Microsoft Flight Simulator makes a surprise return and it looks absolutely stunning

Microsoft Flight Simulator

Microsoft Flight Simulator is returning in 2020, Microsoft confirmed during its E3 2019 keynote. This new iteration of the long-running series was briefly teased during the Xbox E3 2019 press conference and is set to be powered by Microsoft's Azure cloud network and Satellite data. 

That means you should expect AI that is constantly evolving and accurate flight paths, giving this the potential to be the most accurate flight sim game released to market. If that weren't enough, the debut trailer was fully captured in 4K and it looks absolutely stunning. Like, seriously, you need to see this thing in action. 

The Microsoft Flight Simulator games have been running since the 1980s and have been a staple of the PC gaming scene ever since. The most recent instalment was Microsoft Flight Simulator X: Steam Edition, which launched in 2014 and was effectively an update of the 2006 Flight Simulator X. 

Interestingly, Microsoft revealed that this game will be a part of the Xbox Game Pass program although no release on Xbox One or Xbox Project Scarlett was confirmed. Given that the Xbox Game Pass PC was confirmed tonight, there's a very good chance that Microsoft Flight Simulator will be PC only, but you never know, it might make the jump to console one of these days. 

No release window has been confirmed for Microsoft Flight Simulator, but it looks almost certain to be a game for release in 2020. It's the type of game that you'll no doubt want to upgrade your setup for because it clearly needs to be experienced in 4K as intended. 

For more from the conferences, be sure to read our E3 2019 schedule to see what the other publishers have to offer at E3 2019.

Josh West
UK Managing Editor, GamesRadar+

Josh West is the UK Managing Editor of GamesRadar+. He has over 10 years experience in online and print journalism, and holds a BA (Hons) in Journalism and Feature Writing. Prior to starting his current position, Josh has served as GR+'s Features Editor and Deputy Editor of games™ magazine, and has freelanced for numerous publications including 3D Artist, Edge magazine, iCreate, Metal Hammer, Play, Retro Gamer, and SFX. Additionally, he has appeared on the BBC and ITV to provide expert comment, written for Scholastic books, edited a book for Hachette, and worked as the Assistant Producer of the Future Games Show. In his spare time, Josh likes to play bass guitar and video games. Years ago, he was in a few movies and TV shows that you've definitely seen but will never be able to spot him in.