Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 soared onto Xbox, PC, and Xbox Game Pass this week, but its takeoff has been turbulent. Players are encountering significant performance problems, including lengthy queue times and an inability to even launch the game, with some stuck at 97% loading. Asobo Studios addressed these issues in a video on Wednesday, admitting they “underestimated” the server demand.
“We anticipated high excitement for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, but we frankly underestimated the sheer volume, overwhelming our infrastructure,” explained Jorg Neumann, series head. “We sincerely apologize for this disruption.”
The game’s X support account advises players to reboot if stuck above 90% loading and to consult the Xbox Status page for updates. They also report that initial waiting queue problems have been resolved.
New Features Contribute to Server Strain
Many issues stem from Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024‘s new features. To manage the game’s massive size (assets, maps, etc.), Asobo Studios implemented cloud storage. This allows the game to load only what’s within the flight path by requesting assets from a server database. While this system relies on caching to speed things up, the high demand has exceeded expectations. Pre-launch simulations tested up to 200,000 users, but the actual player base has clearly surpassed this.
Cache Saturation Causing Performance Bottlenecks
Asobo CEO Sebastian Wloch attributes the long loading times and performance issues to server cache saturation. The overwhelming number of requests has overloaded the system.
The team has attempted various solutions, including restarting services, throttling player numbers, and increasing queue size for faster processing. However, these measures proved temporary, ultimately collapsing under the continued influx of requests. This overload also prevents certain elements, like “optional” default aircraft, from loading properly.
“We are diligently investigating and working as quickly as possible to ensure everyone can access the game,” assured Wloch.
Launch Issues Not Uncommon, but Severity Raises Concerns
Launch problems are not unusual for games as demanding as Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. With recommended PC specifications requiring 64GB of RAM, the game pushes hardware limits, much like its predecessor, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, which prompted many players to upgrade their systems. However, the current issues extend beyond hardware requirements, impacting player experience significantly. The Steam version currently holds an “Overwhelmingly Negative” rating, reflecting the widespread frustration.
Addressing the Challenges
While launch issues are often anticipated, the severity of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024‘s server problems has raised concerns. Asobo’s transparency in acknowledging the situation and outlining their efforts to address it is a positive step. The coming days will be crucial in determining how effectively they can stabilize the game’s performance and restore a positive player experience.
