Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, launched simultaneously on PC and Xbox, has experienced a bumpy takeoff, with numerous players reporting significant technical issues hindering gameplay. Instead of soaring through virtual skies, many users are facing frustratingly long loading times and unexpected crashes, casting a shadow over the much-anticipated release.
The primary complaint centres around excessively lengthy loading screens. Many players report the game becoming stuck at 97% completion, displaying a message indicating unusually prolonged loading. Anecdotal evidence, including reports from this journalist using an Xbox Series X, suggests load times exceeding 15 minutes before encountering this blockage. Even when successfully loading, reports of glitches during test flights and crashes upon entering Career mode are widespread. These experiences are far from isolated, with a surge of similar complaints flooding social media platforms. One exasperated player, commenting on the official Xbox announcement, succinctly summarised the experience as "Loading Screen Simulator 2024."
The issue appears to stem from the game's increased reliance on cloud-based data. While this approach significantly reduces the game's storage footprint compared to its 2020 predecessor, it also creates a vulnerability during periods of high demand, such as the immediate post-launch rush. The sheer volume of concurrent users attempting to access the game is overwhelming the servers, resulting in the extended loading times and subsequent crashes.
Microsoft's official response acknowledges the problem. A statement from the MSFS Support account on X (formerly Twitter) confirmed awareness of the widespread loading issues, attributing the problem to the high volume of simultaneous server requests. The company recommends rebooting for users stuck at the 97% loading mark; otherwise, they advise patience. The statement indicates that Microsoft is actively working to resolve these server-side issues as quickly as possible.
The current situation is expected to worsen. The gameâs 4 pm GMT launch means a significant portion of the European player base would only begin attempting to play after finishing work. This, coupled with the expected influx of American players logging on later in the evening, will likely further strain the servers and exacerbate the existing issues.
Despite these initial setbacks, the game promises a smoother experience once the server issues are rectified. As previously reported, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 incorporates several Nvidia graphics technologies, which should significantly enhance performance and visual fidelity once the game's launch-day hurdles are overcome. For now, however, many eager pilots are grounded, their virtual adventures delayed by frustrating technical difficulties. The success of the launch will ultimately depend on Microsoft's ability to swiftly address these server capacity problems and provide a stable, enjoyable gaming experience for its players.
