Well, here’s a game we weren’t expecting to have on our radar, but these are strange times indeed. So with that in mind, let’s take a moment to talk about Microsoft Flight Simulator and its multiplayer features, shall we? Because, if they work out the way they’re intended, it’s actually pretty interesting.
The latest installment in the venerable flight sim series will feature three different multiplayer modes, with the primary mode known as Live Players mode letting players fly across the globe in a single shared universe. The game will stream in real-time weather effects, time, and even live air traffic data to further flesh out the experience, though the tech will limit how many planes you can see based on your machine’s specs and within a certain distance and number. This mode is mostly for those who value simulation and realism, demanding that players follow guidelines and rules.
All Players mode, meanwhile, is a mode that’s less about realism and more about simply enjoying flight. Players can adjust various features in this mode, selecting weather, time of day, and whether air traffic will be included or not. For a further customized experience, there is a Groups mode, which basically lets players create their own private shard and adjust features like weather and time.
The video embedded below provides a closer look at these multiplayer features as well as a few moments to explain how the single shard tech works. As for Microsoft Flight Sim itself, the game is still in alpha testing, with no planned release date beyond some time this year.
