Microsoft Flight Simulator
Encyclopedia
Microsoft Flight Simulator (sometimes abbreviated as MSFS or FS) is a series of flight simulator
programs for the Microsoft Windows
operating system
, although it was marketed as a video game. It is one of the longest-running, best-known and most comprehensive home flight simulator series. It was an early product in the Microsoft
portfolio – different from its other software which was largely business-oriented – and at 25 years is the longest-running franchise, predating Windows
by three years. Microsoft Flight Simulator may be the longest-running PC game series of all time. In January 2009, it was reported that Microsoft closed down the ACES Game Studio
, which was responsible for the series.
Bruce Artwick
began the development of the Flight Simulator in 1977. His company, subLOGIC
, initially distributed it for various personal computers. In 1981, Artwick was approached by Microsoft's Alan M. Boyd
who was interested in creating a 'definitive game' that would graphically demonstrate the difference between older 8-bit computers such as the Apple II and the new 16-bit computers like the IBM PC still in development. In 1982, Artwick's company licensed a version of Flight Simulator for the IBM PC to Microsoft, which was marketed as Microsoft Flight Simulator 1.00.
in 1976 about a 3D computer graphics
program. When the magazine editor said that subscribers wanted to buy the program, Bruce Artwick incorporated a company called subLOGIC Corporation
in 1977 and began selling flight simulators for 8080
computers such as the Altair 8800
and IMSAI 8080
. In 1979 subLOGIC released FS1 Flight Simulator for the Apple II
. In 1980, subLOGIC released a version for the TRS-80
, and in 1982 they licensed an IBM PC version with CGA
graphics to Microsoft, which was released as Microsoft Flight Simulator 1.00. In the early days of less-than-100% IBM PC compatible
s, Flight Simulator was used as an unofficial test of the degree of compatibility of a new PC clone model, along with Lotus 1-2-3
. subLOGIC continued to develop the product for other platforms, and their improved Flight Simulator II was ported to Apple II in 1983, to the Commodore 64
, MSX
and Atari 800
in 1984, and to the Amiga
and Atari ST
in 1986. Meanwhile, Bruce Artwick left subLOGIC to found Bruce Artwick Organization to work on subsequent Microsoft releases, beginning with Microsoft Flight Simulator 3.0 in 1988. Microsoft Flight Simulator reached commercial maturity with version 3.1, and then went on to encompass the use of 3D graphics and graphic hardware acceleration.
Microsoft consistently produced newer versions of the simulation, adding features such as new aircraft types and augmented scenery. The 2000 and 2002 versions, were available in a standard edition and a Professional Edition which included more aircraft, tools and more extensive scenery than the regular version. The 2004 (version 9) release marked one hundred years of powered flight, and had only one edition. Flight Simulator X, released in 2006, has returned to dual editions with a "Standard Edition" and a "Deluxe Edition".
The most recent versions of this simulation, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 and Microsoft Flight Simulator X, cater to pilots, would-be pilots and people who once dreamed of being pilots alike. Microsoft Flight Simulator is less a game than an immersive
virtual environment; it is usually frustrating, complex, and difficult to new users due to its realism, but it can be rewarding for the skilled flightsimmer at the same time. The flying area encompasses the whole world, to varying levels of detail, including over 24,000 airports. Individually-detailed scenery can be found representing major landmarks and an ever-growing number of towns and cities. Landscape details are often patchy away from population centres and particularly outside the U.S.
, although a variety of websites offer scenery add-ons (both free and commercial) to remedy this.
The three latest versions incorporate sophisticated weather simulation, along with the ability to download real-world weather data (beginning with Flight Simulator 2000). Also included is a varied air traffic environment with interactive air traffic control
, player-flyable aircraft ranging from the historical Douglas DC-3
to the modern Boeing 777
, interactive lessons and challenges, and finally aircraft checklists. In addition, the two latest versions of Microsoft Flight Simulator have a "kiosk mode", which allows the application to be run in kiosks
. It is the wide availability of upgrades and add-ons, both free and commercial, official and fan-made, which give the simulator its flexibility and scope.
Microsoft confirmed the closure of the ACES studio on January 26, 2009, in a post on the official FSInsider Web site.
The article, "About the Aces Team," states in part:
According to former ACES employee Phil Taylor, the shutdown was not due to unfavorable financial results of FSX
, but due to management issues and delays in project delivery combined with increased demands in headcount, at a time that Microsoft was attempting to lower costs.
It has been speculated in the mainstream and gaming media that future releases on the franchise would come as part of an Internet game or on the Xbox 360
.
In response to Microsoft's decision, members of the user community published an open letter in support for both the ACES studio members and the Microsoft Flight Simulator franchise as a whole. An on-line petition accompanying the letter collected about 8,500 signatures.
On , several members of the former ACES Studio team announced the launch of a new simulations-based development studio named Cascade Game Foundry. Further details relating to their first project are to be announced.
In January 2011, Microsoft announced Microsoft Flight would only be compatible with Windows Vista
, Windows Server 2008 and Windows 7 due to Windows XP
's space constraints.
technologies. It was released on 17 October 2006 in North America. There are two versions of the game, both on two DVDs. The Deluxe edition contains the new Garmin G1000
integrated flight instrument system in three cockpits, additional aircraft in the fleet, Tower Control capability (multiplayer only), more missions, more high-detail cities and airports, and a Software Development Kit (SDK) for development. Main improvements are graphical, for instance it is the first simulator with light bloom
.
Microsoft has also released a Flight Simulator X Demo, which contains 3 aircraft, two airports, and two missions. It is compatible with Windows XP SP2 and Windows Vista, with unofficial compatibility with Windows 7.
and other tools for the simulator exist to further facilitate third-party efforts, and some third parties have also learned to "tweak" the simulator in various ways by trial and error.
The game's aircraft are made up of five parts:
) Traffic. AI Traffic is the simulation of other vehicles in the FS landscape. This traffic plays a real role in the simulator as it is possible to crash into traffic (this can be disabled), thus ending your session, and to interact with the traffic via the radio and ATC. This feature is possible even with 3rd party traffic. Microsoft introduced AI traffic in MSFS 2002 with several airliners and private aircraft. This has since been supplemented with many files created by third party developers. Typically 3rd party aircraft models have multiple levels of detail which allow the AI traffic to be better on frame rates while still being detailed during close looks. There are several prominent freeware developers, Project AI is a respected Civilian Airliner and air cargo traffic creator along with the very popular World of AI. The most prominent developer of military traffic is Military AI Works (MAIW) which has released many packages and new AI models covering many countries of the world. There is a small niche market in the form of AI boat traffic as well.
and VATSIM as well as Virtual Skies use special, small add-on modules for Flight Simulator to enable connection to their proprietary networks in multiplayer mode, and to allow for voice and text communication with other virtual pilots and controllers over the network. These networks allow players to enjoy and enhance realism in their game. These networks are for ATC (air traffic control).
Other add-ons provide navigation tools, simulation of passengers, and cameras that can view aircraft or scenery from any angle, more realistic instrument panels and gauges, and so on.
Some software add-ons provide compatibility with specific hardware, such as game controllers and optical motion sensors.
s, airport utility cars, real buildings located in specific cities, textures, and city files). The wide availability over the Internet of freeware add-on files for the simulation has encouraged the development of a large and diverse virtual community linked up by design group/enthusiast message boards, online multiplayer flying, and 'virtual airline
s'. The presence of the Internet has also facilitated the distribution of payware add-ons for the simulator, with the option of downloading the files reducing distribution costs.
There are also many virtual airline
s, where pilots fly their assignments as pilots do in real airlines, as well as worldwide networks for the simulation of air traffic and air traffic control
, such as IVAO
and VATSIM.
#142 by Hartley, Patricia, and Kirk Lesser in "The Role of Computers" column. The reviewers gave the game 5 out of 5 stars.
}
Flight simulator
A flight simulator is a device that artificially re-creates aircraft flight and various aspects of the flight environment. This includes the equations that govern how aircraft fly, how they react to applications of their controls and other aircraft systems, and how they react to the external...
programs for the Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows is a series of operating systems produced by Microsoft.Microsoft introduced an operating environment named Windows on November 20, 1985 as an add-on to MS-DOS in response to the growing interest in graphical user interfaces . Microsoft Windows came to dominate the world's personal...
operating system
Operating system
An operating system is a set of programs that manage computer hardware resources and provide common services for application software. The operating system is the most important type of system software in a computer system...
, although it was marketed as a video game. It is one of the longest-running, best-known and most comprehensive home flight simulator series. It was an early product in the Microsoft
Microsoft
Microsoft Corporation is an American public multinational corporation headquartered in Redmond, Washington, USA that develops, manufactures, licenses, and supports a wide range of products and services predominantly related to computing through its various product divisions...
portfolio – different from its other software which was largely business-oriented – and at 25 years is the longest-running franchise, predating Windows
Windows 1.0
Windows 1.0 is a 16-bit graphical operating environment, developed by Microsoft and released on 20 November 1985. It was Microsoft's first attempt to implement a multi-tasking graphical user interface-based operating environment on the PC platform. Windows 1.0 was the first version of Windows...
by three years. Microsoft Flight Simulator may be the longest-running PC game series of all time. In January 2009, it was reported that Microsoft closed down the ACES Game Studio
Aces Studio
Aces Studio was an independent game studio. They were bought by Microsoft and produced manypopular titles, such as Microsoft Flight Simulator and Combat Flight Simulator....
, which was responsible for the series.
Bruce Artwick
Bruce Artwick
Bruce Artwick was the creator of the first consumer flight simulator software. His original Apple II software was purchased by Microsoft and eventually became Microsoft Flight Simulator...
began the development of the Flight Simulator in 1977. His company, subLOGIC
SubLOGIC
The subLOGIC Corporation is an American software development company. It was formed by Bruce Artwick when he was at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and later incorporated by Stu Moment....
, initially distributed it for various personal computers. In 1981, Artwick was approached by Microsoft's Alan M. Boyd
Alan M. Boyd
Alan Boyd, born Kilwinning, Scotland, 1951, is a pioneer of the personal computer software industry through the 1970s and 1980s. Leaving Scotland in 1968 he studied Physics and Mathematics at the University of Bath in England and later Columbia University in the USA...
who was interested in creating a 'definitive game' that would graphically demonstrate the difference between older 8-bit computers such as the Apple II and the new 16-bit computers like the IBM PC still in development. In 1982, Artwick's company licensed a version of Flight Simulator for the IBM PC to Microsoft, which was marketed as Microsoft Flight Simulator 1.00.
History
Microsoft Flight Simulator began life as a set of articles on computer graphics written by Bruce ArtwickBruce Artwick
Bruce Artwick was the creator of the first consumer flight simulator software. His original Apple II software was purchased by Microsoft and eventually became Microsoft Flight Simulator...
in 1976 about a 3D computer graphics
3D computer graphics
3D computer graphics are graphics that use a three-dimensional representation of geometric data that is stored in the computer for the purposes of performing calculations and rendering 2D images...
program. When the magazine editor said that subscribers wanted to buy the program, Bruce Artwick incorporated a company called subLOGIC Corporation
SubLOGIC
The subLOGIC Corporation is an American software development company. It was formed by Bruce Artwick when he was at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and later incorporated by Stu Moment....
in 1977 and began selling flight simulators for 8080
Intel 8080
The Intel 8080 was the second 8-bit microprocessor designed and manufactured by Intel and was released in April 1974. It was an extended and enhanced variant of the earlier 8008 design, although without binary compatibility...
computers such as the Altair 8800
Altair 8800
The MITS Altair 8800 was a microcomputer design from 1975 based on the Intel 8080 CPU and sold by mail order through advertisements in Popular Electronics, Radio-Electronics and other hobbyist magazines. The designers hoped to sell only a few hundred build-it-yourself kits to hobbyists, and were...
and IMSAI 8080
IMSAI 8080
The IMSAI 8080 was an early microcomputer released in late 1975, based on the Intel 8080 and later 8085 and S-100 bus. It was a clone of its main competitor, the earlier MITS Altair 8800. The IMSAI is largely regarded as the first "clone" computer. The IMSAI machine ran a highly modified version of...
. In 1979 subLOGIC released FS1 Flight Simulator for the Apple II
Apple II series
The Apple II series is a set of 8-bit home computers, one of the first highly successful mass-produced microcomputer products, designed primarily by Steve Wozniak, manufactured by Apple Computer and introduced in 1977 with the original Apple II...
. In 1980, subLOGIC released a version for the TRS-80
TRS-80
TRS-80 was Tandy Corporation's desktop microcomputer model line, sold through Tandy's Radio Shack stores in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The first units, ordered unseen, were delivered in November 1977, and rolled out to the stores the third week of December. The line won popularity with...
, and in 1982 they licensed an IBM PC version with CGA
Color Graphics Adapter
The Color Graphics Adapter , originally also called the Color/Graphics Adapter or IBM Color/Graphics Monitor Adapter, introduced in 1981, was IBM's first color graphics card, and the first color computer display standard for the IBM PC....
graphics to Microsoft, which was released as Microsoft Flight Simulator 1.00. In the early days of less-than-100% IBM PC compatible
IBM PC compatible
IBM PC compatible computers are those generally similar to the original IBM PC, XT, and AT. Such computers used to be referred to as PC clones, or IBM clones since they almost exactly duplicated all the significant features of the PC architecture, facilitated by various manufacturers' ability to...
s, Flight Simulator was used as an unofficial test of the degree of compatibility of a new PC clone model, along with Lotus 1-2-3
Lotus 1-2-3
Lotus 1-2-3 is a spreadsheet program from Lotus Software . It was the IBM PC's first "killer application"; its huge popularity in the mid-1980s contributed significantly to the success of the IBM PC in the corporate environment.-Beginnings:...
. subLOGIC continued to develop the product for other platforms, and their improved Flight Simulator II was ported to Apple II in 1983, to the Commodore 64
Commodore 64
The Commodore 64 is an 8-bit home computer introduced by Commodore International in January 1982.Volume production started in the spring of 1982, with machines being released on to the market in August at a price of US$595...
, MSX
MSX
MSX was the name of a standardized home computer architecture in the 1980s conceived by Kazuhiko Nishi, then Vice-president at Microsoft Japan and Director at ASCII Corporation...
and Atari 800
Atari 8-bit family
The Atari 8-bit family is a series of 8-bit home computers manufactured from 1979 to 1992. All are based on the MOS Technology 6502 CPU and were the first home computers designed with custom coprocessor chips...
in 1984, and to the Amiga
Amiga
The Amiga is a family of personal computers that was sold by Commodore in the 1980s and 1990s. The first model was launched in 1985 as a high-end home computer and became popular for its graphical, audio and multi-tasking abilities...
and Atari ST
Atari ST
The Atari ST is a home/personal computer that was released by Atari Corporation in 1985 and commercially available from that summer into the early 1990s. The "ST" officially stands for "Sixteen/Thirty-two", which referred to the Motorola 68000's 16-bit external bus and 32-bit internals...
in 1986. Meanwhile, Bruce Artwick left subLOGIC to found Bruce Artwick Organization to work on subsequent Microsoft releases, beginning with Microsoft Flight Simulator 3.0 in 1988. Microsoft Flight Simulator reached commercial maturity with version 3.1, and then went on to encompass the use of 3D graphics and graphic hardware acceleration.
Microsoft consistently produced newer versions of the simulation, adding features such as new aircraft types and augmented scenery. The 2000 and 2002 versions, were available in a standard edition and a Professional Edition which included more aircraft, tools and more extensive scenery than the regular version. The 2004 (version 9) release marked one hundred years of powered flight, and had only one edition. Flight Simulator X, released in 2006, has returned to dual editions with a "Standard Edition" and a "Deluxe Edition".
The most recent versions of this simulation, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 and Microsoft Flight Simulator X, cater to pilots, would-be pilots and people who once dreamed of being pilots alike. Microsoft Flight Simulator is less a game than an immersive
Immersion (virtual reality)
Immersion is the state of consciousness where an immersant's awareness of physical self is diminished or lost by being surrounded in an engrossing total environment; often artificial. This mental state is frequently accompanied with spatial excess, intense focus, a distorted sense of time, and...
virtual environment; it is usually frustrating, complex, and difficult to new users due to its realism, but it can be rewarding for the skilled flightsimmer at the same time. The flying area encompasses the whole world, to varying levels of detail, including over 24,000 airports. Individually-detailed scenery can be found representing major landmarks and an ever-growing number of towns and cities. Landscape details are often patchy away from population centres and particularly outside the U.S.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, although a variety of websites offer scenery add-ons (both free and commercial) to remedy this.
The three latest versions incorporate sophisticated weather simulation, along with the ability to download real-world weather data (beginning with Flight Simulator 2000). Also included is a varied air traffic environment with interactive air traffic control
Air traffic control
Air traffic control is a service provided by ground-based controllers who direct aircraft on the ground and in the air. The primary purpose of ATC systems worldwide is to separate aircraft to prevent collisions, to organize and expedite the flow of traffic, and to provide information and other...
, player-flyable aircraft ranging from the historical Douglas DC-3
Douglas DC-3
The Douglas DC-3 is an American fixed-wing propeller-driven aircraft whose speed and range revolutionized air transport in the 1930s and 1940s. Its lasting impact on the airline industry and World War II makes it one of the most significant transport aircraft ever made...
to the modern Boeing 777
Boeing 777
The Boeing 777 is a long-range, wide-body twin-engine jet airliner manufactured by Boeing Commercial Airplanes. It is the world's largest twinjet and is commonly referred to as the "Triple Seven". The aircraft has seating for over 300 passengers and has a range from , depending on model...
, interactive lessons and challenges, and finally aircraft checklists. In addition, the two latest versions of Microsoft Flight Simulator have a "kiosk mode", which allows the application to be run in kiosks
Kiosk software
Kiosk software is the system and user interface software designed for a kiosk or Internet kiosk. Kiosk software locks down the application in order to protect the kiosk from users. Kiosk software may offer remote monitoring to manage multiple kiosks from another location...
. It is the wide availability of upgrades and add-ons, both free and commercial, official and fan-made, which give the simulator its flexibility and scope.
Closure of the ACES Game Studio
On January 22, 2009, it was reported that the development team behind the franchise was being heavily affected by Microsoft's ongoing job cuts, with indications that the entire Microsoft Flight Simulator team was laid off.Microsoft confirmed the closure of the ACES studio on January 26, 2009, in a post on the official FSInsider Web site.
The article, "About the Aces Team," states in part:
This difficult decision was made to align Microsoft's resources with our strategic priorities. Microsoft Flight Simulator X will remain available at retail stores and web retailers, the Flight Sim community will continue to learn from and encourage one another, and we remain committed to the Flight Simulator franchise for the long term.
According to former ACES employee Phil Taylor, the shutdown was not due to unfavorable financial results of FSX
Microsoft Flight Simulator X
Microsoft Flight Simulator X, also known as FSX, is the latest version of Microsoft Flight Simulator after Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004...
, but due to management issues and delays in project delivery combined with increased demands in headcount, at a time that Microsoft was attempting to lower costs.
It has been speculated in the mainstream and gaming media that future releases on the franchise would come as part of an Internet game or on the Xbox 360
Xbox 360
The Xbox 360 is the second video game console produced by Microsoft and the successor to the Xbox. The Xbox 360 competes with Sony's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii as part of the seventh generation of video game consoles...
.
In response to Microsoft's decision, members of the user community published an open letter in support for both the ACES studio members and the Microsoft Flight Simulator franchise as a whole. An on-line petition accompanying the letter collected about 8,500 signatures.
On , several members of the former ACES Studio team announced the launch of a new simulations-based development studio named Cascade Game Foundry. Further details relating to their first project are to be announced.
Lockheed Martin Prepar3D
In 2009, Lockheed Martin announced that they had negotiated with Microsoft to purchase the intellectual property (including source code) for the Microsoft ESP product. Microsoft ESP was the commercial-use version of Flight Simulator X SP2. On May 17, 2010, Lockheed announced that the new product based upon the ESP source code would be called "Prepar3D" . Lockheed has hired some members of the original ACES studio to continue development of the product. Version 1.1 was released in April 2011, with a retail licence of $499.Microsoft Flight
In August 2010 Microsoft announced the development of Microsoft Flight which will be a continuation of the Flight Simulator franchise. The new game is said to focus more on novice players and will require less of a learning curve, but that it will still keep the realism that many FS fans are familiar with. Microsoft Flight is being developed internally by Microsoft with some of the ex-ACES Studio's development team members rejoining the team.In January 2011, Microsoft announced Microsoft Flight would only be compatible with Windows Vista
Windows Vista
Windows Vista is an operating system released in several variations developed by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops, tablet PCs, and media center PCs...
, Windows Server 2008 and Windows 7 due to Windows XP
Windows XP
Windows XP is an operating system produced by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops and media centers. First released to computer manufacturers on August 24, 2001, it is the second most popular version of Windows, based on installed user base...
's space constraints.
Version history
- 1982 – Flight Simulator 1.0
- 1983 – Flight Simulator 2.0
- 1988 – Flight Simulator 3.0
- 1989 – Flight Simulator 4.0
- 1993 – Flight Simulator 5.0
- 1995 – Flight Simulator 5.1
- 1996 – Flight Simulator 95
- 1997 – Flight Simulator 98
- 1999 – Flight Simulator 2000
- 2001 – Flight Simulator 2002
- 2003 – Flight Simulator 2004: A Century of Flight
- 2006 – Flight Simulator X
- 2012 – Microsoft FlightMicrosoft FlightMicrosoft Flight is the title of a new flight simulator from Microsoft Studios announced in August 2010, intended to replace the long-running discontinued Microsoft Flight Simulator franchise that has existed for nearly 30 years. In January 2011, Microsoft announced it would be compatible with...
Flight Simulator X
Flight Simulator X is the most recent version of Microsoft Flight Simulator. It includes a graphics engine upgrade as well as compatibility with preview DirectX 10 and Windows VistaWindows Vista
Windows Vista is an operating system released in several variations developed by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops, tablet PCs, and media center PCs...
technologies. It was released on 17 October 2006 in North America. There are two versions of the game, both on two DVDs. The Deluxe edition contains the new Garmin G1000
Garmin G1000
The Garmin G1000 is an integrated flight instrument system manufactured by Garmin typically composed of two display units, one serving as a primary flight display, and one as a multi-function display...
integrated flight instrument system in three cockpits, additional aircraft in the fleet, Tower Control capability (multiplayer only), more missions, more high-detail cities and airports, and a Software Development Kit (SDK) for development. Main improvements are graphical, for instance it is the first simulator with light bloom
Bloom (shader effect)
Bloom is a computer graphics effect used in computer games, demos and high dynamic range rendering to reproduce an imaging artifact of real-world cameras. The effect produces fringes of light around very bright objects in an image, obscuring fine details...
.
Microsoft has also released a Flight Simulator X Demo, which contains 3 aircraft, two airports, and two missions. It is compatible with Windows XP SP2 and Windows Vista, with unofficial compatibility with Windows 7.
Add-ons and customization
The long history and consistent popularity of Flight Simulator has encouraged a very large body of add-on packages to be developed as both commercial and volunteer ventures. A formal software development kitSoftware development kit
A software development kit is typically a set of software development tools that allows for the creation of applications for a certain software package, software framework, hardware platform, computer system, video game console, operating system, or similar platform.It may be something as simple...
and other tools for the simulator exist to further facilitate third-party efforts, and some third parties have also learned to "tweak" the simulator in various ways by trial and error.
Aircraft
Individual aspects of Flight Simulator aircraft that can be edited include cockpit layout, cockpit image, aircraft model, aircraft model textures, aircraft flight characteristics, scenery models, scenery layouts, and scenery textures, often with simple-to-use programs or only a text editor such as Notepad. Dedicated flightsimmers have taken advantage of Flight Simulator's vast add-on capabilities, having successfully linked Flight Simulator to homebuilt hardware, some of which approaches the complexity of commercial full-motion flight simulators.The game's aircraft are made up of five parts:
- The model, which is a 3D CAD-style model of the aircraft's exterior and virtual cockpit, if applicable.
- The textures, bitmap images which the game layers onto the model. These can be easily edited (known as repainting), so that a model can adopt any paint scheme imaginable, fictional or real.
- The sounds, literally, what the aircraft sounds like. This is determined by defining which WAV files the aircraft uses as its sound set.
- The panel, a representation of the aircraft's cockpit. This includes one or more bitmap images of the panel, instrument gauge files, and sometimes its own sounds.
- The FDE, or Flight Dynamics Engine. This consists of the airfile, a *.air file, which contains hundreds of parameters which define the aircraft's flight characteristics, and the aircraft.cfg, which contains more, easier-to-edit parameters.
AI Traffic
A growing add-on category for the series is AI (Artificial IntelligenceArtificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence is the intelligence of machines and the branch of computer science that aims to create it. AI textbooks define the field as "the study and design of intelligent agents" where an intelligent agent is a system that perceives its environment and takes actions that maximize its...
) Traffic. AI Traffic is the simulation of other vehicles in the FS landscape. This traffic plays a real role in the simulator as it is possible to crash into traffic (this can be disabled), thus ending your session, and to interact with the traffic via the radio and ATC. This feature is possible even with 3rd party traffic. Microsoft introduced AI traffic in MSFS 2002 with several airliners and private aircraft. This has since been supplemented with many files created by third party developers. Typically 3rd party aircraft models have multiple levels of detail which allow the AI traffic to be better on frame rates while still being detailed during close looks. There are several prominent freeware developers, Project AI is a respected Civilian Airliner and air cargo traffic creator along with the very popular World of AI. The most prominent developer of military traffic is Military AI Works (MAIW) which has released many packages and new AI models covering many countries of the world. There is a small niche market in the form of AI boat traffic as well.
Scenery
Scenery add-ons usually involve replacements for existing airports with enhanced and more accurate detail, or large expanses of highly detailed ground scenery for specific regions of the world. Some types of scenery add-ons replace or add structures to the simulator. Both payware and freeware scenery add-ons are very widely available. Airport enhancements, for example, range from simple add-ons that update runways or taxiways to very elaborate packages that reproduce every lamp, pavement marking, and structure at an airport with near-total accuracy, including animated effects such as baggage cars or marshalling agents. Geographic scenery enhancements may use detailed satellite photos and 3-D structures to closely reproduce real-world regions, particularly those including large cities, landmarks, or spectacular natural wonders.Weapon
MSFS is primarily a civilian aviation simulator, but in February 2011 Captain Sim released Weapon for FSX, the first combat expansion ever made for any version of MS Flight Simulator.Flight networks
Virtual flight networks such as IVAOInternational Virtual Aviation Organisation
IVAO or International Virtual Aviation Organisation, is a non-profit organisation that operates a global and free-of-charge online flight-simulation network....
and VATSIM as well as Virtual Skies use special, small add-on modules for Flight Simulator to enable connection to their proprietary networks in multiplayer mode, and to allow for voice and text communication with other virtual pilots and controllers over the network. These networks allow players to enjoy and enhance realism in their game. These networks are for ATC (air traffic control).
Miscellaneous
Some utilities, such as FSUIPC, merely provide useful tweaks for the simulator to overcome design limitations or bugs, or to allow more extensive interfacing with other third-party add-ons. Sometimes certain add-ons require other utility add-ons in order to work correctly with the simulator.Other add-ons provide navigation tools, simulation of passengers, and cameras that can view aircraft or scenery from any angle, more realistic instrument panels and gauges, and so on.
Some software add-ons provide compatibility with specific hardware, such as game controllers and optical motion sensors.
Availability
A number of websites are dedicated to providing users with add-on files (such as airplanes from real airlineAirline
An airline provides air transport services for traveling passengers and freight. Airlines lease or own their aircraft with which to supply these services and may form partnerships or alliances with other airlines for mutual benefit...
s, airport utility cars, real buildings located in specific cities, textures, and city files). The wide availability over the Internet of freeware add-on files for the simulation has encouraged the development of a large and diverse virtual community linked up by design group/enthusiast message boards, online multiplayer flying, and 'virtual airline
Virtual airline
A virtual airline is a dedicated hobby organization that uses flight simulation to model the operations of an airline. Virtual airlines generally have a presence on the Internet, similar to a real airline...
s'. The presence of the Internet has also facilitated the distribution of payware add-ons for the simulator, with the option of downloading the files reducing distribution costs.
Community involvement
A large community exists for the Microsoft Flight Simulator franchise, partly stemming from the open nature of the simulator structure which allows for numerous modifications to be made. One such group of freeware modifications are known as the "Sludge Hornet" modifications. Initially released in summer 2010 by FSDreamTeam.com forum member Christian "Sludge" Snow, the "Sludge Hornet" modifications are aimed towards a more realistic US Navy NATOPS-based F/A-18A in FSX, rectifying shortcomings of the default RTM version of the FSX Acceleration F/A-18A. Can be used in conjunction with the Jivko Rusev's "Combat Hornet" to provide an even more emersive FSX Naval Aviation experience.There are also many virtual airline
Virtual airline
A virtual airline is a dedicated hobby organization that uses flight simulation to model the operations of an airline. Virtual airlines generally have a presence on the Internet, similar to a real airline...
s, where pilots fly their assignments as pilots do in real airlines, as well as worldwide networks for the simulation of air traffic and air traffic control
Air traffic control
Air traffic control is a service provided by ground-based controllers who direct aircraft on the ground and in the air. The primary purpose of ATC systems worldwide is to separate aircraft to prevent collisions, to organize and expedite the flow of traffic, and to provide information and other...
, such as IVAO
International Virtual Aviation Organisation
IVAO or International Virtual Aviation Organisation, is a non-profit organisation that operates a global and free-of-charge online flight-simulation network....
and VATSIM.
Reception
Microsoft Flight Simulator, Version 2.0 was reviewed in 1989 in DragonDragon (magazine)
Dragon is one of the two official magazines for source material for the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game and associated products, the other being Dungeon. TSR, Inc. originally launched the monthly printed magazine in 1976 to succeed the company's earlier publication, The Strategic Review. The...
#142 by Hartley, Patricia, and Kirk Lesser in "The Role of Computers" column. The reviewers gave the game 5 out of 5 stars.
Awards
The success of the Microsoft Flight Simulator series has resulted in Guinness World Records awarding the series seven world records in the Guinness World Records: Gamer's Edition 2008. These records include "Longest Running Flight Sim Series", "Most Successful Flight Simulator Series", and "Most Expensive Home Flight Simulator Cockpit", which was built by Australian trucking tycoon Matthew Sheil, and cost over US$242,000 to build.See also
- Simulation gameGame (simulation)A simulation game attempts to replicate various activities in "real life" in the form of a game for various purposes: training, analysis, or prediction. Usually there are no strictly defined goals in the game, just running around, playing as a character...
- Training simulationTraining simulationA training simulation is a virtual medium through which various types of skills can be acquired. Training simulations can be used in a wide variety of genres; however they are most commonly used in corporate situations to improve business awareness and management skills...
- Microsoft Train SimulatorMicrosoft Train SimulatorMicrosoft Train Simulator is a train simulator for Microsoft Windows, released in July 2001 and developed by UK based Kuju Entertainment, and is available for purchase through Amazon.com.-Gameplay:...
, Microsoft Space SimulatorMicrosoft Space SimulatorMicrosoft Space Simulator is a space flight simulator program, based on Microsoft Flight Simulator, for MS-DOS/Microsoft Windows. It is one of the first general-purpose space flight simulators and it incorporated concepts from astrodynamics and celestial mechanics.- Features :*14 spacecraft models...
, and Combat Flight SimulatorCombat Flight SimulatorCombat Flight Simulator is a series of combat flight simulator games from Microsoft. The series includes:* Combat Flight Simulator WWII Europe Series* Combat Flight Simulator 2* Combat Flight Simulator 3: Battle for Europe... - Virtual Air Traffic Simulation Network (VATSIM)
- FlightGearFlightGearFlightGear Flight Simulator is a free, open-source multi-platform flight simulator developed by the FlightGear project since 1997....
– free and open-source flight simulator - YS Flight Simulation System 2000 – free flight simulator
- X-Plane – a commercial cross-platform flight simulator
- Flightsim.comFlightsim.comFlightsim.com is a flight simulation review and resource website that focuses heavily on Microsoft Flight Simulator. It is one of the main flight simulation websites along with Avsim.com and provides users access to information and addons for the flight simulator series of video games.-History:The...
, Avsim.comAvsim.comAvsim.com is a flight simulation review and resource website that focuses heavily on Microsoft Flight Simulator. It is one of the main flight simulation websites along with Flightsim.com and provides users access to information and addons for the flight simulator series of games...
and Fly Away Simulation – Flight simulator resource and review communities
External links
- Official
- Microsoft Flight Simulator X – Product pages
- Microsoft Flight Simulator Insider – An official Microsoft site.
- Lockheed Martin Prepar3d – Lockheed Martin's post Microsoft development
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