The news circuit is running hot today with Microsoft Flight Simulator news coming out from different sources all with notable headlines and details. Here’s a round-up of everything that I’ve learned about in the last few hours along with some helpful links so you can get everything first hand.

Lots of good news!

Reading the news around the flight sim community this morning has been an extremely positive experience with good news all around. Here’s the latest on what’s come up:

• The flight sim enthusiasts over at FSElite are reporting on some significant developments – namely that VR is coming this fall to Microsoft Flight Simulator. The initial release will support the HP Reverb G2 Headset first and support will grow from there. They also have a handy list of all of the third parties that have announced support for the new sim.
• Sérgio Costa over at HeliSimmer.com is reporting on some direct information from Asobo Studios that suggest helicopters are indeed coming to the sim. It’s a matter of when and not if! Sérgio also provides some commentary on where the sim is going and about the ten year plan that the developers have laid out ahead of them for supporting Microsoft Flight Simulator. I share many of the same thoughts that this is very likely not a one and done kind of experience but a living product as with most sims these days.
• Microsoft Flight Simulator is coming to the Steam Store! There are now at least two digital distribution systems for the new sim. The store page has not yet been fully completed so the different versions on offer do not yet appear, however, from the description it sounds like the Standard, Deluxe and Premium Deluxe options will all be available.
• Meanwhile, in the mainstream press the new simulator has gotten plenty of attention too. This article by The Guardian talks about Flight Simulator, what it means to aviation and the industry and even what it means to all of us when travel is so limited and restricted. Worth a read.
• The folks at FSElite have also posted 34 minutes of new 4K video footage from the sim. You’ll see a bit of everything including the interface and GUI elements.
• Oh, and one of the reviewers over at PCGamer can’t believe Flight Simulator is real. They seemed impressed!

Finally, I’ve learned that certain content creators have been given the go ahead to release their own images and content for Flight Simulator with the embargo apparently lifting today. At the moment that doesn’t include Stormbirds.blog but maybe that will change soon – either way you can expect plenty of Flight Simulator content come August 18th!