Podcast Summary
Flight Simulators: Astonishing Visual Realism: Modern flight simulators offer astonishing visual realism, but finding the right balance between immersion and practicality is key to experiencing them in 2024.
The visual experience in gaming, particularly in flight simulators, has come a long way since childhood. While it may not seem as visually impressive at first glance with its cockpit view and buttons, the level of detail and realism in modern flight simulators is astonishing. Our producer, Liam James, discovered this during the production of the Vergecast series on the 5 senses of gaming. He was surprised to find that his childhood fascination with flight simulators, which he couldn't afford to try back then, is still a visually stunning experience today. Through his conversation with Charlie Hall from Polygon, Liam learned that the best way to experience a flight simulator in 2024 is not as clear-cut as he thought. It's not just about creating a wall of monitors or strapping on a VR headset, but rather finding the right balance between immersion and practicality. Overall, the visual aspect of flight simulators showcases the advancements in gaming technology and the ability to recreate realistic experiences.
Realistic flying experience: Microsoft Flight Simulator offers a realistic and immersive flying experience with accurate models of real planes at real airports, one-to-one satellite imagery, and a focus on authenticity.
Microsoft Flight Simulator goes beyond being just a video game by providing a realistic and accurate representation of flying and Earth. With models of real planes at real airports, users can fly around the globe, and the visuals are one-to-one with satellite imagery. Developers strive for authenticity, from small details like hat switches to larger aspects like airport runways. This level of realism sets Microsoft Flight Simulator apart from other games and requires significant resources. For many, including the speakers in this discussion, their experience with Microsoft Flight Simulator began in their childhood and has continued into adulthood, fueled by a desire for an immersive and realistic flying experience.
Microsoft's Bing Maps edge: Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020's photorealistic graphics are made possible by Microsoft's ownership of Bing Maps and its vast satellite data, allowing for real-time streaming and highly detailed, accurate representations of the world.
Microsoft Flight Simulator's photorealistic graphics in the 2020 version were made possible by Microsoft's ownership of Bing Maps and its vast satellite data. The game downloads only a fraction of what it needs from the user, with the rest being streamed directly from Bing Maps in real-time. This data is then applied to the game using photogrammetry and other technological wizardry, resulting in incredibly detailed and accurate representations of the world. During the early days of flight simulation games, Microsoft Flight Simulator stood out with its hand-built environments. However, new competitors like X-Plane and Star Citizen emerged, and Microsoft took a break from the market. But in 2020, Microsoft returned with a new vision for Microsoft Flight Simulator, which leverages Bing Maps' satellite data to create photorealistic graphics. The game's impressive graphics are not just due to advances in GPUs but also Microsoft's unique access to satellite data. This data is used to create highly detailed and accurate representations of the world, from famous landmarks to topographical features. Microsoft's ownership of Bing Maps gave it an edge in creating a photorealistic flight simulation game. The company's partnership with Asobo Studio allowed it to utilize this data effectively and create a game that streams in real-time satellite information, resulting in a truly immersive and realistic experience for players.
Advanced Flight Simulation Setup: Microsoft Flight Simulator provides a highly realistic flying experience, but for a more immersive and expansive view, users can invest in additional equipment like multiple monitors and specialized control devices.
Microsoft Flight Simulator offers an incredibly realistic and immersive flying experience with advanced features like real-world air traffic, weather data, and multiplayer functionality. However, to fully enjoy this virtual world, users often invest in additional equipment and setups, such as multiple monitors and specialized control devices, to expand their visual field and enhance the overall experience. These additional investments allow for a more immersive and realistic simulation, going beyond the standard 16:9 computer screen setup. For instance, using three monitors with a triple monitor arm setup enables a more expansive view, allowing users to see the runway and surroundings more clearly during landings. This setup, along with other peripherals, significantly enhances the flight simulator experience and makes it a more engaging and realistic hobby for enthusiasts.
Advanced Gaming Tech: Advanced technologies like Track IR and eye-tracking can enhance gaming experience, particularly in flight simulators, by providing better situational awareness and reducing distractions. Track IR uses infrared sensors on headsets or hats, while eye-tracking tech focuses on eyes. VR headsets offer immersive experiences but can be challenging to set up.
Advanced technologies like Track IR and eye-tracking can significantly enhance the gaming experience, particularly in flight simulators, by providing better situational awareness and reducing the need to take your focus away from the action. Track IR uses infrared sensors clipped to a headset or hat to track head movement, allowing the gamer to look around in the game as if they were actually turning their head. Eye-tracking technology, like that offered by Tobii, works similarly but focuses on the eyes instead, adjusting the view based on where the user is looking. VR headsets are another option for immersive gaming experiences, but they can be challenging to set up and may require a larger space. Ultimately, the choice of technology depends on personal preference and the specific gaming requirements.
VR Challenges in Flight Simulation: Performance and ergonomic issues, including frame rate and accessing keyboards, limit the appeal of VR for flight simulation enthusiasts, causing some to revert to traditional monitor setups.
While Virtual Reality (VR) technology offers an immersive experience in games like Elite Dangerous, it comes with significant challenges, particularly in terms of performance and ergonomics. The speaker mentioned frame rate issues, which can lead to a lack of situational awareness and even nausea. Additionally, accessing a keyboard in VR to use various buttons in the game proved to be a challenge. Despite the excitement surrounding VR headsets like the Pimax Crystal and Apple Vision Pro, many flight sim enthusiasts have returned to traditional monitor setups due to these issues. The speaker personally prefers using track IR and a higher frame rate on a monitor for a more productive and comfortable gaming experience.
Flight Simulators: Monitors vs VR: While VR offers immersion, pilots prefer physical buttons for memorization and tactile feedback. Extended VR use can lead to physiological issues, but multiple monitors may be more beneficial for serious flight simulations.
While VR technology offers a more immersive experience for flight simulators, the tactile experience of using multiple monitors is still preferred by many, including high-end flight sim YouTubers and military training centers. This is because pilots need to memorize the cockpit layout and be able to operate switches without looking, which is easier with physical buttons. However, extended use of VR headsets can lead to physiological drawbacks, such as motion sickness and inner ear issues, which can make gaming in VR an unpleasant experience for some. Chris Grant's suggestion of limiting VR games to 25 minutes might be necessary for casual gaming, but for more serious simulations like flight simulators, the benefits of using multiple monitors may outweigh the drawbacks.
Virtual Reality in Flight Simulators: Virtual Reality in flight simulators offers an immersive experience, but can be uncomfortable due to heavy and bulky equipment. Microsoft's collaboration with aircraft manufacturers and inclusion of interactive cockpit elements in the game is a step towards mixed reality experiences, but affordability and availability of traditional solutions may hinder widespread adoption.
Virtual reality (VR) technology in flight simulators, such as Microsoft Flight Simulator, has its advantages and challenges. The speaker shares his personal experience of using VR headsets, which includes discomfort from the weight and size of the equipment. However, he also acknowledges the immersive experience VR provides, particularly during active parts of the flight. Microsoft's collaboration with aircraft manufacturers and inclusion of pre-flight checklists with interactive cockpit elements in the game is a step towards mixed reality experiences, where users can interact with virtual dashboards using their hands. Despite the potential of mixed reality, the speaker believes it may not become mainstream soon due to the availability and affordability of traditional solutions like monitors and keyboards. Overall, the speaker is optimistic about the future of mixed reality technology and its potential to offer unique experiences in flight simulators.
Flight simulator nostalgia: Nostalgia for childhood dreams of flight simulations and excitement for upcoming advancements, including immersive multi-monitor experiences
The future of gaming, specifically flight simulators, has the ability to rekindle childhood dreams and excitement for technology. During a discussion on The Vergecast, hosts Liam and Charlie expressed their anticipation for upcoming advancements in gaming technology, particularly in the realm of flight simulators. Liam shared his nostalgia for his 3rd grade self, who longed for a computer to run flight simulations. Charlie, too, expressed his excitement for the potential of multiple monitors for an immersive gaming experience. The episode concluded with the hosts looking forward to trying out these new technologies when they become available. The Vergecast also announced that this was the last episode in their 5 senses of gaming series, but promised more special content in the future. Sponsored by Visible, the episode ended with a promotion for the wireless company's affordable and transparent pricing.