Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024: Addressing a Turbulent Launch
The highly anticipated release of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 experienced a challenging launch, marked by significant server issues, bugs, and instability. Jorg Neumann, head of Microsoft Flight Simulator, and Sebastian Wloch, CEO of Asobo Studio, addressed player concerns in a recent YouTube video.
Unexpected Demand Overwhelms Servers
The developers acknowledged underestimating the game's popularity. The sheer volume of players attempting to access the game simultaneously overwhelmed the server infrastructure. Neumann explained that the initial login process involves retrieving data from a database, a system tested with 200,000 simulated users. However, the actual player count far exceeded this, causing significant strain.
Login Queues, Missing Content, and Performance Issues
Wloch detailed the resulting problems. Attempts to mitigate the issue by increasing queue size and speed proved temporary, as the database cache repeatedly collapsed under the load. This led to extended loading times, often stalling at 97% completion, requiring players to restart the game. Furthermore, reports of missing aircraft and other content stemmed from the server's inability to deliver complete data packages.
Negative Steam Feedback and Ongoing Efforts
The launch issues have resulted in overwhelmingly negative player reviews on Steam. The development team is actively working to resolve these problems, stating on the game's Steam page that they have addressed the core issues and are now steadily onboarding players. A sincere apology for the inconvenience has been issued, along with a promise to keep players updated on progress.
