The MSFS team returned this week with another live developer stream, providing detailed insights into both current and upcoming features for MSFS 2020 and the anticipated MSFS 2024.
As always, it was a rich discussion that touched on various topics, from current issues to upcoming platform and content updates.
If you have 90 minutes to spare to learn all about the latest details on Microsoft Flight Simulator’s development, the full stream is available on Twitch. If you’re just looking for key highlights, here’s a quick rundown below of the hottest updates and announcements!
Sim Update 15, the last this year for MSFS 2020
Sim Update 15 continues to be actively worked on by the team. This major update, which was already delayed once with a tentative backup release date set for April 30th, has been delayed again. It’s now aimed for May 7, so there’s another week of waiting.
The reasons for these delays, however, seem to be clearer now. We already know that this will be one of the largest Sim Updates yet, with changes now clocking at over 280. Moreover, the stream confirmed that Sim Update 15 will be the last major update for MSFS 2020 this year as the development team shifts its focus towards MSFS 2024.
We’ll have to wait until 2025 to see a new Sim Update (SU16) become available, but by then, most simmers will probably already be focused on MSFS 2024, which we’re expecting to launch later this year.
IniBuilds Beluga and A400M for MSFS 2024
A major highlight of the stream was the announcement of two significant aircraft being developed by IniBuilds for MSFS 2024: the Beluga and the A400M. This isn’t exactly news as both aircraft were already featured in the original teaser for MSFS 2024. However, what’s new is that it’s the IniBuilds team that is tackling these projects, which highlights the increasingly deep collaboration between Microsoft, Asobo, and partners.
Short SC.7 Skyvan will be the next Local Legend
Another exciting update involved the introduction of the Short SC.7 Skyvan to the aircraft lineup. Known affectionately as the “flying shoebox” because of its box-like shape, this aircraft is celebrated for its rugged design and versatility.
The addition of the Skyvan, particularly popular within the skydiving community for its ability to carry jumpers, will be another quirky addition to the list of Local Legend aircraft for MSFS. It’s planned to be released in late May alongside City Update 7. Speaking of which…
City Update 7 with new European Cities
City Update 7 was announced, promising extensive updates to several cities’ photorealistic scenery. This update will include major European cities, enhancing their realism and detail based on new photogrammetry data. These cities will be Barcelona, Madrid, Monte Carlo, Nice, Porto, and Stockholm.
Historical Weather in MSFS 2024
The stream also touched on the implementation of historical weather conditions, allowing pilots to fly under weather conditions from the past 24 hours. This feature will enable simmers to practice or review flights under previous weather conditions. Still, 24 hours isn’t much, so it will remain to be seen how this implementation will satisfy those looking for a more encompassing period of historical weather.
Wrap-up
These are just some of the highlights of the almost 2-hour stream, so make sure to watch the whole thing if you’d like to learn all the details. There you’ll find a new feature deep-dive on the new G3X Touch, further insights from IniBuilds about their work on the new Airbus A320neo, interesting tidbits about the sizes of the teams working on Microsoft Flight Simulator, and more!
