Third-party developers are finally coming out and telling us their plans to support Microsoft Flight Simulator. All kinds of developers are now confirming their plans and it appears as though Microsoft are now allowing them to freely tell the community what their plans are. Stick around to find out what content we can be expecting from the third-party community.
If you’re unfamiliar with third-party content in flight simulators, let me briefly explain. Modding in PC games and simulators is something not uncommon and has been in flight simulation for many, many years. The idea is that someone, or a team, will add something new to the base-simulator. So whilst the new Microsoft Flight Simulator may have plenty of aircraft or handcrafted airports, there will always be room for improvement. In today’s world, we see a range of products from new detailed airports to fully functional and highly detailed aircraft simulators, even the smallest detail in the plane itself. Some developers have even found ways to improve sky textures, add new sound environments and much more.
Whilst Microsoft has shown that they want to make the experience as easy as possible for those in the simulator, there is still very much space for third-party content creators. With the new Microsoft Marketplace opening up in the core of the new flight simulator, users and content creators will be able to get access directly without the new of using third-party vendors. To be clear, though, you will be able to buy products through other vendors outside of this marketplace. Microsoft has confirmed that over 400 developers have requested access for the SDK with over 250 of them already using it to develop products for the new simulator.
With that said, let us take a look at the developers who have confirmed they are developing for the sim and if they’ve hinted about what we should expect from them.
The video above was produced on July 21st hence why some names will be missing. However, this list will be kept updated accordingly.
Last updated: July 30th 2020.
Aircraft
PMDG
PMDG was one of the first developers to announce they were to bring their product range over to the new flight simulator. Back in November 2019, they confirmed their long awaited NG3, a depiction of the Boeing 737 NG was instead coming to the new flight simulator. Then a few months later, Robert confirmed their line of products will be coming to the sim. That includes the Boeing 747, 777 and the DC-6.
A2A Simulations
Whilst PMDG is known for their work with the heavy aircraft, A2A are known for their smaller editions to the field. Scott has confirmed that they are working on Microsoft Flight Simulator content starting with the Aerostar 600. Following on from that, the team aren’t sure, but a Comanche 250 was mentioned, but we’re excited to see how A2A Simulations take full advantage of the new simulator.
Aeroplane Heaven
Known for their historic aircraft and military aircraft, Aeroplane Heaven are ready to take on the new simulator. It’s no surprise considering the vast selection of aircraft they already have in their list. No further specifics were mentioned at this time.
DC Designs
One of the first developers to confirm they were working on the new sim was DC Designs. If you’re looking for detailed military jets, then DC Designs is for you. Whilst they are known for their fast fighter jets, DC Designs actually confirmed that they are working on a Concorde for the simulator.
Just Flight
Whilst Just Flight were already confirmed to partner with Microsoft as a re-seller of the simulator, they have confirmed that aircraft development has started. They will be bringing their range of GA aircraft to the simulator at some point. Some examples include the Tomahawk and the Duchess 76.
Carenado
Whilst Carenado hasn’t specified that they are working on content, it can be reasonably assumed they are after they are a partner listed on the Flight Simulator page, and also a re-seller of the simulator itself. Carenado are known for making excellent modelled and textured aircraft and are on the lighter side of the systems which is great for newcomers.
CGN Dev
A completely new developer named CGN Dev is working on the 737 Classic series. The team haven’t yet released a product, but did say that they are working on bringing their aircraft to the new simulator.
Aerosoft
One of the other bigger players in the simulator space is Aerosoft. Having released the CRJ, Twin Otter and of course their Airbus series of aircraft, it makes sense for Aerosoft to have confirmed a while ago that they have full intentions on bringing across their aircraft product range to the new simulator.
Scenery
Despite the reliance on Azure and Bing Maps, Microsoft Flight Simulator will still be very open for third-party scenery developers to supply airports and regions to users to get the best details.
Orbx
One of thee biggest development studios in all of flight simulation is Orbx. This team focuses on bringing airport and environment content to flight simulators so it’s unsurprising to hear that they are supporting the new Microsoft Flight Simulator. With hundreds and hundreds of airports already in their range, there will be no shortage of ports coming across. It won’t just be ports as the new CEO, Anna, has confirmed that new products are being developed for the simulator.
FSimStudios
FSimStudios may not be the biggest name on this list, but they have provided airports such as Cancun and Edmonton International in Canada. They will be bringing their content over to the new sim in the future.
Flightbeam
Announced as part of their 10th celebrations, Flightbeam has confirmed they are bringing products to the new flight simulator.
Gaya Simulations
Gaya Simulations confirmed that the reason they are working on airports such as Berlin-Tegel as it will work nicely with the surrounding area of the city itself in the new Microsoft Flight Simulator. All Gaya Simulations products will be coming to the new flight sim including Kos and Vienna.
Imaginesim
Imaginesim were one of the first to confirm development for the new simulator. When speaking about their upcoming KDFW Dallas Fort Worth intl, the team confirmed it will be coming to the new sim. This was back in October of last year so hopefully we see some development shots soon.
Pilot Experience Sim
French developer Pilot Experience Sim has confirmed they are going to bring their products over to the new simulator. Products include airports such as Bordeaux and Montpellier. Whilst they are hoping to provide discounts for upgrades, it’s not yet known.
UK2000 Scenery
Focusing on UK airports, UK2000 Scenery has been around for many years. The development team did confirm they are working to bring airports to the new simulator, they did say that the SDK is currently incomplete which is making development work hard.
Verticalsim
One of the most prolific X-Plane developers, Verticalsim has committed to bringing products to Microsoft Flight Simulator.
“I will be giving the development a shot for MFS2020. Hoping to convert over all sceneries to the new platform. Pricing is a bit of an unknown at this time. But do to the harsh need to relearn, as well as a lot of items/animations needing to be completely redone to suit the new sim, purchases will probably not be ported over.”
JustSim
During the release build-up of their Basel Airport, JustSim confirmed that people will be able to get a discounted copy of the airport for the new Microsoft Flight Simulator – thus confirming they will indeed be developing for the platform.
TDM Scenery Design
On Facebook, new scenery developer, TDM Scenery Design, confirmed their intentions to be developing for the new simulator via the SDK. The team commented saying that it won’t be “an easy job”, but are excited to work with a new platform.
MK-Studios
MK-Studios has confirmed that they intend on bringing over all of their add-ons to Microsoft Flight Simulator. Whilst they said that it will indeed take time, they fully intend on bringing as many airports and products as possible to the platform. Whilst they still await the SDK (as per UK2000 Scenery’s comments a few days ago), they are committed to bringing both Rome and Helsinki to Prepar3D.
Vidan Designs
Confirmed they are bringing all their Danish scenery airports to the simulator and will sell through the build-in marketplace and external shops. (Facebook)
Pacific Island Simulations
All airports from the team will be brought over to the new simulator. Cleveland International Airport looks to be amongst the first from the developer. (Facebook)
LatinVFR
LatinVFR has confirmed they are bringing their products to the new simulator, but the NDA has prevented them from talking about it any further. (LatinVFR Forums)
FlyTampa
Confirmed by FSElite during a media briefing, it is confirmed that they will be bringing numerous scenery products to the simulator. (FSElite)
Utilities
REX Simulations
In an email sent out to the community, REX Simulations said that they are excited about the possibilities of the new simulator, but unable to announce any formal projects at this time. REX are known for their texture replacement products and more recently, how they change shaders on the fly with Environment Force.
FS2Crew
FS2Crew is known for their multi-crew add-ons that add a copilot to specific aircraft so you can focus on flows and realistic checklists in accordance with real world ops. The team said they are working on the new simulator but unable comment further at this time.
OnAir Company
Developer OnAir has emailed FSElite to confirm that they are working on the new Microsoft platform with many tests already completed. (Email)
VATSIM
Confirmed via a teaser trailer, it is confirmed that VATSIM will be compatible with the new flight sim on day one. (YouTube)
PILOTEDGE
An online network for series simmers with local and regional coverage. PILOTEDGE will support the new flight simulator on day one. (Facebook)
Some Developers Not Yet Commented
Parallel 42
FlyTampa
HiFi Sim Tech
Navigraph
Expressed Interest, but not confirmed
TFDi Design
FSLabs
Majestic
Black Box Simulations
Anyone missing?
Let us know in the comments below.