Microsoft Apologizes for MSFS 2024 Launch Woes

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024: Addressing a Turbulent Launch

The launch of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 faced significant challenges, prompting an official response from the development team. Let's delve into the reasons behind the initial difficulties.

Unexpected User Surge Overwhelms Servers

Jorg Neumann (MSFS Head) and Sebastian Wloch (Asobo Studio CEO) addressed player concerns in a YouTube video. They acknowledged the high level of anticipation but admitted to underestimating the sheer number of simultaneous users. This unexpectedly massive player base overwhelmed the game's server infrastructure. Wloch explained that the initial login process involves significant data requests from servers, straining the database cache, which, despite being tested with 200,000 simulated users, proved insufficient for the actual launch volume.

Login Queues, Missing Assets, and Negative Steam Reviews

Attempts to mitigate the problem by increasing queue size and speed yielded temporary success. The server cache repeatedly collapsed under the strain, resulting in extended loading times and the infamous 97% loading screen freeze. The missing planes and assets reported by players stemmed from this server overload, preventing complete content delivery.

The negative Steam reviews reflect the widespread frustration with these launch issues. The game's "Mostly Negative" rating underscores the severity of the problems encountered.

Addressing the Issues and Moving Forward

Despite the rocky start, the development team is actively working on solutions. The Steam page now states that the issues have been resolved and players are being admitted at a more manageable rate. A sincere apology has been issued, along with a promise to keep players updated on progress via social media, forums, and the official website. The team's commitment to resolving the problems and addressing player feedback is evident.