Microsoft’s new flight simulator Flight Simulator 2024 encountered large-scale technical problems during the launch, repeating the situation with the 2020 version.
Players cannot start the game due to server overload and long queues for downloading updates. At the time of publication, the game received only 14% of positive reviews out of 2511 reviews on Steam, which corresponds to the category «extremely negative» rating.
The developer Asobo requires downloading the main part of the game (approximately 50 GB) through the in-game interface, using Microsoft servers instead of Steam. This procedure is traditionally slow, and on the day of launch it became even slower due to the huge number of simultaneous requests.
Users report download freezes at 97%, long queues to log in, and problems with content streaming. Some players complain about slow world loading and even invisible airplanes.
«I can only admire the depth of the simulation, because now it seems that Boeing was really involved in the development of the servers», — one Steam user ironically noted. Another added: «Screen loading simulator 2024».
Microsoft acknowledged the problem on the official support page:
«We are aware of user complaints about long initial loading times. Due to the simultaneous login of many users, we have a large number of server requests. We are working on solving the problem».
Steam users have also expressed concern that long game downloads may affect the two-hour refund window. In 2020, Valve assured that it would only take into account the actual time spent playing the game, but has not yet confirmed this for the 2024 version.
Despite the problems, the developers promise unique content: aerial firefighting, search and rescue operations, helicopter cargo transportation, field spraying, skydiving, and hot air balloon tours. The game will also feature «trillions of trees» and the ability to get out of the plane for a hike.