In the gamescom 2021 Xbox Stream program broadcast this morning, Microsoft Flight Simulator director Jorg Neumann announced a series of new plans for MSFS 2020 in the second half of this year, including “World Update VI: Germany, Austria and Switzerland” which will be implemented on September 7. The newly launched “Local Legend” aircraft series, vertical lift air taxis, and the Renault Air Race will be moved to the virtual sky.
MSFS World Update VI was originally scheduled to be launched on August 24, but since the launch of the Xbox version, MSFS has experienced various stability issues. In order to fix various issues and improve stability, the official announcement has postponed the launch of World Update VI until September 7. This world update will include new aerial images, high-resolution contour maps and a number of newly created 3D cities, and 100 famous attractions and airports will be created by hand.
In addition, the development team announced the launch of a new aircraft series “Local Legends” DLC, which was launched together with World Update, providing aviation fans with classic aircraft from the World Update region. The first local legendary aircraft was the Junk JU-52 transport aircraft made in Germany in 1930 (price $14.99, approximately HK$117). The production team specially scanned the inside and outside of the entire aircraft in 3D, and cooperated with the grandson of the aircraft designer Hugo Junkers in order to truly restore the JU-52.
Air taxi takes the first step in a helicopter
As for the native helicopter support, which ranks second in the MSFS expectation list, there are more highlights in this show. Jorg announced that it will cooperate with Volocopter, a German air taxi company, in November this year to move their planned service in Germany. The electric air taxi VoloCity, which looks very much like an enlarged aerial camera, will be moved to MSFS. take the first step.
At the same time, Jorg also announced the cooperation with Renault Air Racing Association RARA to move the STIHL National Aeronautical Competition Championship to MSFS, so that simulated pilots can compete in the virtual sky with friends and even global pilots. This is also the first large-scale expansion pack of MSFS, which will be launched at the end of this year.
Of course, many aviation fans are looking forward to the launch of the “Top Gun: Maverick” DLC. Although Jorg said in the show that since the film is still in the shooting stage, there is no further information to provide, but he said that it will be launched simultaneously with the movie.
Third-party aircraft attracts attention
In addition to the exciting official update, third-party manufacturers have recently launched a number of high-profile aircraft. Among them, the F-14A/B Tomcat fighter jet developed by DC Design was launched last week and sold for US$34.99 (approximately HK$272). Both the fuselage and cockpit of the aircraft are made very carefully, and refer to the actual flight model of the aircraft, while supporting the landing of aircraft carrier catapults and ship ropes.
Another high-profile Airbus H145 multi-purpose helicopter was developed by Hype Performance Group, which launched the Airbus 135 helicopter for MSFS in March this year. This machine is made more carefully than the H135, including the screw rod, the total distance rod and the swing joystick are all linked, and there are three interiors of luxury, civil aviation and military. The official mid-month said that the first version will be launched before the end of the month for flying fans who participate in the early access fundraising. At present, the early access fund raising is still in progress. The price is $42.99 (approximately HK$335), including three interiors.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gn_YVXuR-NA