The success and popularity of Microsoft Flight Simulator is in many ways surprising, as it’s a franchise that has largely remained dormant since 2004, but more than that, Microsoft Flight Simulator is a very casual experience. However, it seems like therapeutic games are both in-demand and necessary given the current state of the world. There’s no better evidence of this than the thriving Microsoft Flight Simulator third-party add-on market, with two polished expansions, in particular, getting new trailers recently.
The first expansion is developed by SimWorksStudios and completely revamps the Vilar da Luz General Airport [LPVL] found in Maia, Portugal. It’s a small airport that has a single runway strip, with grass and forest to both sides. SimWorkStudios has added a lot of fine detail surrounding the hangars and buildings to ensure the location is more than just another low-detail flyover that isn’t worth visiting. The Vilar da Luz General Airport add-on is planned for release soon, but doesn’t have a firm release date yet.
Next up is an expansion from the Verticalsim team, which focuses entirely on flight simulator addons. Verticalsim also revamped one of Microsoft Flight Simulator‘s less-loved airports, the Duluth Sky Harbor Airport [KDYT]. The Duluth Sky Harbor Airport is also a single strip airport, though it’s in a beautiful location on Lake Superior. The strip itself, however, is less important than the lake docks for seaplanes. A lot of detail goes into the unique style of this airport and its watery environment, and for those who want to see it for themselves, it’s available now.
Both the Vilar da Luz General Airport and the Duluth Sky Harbor Airport are great examples of how uniquely successful Microsoft Flight Simulator is. These are two airports in a world full of airports that would never have gotten much attention compared to major hubs from the game’s developer, Asobo Studio. Yet here two small teams are able to produce these great add-ons on their own, building mutual success in the process.
Perhaps the only preventative barrier with regards to these marketplace DLCs for Microsoft Flight Simulator is the prices. Duluth Sky Harbor Airport costs $5.49, for example. That’s not to say that it isn’t well worth it for dedicated fans of Microsoft Flight Simulator, but it’s not exactly accessible to a broader audience.
It’ll be exciting to see what comes next for the Microsoft Flight Simulator franchise. Asobo’s already working on something new for Microsoft, but it’s also said it’ll be supporting Microsoft Flight Simulator for 10 years. With or without Asobo, it’s clear the third-party support for Microsoft Flight Simulator will be there regardless.
Microsoft Flight Simulator is available now on PC, with Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S support planned for 2021.
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