Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024: Addressing a Turbulent Launch
The launch of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 faced significant challenges, prompting an official response from the development team. This article details the issues encountered and the steps being taken to rectify them.
Unexpected Demand Overwhelms Servers
Jorg Neumann, head of Microsoft Flight Simulator, and Sebastian Wloch, CEO of Asobo Studio, addressed player concerns in a YouTube video. They attributed the game's initial problems—bugs, instability, and server issues—to an unexpectedly high number of players. The influx of users overwhelmed the game's infrastructure, particularly the database responsible for delivering game data. While stress tests were conducted with 200,000 simulated users, the actual player count far exceeded this.
Login Queues and Missing Content
The team attempted to mitigate the problem by increasing the login queue capacity and speed. However, the database cache repeatedly collapsed under the strain, leading to extended loading times and, in some cases, the infamous "97% loading screen freeze." This issue, along with reports of missing aircraft and other content, stemmed from the overloaded servers' inability to deliver complete game assets.
Negative Steam Reviews
The launch issues resulted in a wave of negative reviews on Steam, with players citing long login queues and missing content. The game's Steam rating currently reflects this negative feedback.
Ongoing Efforts and Apology
Despite the setbacks, the development team assures players they are actively working to resolve the issues. The Steam page now indicates that the problems have been addressed, and players are being admitted at a more manageable rate. A sincere apology has been issued, along with a promise to keep players updated on progress through various communication channels.
