Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 has landed, and while its breathtaking visuals are captivating players, there’s a catch – it’s a data monster! The game is notorious for devouring up to a staggering 81GB of data per hour, a number that is sure to raise eyebrows, especially for those who don’t have unlimited data plans.
This data-hungry nature is a direct result of Microsoft and Asobo Studios’ decision to reduce the game’s installation size. By leveraging the power of streaming, Flight Simulator 2024 is now a lean 30GB, a stark contrast to its predecessor, Flight Simulator 2020, which required anywhere between 130GB and 400GB of storage. However, this shift comes at a cost – significantly increased bandwidth demands.
The game’s data consumption peaks at 180Mbps during gameplay, particularly when soaring over densely populated areas within the game at high detail levels. For comparison, Flight Simulator 2020 used around 100Mbps in similar scenarios. This translates to an average bandwidth requirement of 50Mbps in Flight Simulator 2020 compared to a potentially staggering 81GB per hour in Flight Simulator 2024.
While the technical alpha version of Flight Simulator 2024 weighs in at a relatively modest 9GB, the full release at 30GB still underscores the challenge of managing bandwidth. Not everyone has 180Mbps+ internet, and even if you do, the thought of chewing through 81GB+ per hour is daunting. Imagine the potential strain on your data plan and the inevitable scrutiny from your internet service provider.
Microsoft and Asobo Studios are aware of the bandwidth concerns and are actively addressing the issue. This includes optimizing game settings and exploring alternative solutions to reduce the data footprint. However, for now, gamers are left grappling with the trade-off: stunning visuals and a smaller installation size versus a data-intensive experience that may be a barrier for some.
It remains to be seen whether Microsoft will be able to strike a balance between the visual fidelity and the data demands of Flight Simulator 2024. But for now, gamers will need to be prepared for a potentially data-intensive flight experience.
