UPDATE: Microsoft has provided clarification on how the airports in the various editions of Microsoft Flight Simulator will operate, following a request from Eurogamer.
Players of the Standard edition will have the ability to take off and land at all the airports within the game. Nevertheless, there are “handcrafted” elements that will enhance the experience at those airports included in the different editions. For instance, the Heathrow in the premium edition will be superior to the ones in the standard and deluxe editions. However, this does imply that standard edition users will indeed be capable of flying from Heathrow, as well as all UK airports.
Here is the statement from a Microsoft spokesperson:
“Microsoft Flight Simulator encompasses nearly every airport around the globe that is depicted in Bing Maps, which amounts to approximately 37,000. Out of these 37,000 airports, we have specifically meticulously crafted 40 of them (varying depending on the edition – 30 for the Standard Edition, 35 for the Deluxe Edition, and 40 for the Premium Deluxe Edition) to offer the most realistic and immersive simulation experience.”
I have inquired about the distinction between, say, the Heathrow in the standard edition and the Heathrow in the premium edition.
ORIGINAL STORY: Microsoft Flight Simulator is set to be released on 18th August 2020 for PC, and it is also available with Xbox Game Pass for PC.
The highly anticipated pilot simulation from Asobo Studio comes in three editions. The £59.99 standard edition includes 20 “highly detailed planes with unique flight models” and 30 handcrafted airports; the £79.99 deluxe edition comprises everything in the standard edition along with five additional “highly accurate planes with unique flight models” and five additional “handcrafted international airports”; and the £109.99 premium deluxe edition encompasses everything from the standard edition plus 10 additional “highly accurate planes with unique flight models” and 10 additional “handcrafted international airports”. It is the standard edition that is accessible on the first day with Xbox Game Pass for PC.
It is worth noting that Heathrow is exclusively included in the £109.99 premium deluxe edition. Given that it is the world’s seventh-busiest airport and seemingly integral to the experience, this is not particularly ideal. Microsoft has stated that there will be over 37,000 airports in the simulation. Here is the list of “customised, hand-crafted airports” that come with each edition:
And here is the list of planes. It is also worth noting that Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner is also accessible only with the premium edition:
There has been no mention of a Steam version, despite Microsoft having released quite a few games on Valve’s platform recently. Thus, at least for the time being, this one is a Windows 10 exclusive. An Xbox version of Microsoft Flight Simulator is expected but does not yet have a release date.
