Screenshot credit – Nedo68

“Here Lionel will idle the throttles of the TBM over Dinaric Mountains and you will be able to hear ze gentle snore of the sleeping bears.”

FEATURE DISCOVERY SERIES

• EPISODE 5 IS HERE!

 We are pleased to announce the fifth episode in our Feature Discovery Series has been released! Episode 5 features an in-depth look at how we approach audio for the next iteration of Microsoft Flight Simulator.  Head into the Insider Area to watch Episode 5!

TECH ALPHA 1 – WAVE 2 INVITES

 We are still in the process of sending out wave 2 invites for Tech Alpha 1. This process will be completed by the end of day (PST time) on 01.17.

UPDATE – TECH ALPHA 2 name change to ALPHA

 Please note that we have made a name change from “TECH ALPHA 2” to “ALPHA”. This will help avoid any naming confusion with Tech Alpha 1 AND is more accurately aligned with the state of the build.

  ALPHA (formerly known as TECH ALPHA 2)  – PREPARING FOR RELEASE

• 01.20 – Begin sending Alpha  invitations.
• 01.27 – All Alpha invitations sent.
• 01.27 – Alpha ready for download, begin sending build access emails.
• 01.31 – All wave 1 Alpha emails sent.

As a reminder, if you are already participating in Tech Alpha 1 testing, you will automatically be granted access to Tech Alpha 2.

SDK UPDATE

 After a ton of hard work over the past few months we are happy to announce that an alpha version of the SDK will be available in the upcoming ALPHA release!

Only 3rd party development partners will have access to the SDK in which they will be able to create and edit airports, sceneries, planes and missions.

The SDK makes available the same in-game tools used internally for the development of the core simulator. We can’t wait to see what our 3^rd parties and Content Creators create based on the samples we’re providing!

We still have plenty of work ahead and we are looking forward to the feedback we receive over the next few weeks.

If you are a 3^rd party developer and have not been in contact with the team, please send an email to msfsim@microsoft.com for more information.

 DR UPDATE FOR JANUARY/FEBRUARY

MORE GREAT SCREENSHOTS FROM TECH ALPHA PARTICIPANTS!

Screenshot credit – SoapyDiamond333

Screenshot credit – SteffoHD

Screenshot credit – Tuckie4982

Screenshot credit – Latrine105

Screenshot credit – ExpressTomato52

Screenshot credit – LookedUnicorn95

Next update – 01.23!

Sincerely,

Microsoft Flight Simulator Team

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HAPPY NEW YEAR!

On behalf of the entire MSFS team, we wish you and your loved ones the very best for 2020!

TECH ALPHA 1 – WAVE 2 INVITES COMING NEXT WEEK!

Starting next week (01.13 – 01.17) we will be sending out the second wave of invitations for testing Tech Alpha 1. If you’ve registered for Tech Alpha 1 but have not been selected, make sure to keep an eye on your inbox starting next Monday!

TECH ALPHA 2 – FINALIZING RELEASE CANDIDATE

We are in the final testing phase for Tech Alpha 2 and expect to have the build ready for release shortly. We are currently tracking to the following timeline:

• 01.20 – Begin sending Tech Alpha 2 invitations.
• 01.27 – All Tech Alpha 2 invitations sent.
• 01.27 – Tech Alpha 2 ready for download, begin sending build access emails.
• 01.31 – All wave 1 Tech Alpha 2 emails sent.

As a reminder, if you are already participating in Tech Alpha 1 testing, you will automatically be granted access to Tech Alpha 2.

FEEDBACK SNAPSHOT

Next update – 01.16!

Sincerely,

Microsoft Flight Simulator Team

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HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

 Screenshot credit – U/TomMaverick7650

On behalf of the entire MSFS team, we wish you and your loved ones the very best this holiday season. As we bring 2019 to a close, we are incredibly grateful for everyone that has joined us on this adventure of developing the next generation of Microsoft Flight Simulator! We’ve taken some memorable steps with you in 2019, and we cannot wait to continue this adventure with you in 2020.

 The best is yet to come!

MEDIA UPDATE

This week we’d like to spotlight a few user submitted screenshots from Tech Alpha!

Screenshot credit – U/z32ands30

Screenshot credit – U/rwflush

Screenshot credit – U/NotoriousBPG

Screenshot credit – U/SebastianShain

Screenshot credit – U/rwflush

Screenshot credit – U/NotoriousBPG

SDK UPDATE

• SDK – Preview Version release moved back to mid-January.
• SDK – Official V1 release expected March 2020.

 We’ve made great progress on the SDK in recent weeks and are confident that an initial preview version will be ready as early as mid-January. The preview version will allow interested 3^rd party developers to have a first look at the SDK, provide feedback and send requests / wishes to help us prioritize the work moving forward (similar to the Tech Alpha process).This is by no means an official V1 release – we expect that to be ready March 2020.

FEEDBACK SNAPSHOT

We’ve posted the first draft of the Feedback Snapshot in the Insider Area! This document is still being worked on so expect another update in a few weeks that contains additional information regarding the progress being made on each entry.

Next update – 01.09!

Sincerely,

Microsoft Flight Simulator Team

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Thank you /u/horse—-1899, your memes do not go unnoticed!

MEDIA UPDATE

We’ve posted some new screenshots in the Insider Area. Head inside to check them out!

PARTNERSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT SERIES UPDATE

 We visited Cubcrafters with François, one of the pilots and aircraft aerodynamicists from our team, to go over the XCub’s simulation.

We fine tuned the engine’s power curve and adjusted the aircraft’s mass distribution and control surface limits and were able to get a very realistic handling.

We also improved the prop wash effect on the tail in order to get a more realistic power on handling, especially on the ground and at low speeds.

Each one of us also had the luck to fly a real-world Carbon Cub and had the chance to compare the real-world aircraft with the sim. This helped make some more improvements of the control surface elasticity and input curves of the yoke.

 Another interesting thing:

Their test pilot flew the XCUB in the sim to their usual strips in the area. Particularly one located on Rimrock lake, the Tieton State Airport, where he did multiple landings and takoffs. The test pilot was very happy about how close the sim was in comparison on his usual flights out of this strip with the real aircraft. A specific ridge for example can just be flown over climbing at max power after takeoff and it was exactly the same in the sim!

• Sebastian Wloch

DR UPDATE

January/February preview of the DR has been posted in the Insider Area. Make sure to head in and check it out, especially if you’re a fan of the Feature Discovery series. 😊

 TECH ALPHA 2

Recruitment for Tech Alpha 2 is now closed. If you have not registered for participation and would like to join the testing effort, we will be opening another round of recruitment mid-January. We are still finalizing the date for when Tech Alpha 2 invitations will be sent out but expect an update in January. In the meantime, our goal regarding participation remains the same – if you want to participate in early build testing and have registered (e.g. Tech Alpha 1, Tech Alpha 2, etc.), you are going to get access. The team is actively working to get additional people build access as quickly as possible. So stay tuned!

Next update – 12.19!

Sincerely,

Microsoft Flight Simulator Team

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“Hopefully that helps us in getting our voices heard more.” – User Reddit/R/Flightsim

• We hear you.

TECH ALPHA 2 TIMELINE UPDATE

We are getting close to wrapping up recruiting for Tech Alpha 2. If you would like to be considered for participation, please make sure to do so ASAP! Click the Tech Alpha Registration link in the main menu which will only display for Insiders when logged in.

DR UPDATE

December/January is now available!

MEDIA UPDATE

Just a little hint regarding an upcoming Partnership Series update

MOD SPOTLIGHT

The team would like to take a moment to express our appreciation for Reddit.com/R/FlightSim Mod U/Shaka04. Your efforts and contributions are deeply appreciated and definitely do not go unnoticed. So thank you, Shaka!

Next update – 12.12!

Sincerely,

Microsoft Flight Simulator Team

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“25,001 – wishing everyone a safe and wonderful start to the holiday season!”

FEATURE DISCOVERY SERIES

• EPISODE 4 IS HERE!

We are pleased to announce the fourth episode in our Feature Discovery Series has been released! Presented at our Global Preview Event, Episode 4 (COCKPITS) features a detailed look at few of the cockpits we’re building for the next iteration of Microsoft Flight Simulator. Head into the Insider area to watch Episode 4!

FEEDBACK SNAPSHOT

To accommodate many of the recent discussions happening across the community from the news coverage coming out of X0, the team has decided to delay the preview of the Feedback Snapshot to mid-December. This will allow us to provide a version of the snapshot that contains all recently discussed topics and will provide a more accurate view of the information we are tracking. We apologize for the delay.

Next update – 12.05!

Sincerely,

Microsoft Flight Simulator Team

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PARTNERSHIP VISIT – ICON

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“FORE!”

SDK UPDATE

The team is making good progress on the SDK development. While still in the early stages, the plan is to provide an initial version of the SDK to the 3^rd party developer community before the end of the year. Our goal has been to involve 3^rd parties early in the development process, and to give them the ability to influence our priorities and how we author the SDK. After the first wave of initial 3^rd party developer visits onsite with the team, we’ve been incredibly excited by the optimism and feedback we’ve received thus far. These same tools will be provided to the community in effort to ensure the tools we use to create content, tools that undergo constant testing in our production environment, are shared with all our creators. Initially, the SDK will offer the ability to author planes, sceneries and custom missions. For those with a preference for using FSX tools, SimConnect will be supported. We will also support additional modern standards like HTML for UI and glTF for 3D models.

FEATURE DISCOVERY SERIES

• EPISODE 3 IS HERE!

We are pleased to announce the third episode in our Feature Discovery Series has been released! Presented at our Global Preview Event, Episode 3 (AERODYNAMICS) features a detailed look at the engine that drives flight in the next generation of Microsoft Flight Simulator. Head into the Insider area to watch Episode 3!

• EPISODE 4 – 11.27 RELEASE

We are currently planning to release Episode 4 next week.

DR UPDATE

December/January preview for the DR is now available in the Insider Area!

FEEDBACK SNAPSHOT

Our preview for the Feedback Snapshot has been delayed a week in order to prevent overlap with the DR Update. Expect the rev 1 preview of the FS next week.

X02019

A heartfelt thank you to everyone that visited us at the X0 event. We had an incredible turnout and the team genuinely enjoyed the opportunity to sit down and play the latest demo with so many fellow flight simulator enthusiasts!

Next update – 11.27!

Sincerely,

Microsoft Flight Simulator Team

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Hell0 from X019!

At X019, we’re thrilled to reveal many of the great aircraft manufacturers we are partnering with to make Microsoft Flight Simulator the most realistic flight simulation yet. As you saw in our new trailer, we have a broad range of aircraft, including commercial airliners, business jets, and general aviation aircraft, all from the most renowned manufacturers.

The breadth of partnerships we have forged for the next generation of Microsoft Flight Simulator goes far beyond what was done for previous titles. We are determined to make this sim, and all of its components, as authentic as possible.

The aircraft partnerships we’re announcing today include (in alphabetical order):

• Airbus
• The Boeing Company
• CubCrafters
• Daher
• Diamond Aircraft Industries
• ICON Aircraft
• Robin Aircraft
• Textron Aviation

We’re excited to continue working with these great partners and will share more information on additional partnerships as we approach Microsoft Flight Simulator’s launch in 2020.

If you’re joining us in London this week for X019, please swing by our booth at the Copper Box Arena and get hands-on with Microsoft Flight Simulator yourself. Thank you for all the support!

Microsoft Flight Simulator Team

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“Hey, still workin on stuff, gonna be a bit, just sit tight.”

We have a number of exciting deliverables planned for November so let’s get right to the updates!

TECH ALPHA 1

For those of you that were selected to participate in testing Tech Alpha 1, a quick reminder that you should expect all updates related to Tech Alpha will be sent via email. Expect the next email update on 11.10.

BUILD PROGRAM

TECH ALPHA 2 RECRUITMENT IS NOW OPEN!

• If you’re interested in registering for a chance to participate, please go here 
• If you registered for Tech Alpha 1, we’ve automatically registered you for Tech Alpha 2.
• We expect to provide an update on the timeline for Tech Alpha 2 in the next few weeks.

FEATURE DISCOVERY SERIES

We are excited to announce the official release dates for Episodes 3 and 4!

• 11.21 – Episode 3 (Aerodynamics) release
• 11.28 – Episode 4 (Cockpits) release

SOMETHING EXCITING IS COMING…

The team is excited to announce we will be attending the upcoming X019 in London November 14^th – 16^th. For more information regarding the event – https://www.xbox.com/en-US/x019

MEDIA UPDATE

We’ve posted some new screenshots, head into the Insider Area to check them out!

Lots of exciting things ahead, some much closer than you think.

Next update – 11.14!

Sincerely,

Microsoft Flight Simulator Team

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HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Keeping the update brief this week as the team prepares for many exciting deliverables we’ve planned for November!

BUILD PROGRAM

• Tech Alpha 2 recruitment will open November 7^th.
• If you registered for Tech Alpha 1, we’ve automatically registered you for Tech Alpha 2.
• We are targeting mid-November to provide a timeline for Tech Alpha 2 release/availability.

FEATURE DISCOVERY SERIES

Another heartfelt thank you to the community for all of the amazing feedback we received regarding Episode 2 in our Feature Discovery series! The community response to the first two episodes has been incredibly valuable to the team and our development effort.

• Episode 3 – Planned release is still on track for mid-November.
• Episode 4 – Planned release is still on track for end-November.
• Expect final dates for release in our next update (11.07).  

OFFICIAL SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS

We’d like to confirm that we do have official MSFS social media channels for those of you interested:

• https://www.facebook.com/MIcrosoftFlightSimulatorOfficial
• https://twitter.com/MSFSofficial
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqONzeACDBaF6FfKjh7ndAQ/featured?view_as=subscriber

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Halloween!

Next update – 11.07.

Sincerely,

Microsoft Flight Simulator Team

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‘TWAS THE DAY OF TECH ALPHA AND ALL THROUGH LAST NIGHT, NOT ALL EMAILS FINISHED SENDING YET, SO EVERYONE HOLD TIGHT.

As we complete our notification process for those selected to participate in our first Tech Alpha, the team would like to provide some additional information regarding participation.

• One of our primary goals for the Build Program is to get everyone interested in early build testing, actually testing early builds.
• Though we have limited participation numbers in our first build release, we are actively working to scale participation numbers for future releases.
• If you were not selected for participation in this round, fear not, we’ve automatically registered you for the next build release.
• So while you may not have been selected for participation in the first Tech Alpha, please know that we are actively working to get as many people into the testing process, as quickly as possible.

EPISODE 2 HAS BEEN RELEASED!

We are pleased to announce the second episode in our Feature Discovery Series has been released! Recently presented at the Global Preview Event, Episode 2 (WEATHER) features a detailed look at the world we fly in, and the importance of this world in the next generation of Microsoft Flight Simulator. Head into the Insider Area to watch Episode 2!

TECH ALPHA

• 10.24 – On the 24^th, we will begin the process rolling out access to the Tech Alpha. So if you are wondering WHEN build access will be provided, it will start on the 24^th.
• 10.31 – Update on Tech Alpha 2 recruitment opening.

DR UPDATE GENERAL RELEASE

 Next update 10.31!

Microsoft Flight Simulator Team

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THANK YOU

On behalf of the entire Microsoft Flight Simulator Team, we’d like to express our sincere appreciation to the community for all the valuable feedback we’ve received from the community on the first episode of the Feature Discovery Series. Though this is only our first step in our collaboration with you, the importance of this step to the team cannot be overstated. For all the feedback, all the effort spent writing comments, asking questions, daring to hold out hope when the past has been littered with unmet expectations. We hear you, and we are going to do our best to keep building this experience with you. In the meantime, thank you. It’s been a great boost to the team reading all the feedback from Lionel’s presentation on the world we’re building, which is big, in case you missed that.

EPISODE 2

On October 24^th we are releasing the next episode in our Feature Discovery Series. Episode 2 (SKY) features a detailed look at the world we fly in, and the importance of this world in the simulator we are building. 

TECH ALPHA

• 10.15 – Recruitment for Tech Alpha 1 is now closed. Thank you to everyone that signed up for our upcoming Tech Alpha build!
• 10.17 – Starting today and continuing through the 24^th, we will be sending out notifications to those Insiders that have been selected for participation in our first Tech Alpha.
• 10.24 – On the 24^th, we will begin the process rolling out access to the Tech Alpha. So if you are wondering WHEN build access will be provided, it will start on the 24^th.

DR UPDATE (PREVIEW FOR NOVEMBER/DECEMBER)

The DR (formerly DRR) preview for November/December is now available in the Insider Area! 

PARTNER ANNOUNCEMENT SERIES KICKOFF

We are in the final stages of preparing to release our first series of announcements as part of our Partnership Announcement Series. While we are still working on wrapping up the final few details, we are targeting mid-November for officially kicking off this series which will provide insight into all the amazing partnerships taking part in the development of the next generation of Microsoft Flight Simulator. 

Tech Alpha is almost here!

Next update 10.24.

Microsoft Flight Simulator Team

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DELIVERING THE DELIVERABLES WE SAID WOULD BE DELIVERED DURING THE DELIVERY OF UPDATES

 We are pleased to announce that the first episode of our Feature Discovery Series has been released! Recently presented at the Global Preview Event, Episode 1 (World) is an in-depth look at the world we’re building for the next generation of Microsoft Flight Simulator. Head into the Insider Area to watch Episode 1!

FEEDBACK PIPELINE

 TLDR  – There is a Feedback Dashboard. The dashboard contains a summary of all feedback we collect from community discussions on a daily basis. Feedback is triaged, prioritized, and assigned a plan of action. We will provide the output of this pipeline to the community in a document tentatively called the “Feedback Snapshot” on a regular basis.

 There has been an incredible amount feedback from the press coverage of our recent Global Preview Event. This feedback, along with all feedback we’ve been collecting, is critically important to the team to ensure the voice of the community is being put into action through a collaborative and transparent process (i.e. use the Feedback Snapshot to give the community transparency into the feedback we’re prioritizing for action). Features like ATC, Seasons, VR, Rotorcraft, SDK, etc. can be found in the Feedback Snapshot along with our current plan for next steps and timelines for resolution. The Feedback Snapshot will be released at regular intervals and we will announce the date for our first preview release in our next update.

TECH ALPHA

•  10.15 – Recruitment for Tech Alpha 1 ends. If you would like to sign up, please head into the Insider Area and fill out the survey.
• 10.17 – Build release preparation begins. Insider acceptance confirmation communication begins and will run through 10.24.
• 10.24 – Release Window Opens. We will begin granting access to the Tech Alpha build to Insiders that have received acceptance confirmation.

BUILD PROGRAM UPDATE

 We are currently targeting mid/end November for our second build release (Tech Alpha 2). We expect to open recruitment for Tech Alpha 2 closer to the end of October but expect a final date in our 10.17 update.

DR Update and Episode 2 information coming next update.

Next update 10.17.

Microsoft Flight Simulator Team

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Redmond Washington – Today, we have reached another critical milestone in our development. On September 19th and 20th, Microsoft hosted a small number of press and community representatives at the Rainier Flight Service in Renton Washington to attend the Global Preview Event for the next evolution of Microsoft Flight Simulator.

The team was honored and humbled to share our passion for flight with attendees from around the world. From taking actual flights in Cessna 172s to sitting down and spending a few hours playing our pre-alpha build, the entire event was a magical opportunity to sit down and talk in detail about the development and product.

The Global Preview Event also marks the next step in our communication with the community regarding more granular product details. The team gave technical presentations on four important topics during the event:

1. World
2. Sky
3. Aerodynamics
4. Cockpits

Starting today, you’ll get to see and hear the reactions from those in attendance. Starting in October, these presentations will be delivered to the community as part of our Feature Discovery Series.

Since our introduction at E3, it’s been an incredible journey. The engagement by the community and support we’ve received from flight simulation fans around the world, has been truly amazing. Today we embark on our next phase of development and look forward to a new level of collaboration and communication with the community!

Sincerely,

Microsoft Flight Simulator Team

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“Et tu, Connor?”

The team is incredibly excited to officially kickoff our Feature Discovery Series with a preview of Episode 1 (World), posted in the Insider Area. In this series we will be covering the core features in attempt to answer many of the most discussed topics throughout the community.

We’re also delivering an updated DR outlining our October deliverables. Insiders should expect a DR update within the next few weeks that will provide a preview of our November deliverables.

A note on deliverables – we’re moving the Feedback Pipeline overview deliverable to our next post coming early October. This will allow us to allocate more update space to this deliverable to provide greater detail.

Finally, as we bring September to a close the entire team would like to thank everyone out there patiently waiting for more granular information on the next iteration of Microsoft Flight Simulator. The information you seek, is much closer than you think.

Next development update – Early October!

Sincerely,

 Microsoft Flight Simulator Team

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The grass is always greener…
especially when it’s procedurally generated.

Tech Alpha Timeline

• October 10: Release testing complete. Lock final delivery schedule.
• October 17: Build release preparation.
• October 24: Release window opens.

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QUIT STALLING!

Apologies to those folks living outside the PST time zone. We’re trying to improve the timing of our posts and clearly we’ve got more work to do but we’ll get there… eventually. We’re not stalling, we swear it.

TECH ALPHA RECRUITING IS NOW OPEN!  HEAD INTO THE INSIDER AREA.

If you’re interested in participating in the upcoming Tech Alpha release, please make sure to sign into the Insider Area and follow the registration link.

On September 19^th, we will be releasing more information on the Tech Alpha build goals and release timeline.

On September 26^th, we will be releasing the preview for our Feature Discovery Series.

A preview release of version #1.10DRR of the Development Roadmap has been posted in the Insider Area. We’ve added dates for October and will be adding November deliverables over the next few weeks. So expect another rev of the Development Roadmap by the end of September.

Next update September 19th.

Sincerely,

Microsoft Flight Simulator Team

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Wandering into the grass of irrelevancy attempting to flush out the rodents of inaccuracy in order to bring you the “real news”.  

As we bring August to a close, the team wanted to provide a few quick updates and some new content.

• Development Roadmap – General release of the DR is here! We’ve added a few updates for September to improve clarity.
• Web Post Timing – For those of you ”across the pond” and in time zones not “PST” – we are working to deliver our updates earlier in the day. So look for earlier post times starting in September.  
• Build Program Update – Tech Alpha sign-up starts September 12^th!
• Feature Discovery Series – The Feature Discovery Series (preview in September, launch in October) is our deep dive into the areas of the simulation, driven by a number of threads we’ve seen across the forums we follow closely. We are on track to provide a preview at the end of September and the kickoff of the series in early October.
• Media Update – We posted (2) Screenshots and (3) clips from early 2019 builds. Head into the Insider Area to check out the goods!

Next update coming September 12^th!

Sincerely,

Microsoft Flight Simulator Team

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Say less, do more.

August has been busy month for the team! We continue to make great progress on the Tech Alpha build, Feature Discovery Series, and many of the other exciting things we are working on for release in September and October!

3^rd Party Progress Update – We expect to release the first rev of plans and partners in October.

• Phase 1 – Outreach and Engagement (in-progress)
• Phase 2 – Code and Content Integration (in-progress)
• Phase 3 – Content Release Timeline (kick-off)

Head into the Insider area if you’d like to check out 3 new screenshots from some previous builds.

In the meantime –

Philosophical Question

If a tree falls on a sloped runway but there is no one there to see it, is the runway still sloped?

Answer:

We hope so, because we’ve got curved/sloped runways in the next iteration of Microsoft Flight Simulator.

Next update on August 29^th!

Sincerely,

Microsoft Flight Simulator Team

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Insider Program Cleared for Takeoff

 
Today is a day more suitable for pictures (well technically screenshots, clips, and a preview copy of our Development Roadmap but that didn’t sound nearly as impressive so just pretend this part isn’t here) than words!

“Insiders – We are now boarding, please proceed to the log-in area.”

Next update August 22nd!

Sincerely,

Microsoft Flight Simulator Team

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AUGUST!

The team is excited to move into the next phase of communication with the community regarding our development plans. As we mentioned in our July 25^th update, August is about setting expectations regarding our development process through launch. September is about defining how we will involve the community in that process.

Here is our current schedule for August:
 

• AUGUST 15^th – Insider Program Kickoff (preview of Development Roadmap Release)
• AUGUST 22^nd – Development Roadmap Release (General Release)
• AUGUST 29^th – Build Program Kickoff

 
But wait there’s more!

One of the most important topics we see being discussed in the community is WHEN we plan to start talking about the project. You want the information, the team wants to share this information, so where exactly IS the information? It’s coming. The challenge with creating a transparent development process built on collaboration is that we have to work on the foundation for delivering that information before doing so. With that said, we will be kicking off our Feature Exploration Series in the fall where we will be working closely with the community to walk-through the next iteration of Microsoft Flight Simulator in granular detail.

But wait there’s more!

That said, because we understand the importance of this topic to the community, the team is working hard to adjust the schedule to see what information we can share earlier than currently planned. In our August 15^th update, we will provide more clarity on where we at in the process.

Insiders! DRR preview release in t-minus 7 days…

Sincerely,

Microsoft Flight Simulator Team

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In 2014 Microsoft entered into an agreement allowing Dovetail Games to bring Flight Simulator X to Steam. Today, we are announcing that we’ve reached the end of our partnership agreement.

We would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation to Dovetail Games for the partnership they’ve provided over the past 5 years. Going forward, Microsoft will take over support of Flight Simulator X and we look forward to sharing our next steps with the community in the very near future.

Paul Jackson CEO Dovetail adds “We are incredibly proud to have looked after this fantastic flight sim during the last 5 years and we will continue publishing existing and new add-ons for FSX: Steam Edition on Steam”.

This change will not impact your game experience or impact existing or future add-ons purchased from Steam.

Microsoft

The return of Microsoft Flight Simulator X is an important step in embracing our accountability and responsibility to those that have come before us. And to those that continue to value and invest in the Microsoft Flight Simulator X experience.

That passion, investment, and appreciation must be recognized and reflected in our commitment to carry the Microsoft Flight Simulator franchise into the next generation. We are not building on, but building from, the product and history that is Microsoft Flight Simulator X.

Today, with a bit of bittersweet sentiment, we say “Welcome Home” to an old friend.

More on our FSX plans coming soon…

Sincerely,

The Microsoft Flight Simulator Team

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“Update to an update about an update” – AVSIM member post

Heading into the last week of July the team is excitedly awaiting the arrival of August. There are a number of big updates planned for August and September starting with the V1 release of the Development Roadmap.

Within the next few weeks we’ll be providing the official release date for the Development Roadmap, in the meantime, we’d like to share a few of the deliverables from this plan:

• August (Early/Mid) – Insider Program kickoff
  • First batch of content for the Insider Program members is being prepared for delivery:
    • Advanced preview of the Development Roadmap
    • “In-Sim” content – clips captured from build.
    • Preview Build Program – Detailed information on first build deliverable, Insider participation sign-up

• August (Mid/Late) – Development Roadmap Release (v.2019.08/drr1)
  • Development beats through EOY 2019
    • Build Program Recruitment and Release timeline
    • SDK Update
    • 3^rd Party Content Update
    • UGC Content Update

• August (Late) – Build Program Kickoff
  • Preview Build Program – Detailed information on first preview build deliverable
  • Preview Build Program – Public Participation sign-up
  • Preview Build Program – Preview of next build details

“What we want” – AVSIM Thread

There are two important plans we will be sharing with you in September:

1. The pipeline for how we will provide an in-depth look at the product we are building.
2. The process for how we will integrate the community into this process to facilitate a collaborative partnership to bring this product to launch.

Threads like this on AVSIM, and across all the forums we pay close attention to, are truly valued by the team. So though we may not be directly interacting with you at the moment, we hear you. August is about setting expectations, providing a clear Development Roadmap outlining how we get from today to launch. September is about how we accomplish that task, together.

“Early August for Insider… Hope I get in.” – Reddit User r/flightsim

MSFS – You’re in. In August we’ll kick-off the Insider Program. Insiders will be able to login to the site and be given access to the Insider area, and not just redirected to the FAQ, as per current.

“I want to pay for it in unmarked, non-sequential, low denomination bills, placed in three black plastic bin bags, left on the third floor of an abandoned multi-story car park, at midnight.” – AVSIM User

MSFS – Done. Once you make the drop, head south 3 kilometers. Locate a metal trash bin, retrieve mobile phone at bottom of bin. At 1:06AM text “no subscription”. Await further instruction.

“Microsoft don’t read AVSIM or any other forums, they read their own gaming forums and insiders community forums, it is standard company policy.” – AVSIM User

MSFT – Well this is awkward…

Finally, the team would like to take a moment to call attention to AVSIM mod 188AHC. Your effort and contributions do not go unnoticed. Thank you.

Next update coming August 8th!

Sincerely,
 
The Microsoft Flight Simulator Team

PS: Hint — Announcement coming next update:

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July 11th, 2019 – Development Update

As the team enters the dog days of summer, we’ve been hard at work putting the finishing touches on many of the big updates we’re planning to share toward the end of summer. Our excitement continues to build, as does our impatience to share this information with you. So we press forward counting down the days until we can open the hangar doors and dive into the details with you.

There are many very important topics being discussed in the community (e.g. New Flight Model/IFR-VFR Flight/Weather Simulation Depth/VR Support, etc.). The team is constantly monitoring the feedback/suggestions being discussed and please know that many of these topics and more, will be covered thoroughly in near future updates.

In the meantime, here’s a work-in-progress screenshot, and confirmation that the Insider Program will be starting in early August as part of our development roadmap kickoff.

On July 25th, we will be releasing another update on our plans for August and September. Until next time, know that the team is excited and anxious to share more information with you.

Sincerely,

The Microsoft Flight Simulator Team

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This sentence from Leonardo da Vinci embodies the driving force behind the Microsoft Flight Simulator team. And while all of us have our own personal associations with flight, the entire team is committed to the singular goal of capturing the artistry, mastery, and essence of flying. We believe part of achieving that goal is taking a moment to recognize pivotal steps in our development process, and today is one of our biggest. The culmination of time, effort, technology, and collaboration was edited into a 1:30 second video shown at the Microsoft Keynote presentation this year to kick off E3 2019.

On behalf of the entire Microsoft Flight Simulator team, we humbly and deeply express our gratitude for such an overwhelmingly positive response to our announce trailer! We recognize that without people like you, we don’t get to make experiences like this that span more than 35 years and maintain such a passionate following. Thank you for being patient enough to weather the turbulence caused by some of our previous missteps. Thank you for being willing to look to the possibilities of the future while asking us to be accountable for the past. We hear you, we value you, we want to make the next generation of Microsoft Flight Simulator for you, with you.

While this is not the moment to answer every question being asked, we do want to take the opportunity to answer a few important ones:

1. We are making Microsoft Flight Simulator. Emphasis on the word SIMULATOR.
2. Designed for PC, optimized for multiplatform support (e.g. Xbox).
3. Yes. We are supporting 3rd Party Content Development and Community Content creation. We are aware of the concerns in the current eco-system and are working to address them.
4. Yes. We genuinely want to work closely with the community in the development of this title.
5. Accessibility is important to us. Whatever your abilities are, if you want to fly, we are going to do whatever we can to make that happen. Yoke and pedals, mouse and keyboard, controller, etc. No pilot should be left behind.

Over the next few months, we will be communicating our plans for the rest of the year, including important updates to the Preview Build/Insider Programs, and important development beats. Maintaining a collaborative relationship with the community starts with transparency and clearly communicated expectations. Early August is our current timeline for kicking off the communication of the development roadmap. We will continue to add clarity to this timeline throughout the summer. If you’d like the latest updates, please make sure to sign up for the Insider Program.

This is just the first step in an adventure we are honored and excited to be taking with all of you. The reaction we received from our recent trailer was an incredible reminder that we are not alone in this passion we have for Microsoft Flight Simulator. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, honestly expressing your feedback and concerns, and for taking this next step with us.

From all of us here working on Microsoft Flight Simulator:

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Microsoft Flight Simulator Team

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