Asobo, the developer of Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS), has introduced significant changes in its latest update, MSFS 2024. The move to a cloud-based sim has raised eyebrows among enthusiasts and critics alike. While some praise the improvements in Career Mode and interactivity, others question the necessity and motivations behind these changes.
The decision to keep most files on the servers, rather than allowing players to download and install content, has been particularly contentious. Critics argue that this approach increases server usage and expenses, with no clear benefit to the player experience. On the other hand, proponents point to antipiracy concerns as a justification for this strategy.
MSFS 2024 boasts a revamped user interface, but the underlying game engine remains largely the same. The improved multicore CPU efficiency is seen by some as a fundamental change, while others dismiss it as a minor tweak. The addition of Xbox users’ Career Mode, which relies on an external spreadsheet, has been touted as a significant improvement.
However, many enthusiasts feel that these changes have come at the cost of player freedom and immersion. The shift towards a script-based arcade game, with solo missions in controlled environments, raises questions about the future direction of the sim.
As one long-time fan puts it, “using your own common sense would be the starting point.” Why would Microsoft increase server usage and expenses unless they see an opportunity for increased profit? The decision to keep files on the servers seems to be a revenue-driven strategy, with no clear benefits for the player experience.
Source: https://forums.flightsimulator.com/t/there-was-no-need-for-the-2024-version-we-got/684728