Microsoft Flight Simulator might have made its debut in 2020, but it's already received a tonne of free updates. Including the recent addition of helicopters and gliders. In our big interview with Jorg Neumann, the Head of Microsoft Flight Simulator, we asked about the future and what major updates might be in the works.
Which as per the headline covers three major areas - seasons, realistic water simulation, and air traffic. Seasons is definitely a big one, especially when you factor in just how visually stunning the game is. To be able to visit and see real-world locales at different times of the year will no doubt be very cool. The same goes for water simulation and getting to more realistic oceans, rivers, and waterfalls. Throw in air traffic, and the air traffic control side of the experience, and developer Asobo definitely has a lot on its plate.

Speaking with Jorg Neumann, we don't know which of these three major updates will arrive first, but the team is poised to tackle them one after the other. "The community has been asking for seasons, which is a very big and complicated topic," Jorg tells us. "Others are asking for a more sophisticated water simulation, and others want us to focus on enhancing the ATC (air traffic controller), air traffic in general. The flight sim community is very knowledgeable and passionate and there is no end in sight for how we build together. Our plan is to tackle these topics one after another and – over time – get to what we hope will be a perfect sim."
The game's most recent update, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the franchise, added helicopters and gliders - a massive undertaking in its own right. Currently, the team is looking to add as many helipads and glider spots as it can - working with people from across the globe. The game is showing no signs of slowing down as Asobo works towards creating a realistic digital twin of our planet that players get to explore.