Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Soars to PlayStation 5
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 has finally landed on the PlayStation 5, fulfilling an announcement made back in September. Previously a staple on Xbox Game Studios’ roster, this iconic simulation game joins the ranks of other titles like Sea of Thieves, Forza Horizon 5, Age of Empires, and Gears of War: Reloaded. The PlayStation community can also look forward to the arrival of the once Xbox-exclusive, Halo, next year.
The Vision Behind the Expansion
In an interview with Microsoft Flight Simulator franchise head Jorg Neumann, it was revealed that the idea to bring the game to PlayStation began over two years ago. Initially dismissed, the concept gained traction after Sony showed interest, ultimately sparking a trend of Xbox games migrating to the PlayStation platform. Neumann explains that this transition was made feasible by reducing the game’s client size to 8 GB and leveraging cloud storage, enabling its adaptation across various platforms. This strategic move to bring Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 to PlayStation 5 may have set off a wave of Xbox titles expanding to rival consoles.
Embracing New Horizons on PS5
Enhancing its appeal on the PS5, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 has been finely tuned for the console and the DualSense controller, offering a range of immersive features. These include adaptive triggers that adjust to speed and terrain, gyro controls for intuitive flying, lightbar cues for warnings, and a customizable touchpad for managing tasks like throttle control. The controller’s built-in speaker even delivers audio from air traffic control, heightening the realism for players.
The broader ambition to make Xbox titles available on PlayStation reflects Microsoft’s evolving strategy to maximize profits in light of significant acquisitions like ZeniMax and Activision Blizzard. As the gaming giant shifts its focus towards a multiplatform future, these developments are expected to continue reshaping the landscape of console gaming.