Manuel Jarry
The 737 MAX isn’t used as much as the 737-800 and there’s already a bad one available for the sim so the NGX seems like a better idea
Alex
NGX is much more interesting as the MAX… PMDG 737-300-500 where be nice too 🙂
Nicholai
In a sense, it is good news. At least I have time to get prepared for buying that crazy I9 – 11900KF with DDR5 Alienware for $4,350!
No PMDG – no MSFS 2020!
Patrick
I just remembered how PMDG dealt with FSW & Xplane, using its monopoly power to PERSUADE others not to work on these platforms. It’s obvious that whey they said is not reasonable. And now it’s quite ridiculous, to say MSFS lacks the features they required. All platforms are not perfect, but you can negotiate to get what you need.
However, I hope we can get a study-level 737 or a320 on the MSFS platform soon.
Merry Christmas and a happy new year.
veteran simmer
RSR is a drama queen…you will learn to ignore him in time. PMDG managed to pick a fight with every single element of the fs community over the years.
Afsin
It’s always better to explain exact problem. what is the exact problem that asabo should fix? Microsoft flight simulator 2020 has many throubles and maybe its not easy thing to solve. But people made helicopters on to that base which flight dynamics are not ready to do.
So it shouldn’t be that difficult to overcome problems , if your job is that. Before the pmdg there was a dreamfleet b737400 on the MSFS 2004 platform, which works also fine. Year is 2022 and things goes more slower than before.. I’m curious about that it can be economical things
Raid
The Boeing 737-800 is my favorite aircraft and cant wait to see it here in MSFS2020… Looking forward to its release and I’m sure its gonna be awesome.