Flight Simulator X

Microsoft Flight Simulator X (abbreviated to FSX) is a 2006 flight simulation computer game originally developed and published by Microsoft for Windows. It is the sequel to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 and the tenth and most current installment of the Microsoft Flight Simulator series, which was first released in 1982. It includes a graphics engine upgrade and was marketed by Microsoft as the most important technological milestone in the series to date.
It is the first version in the flight simulator series to be released in October 2006 worldwide as a DVD. It is also the first version in the series to feature a new type of electronic distribution prevention using license keys, removing the need for the user to insert the game disc into their computer in order to run the software.
In December 2012, over six years after its release, the FSX multiplayer matchmaking system over the GameSpy network was discontinued. On July 9, 2014, Dovetail Games, the developer of RailWorks Train Simulator, announced that it signed a licensing agreement with Microsoft and would be developing and producing new flight software for the series.^[1] On December 18, 2014, they released the FSX: Steam Edition version of the simulator online via Steam. The update includes Windows 8.1 support and the reintroduction of multiplayer via Steam.^[2]

Overview

Flight Simulator X marks the tenth version of the popular line of flight simulators. It was officially released to the US market on October 17, 2006. According to Microsoft's Web site for the game, a standard edition features everything from navaids to GPS and airways. It also includes 18 planes, 28 detailed cities, and over 24,000 airports with a deluxe version featuring 24 aircraft, and 38 cities. The player can fly anything from single-engine aircraft to jumbo jets. The game features an immersive air traffic control system and dynamic real-world condition weather. The geography matches the part of the world that the player is flying in. Jetways and ground equipment are also included in the game.

Flight Simulator X was officially unveiled at the 2006 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) as a gaming showcase for Microsoft Windows Vista and is now also compatible with Windows 7, and with Windows 8 via Steam. Microsoft released screenshots as well as a list of frequently asked questions as a press release on Microsoft Flight Simulator Insider,^[3] and numerous flight simulator communities. This also included mission-based gameplay with mission specific aircraft as well as an upgraded rendering engine capable of increased detail. Following the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in May 2006, Microsoft published new screenshots, videos and an official trailer. The overall reaction by the community was quite positive,^{[citation needed]} and the graphical quality of the simulator has greatly increased.