Introduction

The long-awaited launch of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 today has hit a snag, leaving many players frustrated as they grapple with loading issues. Reports are flooding in of players being stuck on the loading screen, with some unable to progress past 97% and others facing stoppages at lower percentages. The development team is on high alert and actively working to remedy these technical hurdles.

Root Causes

The root of the issue, as revealed by the developers, lies in the transition from MSFS 2020. An impressive 7,790 add-ons were converted to work with the new simulator, but it appears some incompatibilities have surfaced, completely blocking the game from loading. The massive hype surrounding Microsoft’s “most ambitious simulator to date” has unfortunately led to server overloads, resulting in delays that can stretch beyond two hours. Additionally, many players are facing missing aircraft in their Library and Aircraft Select menus, further complicating their launch experience.

Developer Response

In a statement released on their official blog, the developers acknowledged that they were aware of these issues leading up to launch day but noted it was “too late to address” them adequately. For players encountering loading issues, Microsoft recommends rebooting their systems if stuck beyond the 90% mark, while others may need to await forthcoming patches for a complete resolution.

Player Experiences

The situation is exacerbated by statements from some players, shared on social media, claiming to see an error message reading, “Too many users are trying to connect at the same time.” This has led to hours of unsuccessful attempts to access the game, making “playtime” feel more like a waiting room.

Availability and Reception

With the game now available on Xbox Series X/S, as well as PC via the MS Store and Steam, it's no surprise that users have responded with an “overwhelmingly negative” review score on Steam. This is a stark reminder that even the most anticipated titles can face rocky launches.

Further Support and Updates

For updates and troubleshooting, players are encouraged to visit the Xbox Status support page to check the current service status of the game. If you need up-to-the-minute news or tips on overcoming these frustrating loading issues, stick with us for further updates as the team works towards a resolution. In the meantime, hang tight and keep your flight plans ready! This legendary simulator is sure to take off—when the technical turbulence clears!

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