The Hardware Demands of Microsoft Flight Simulator
This report comes to us from Jon Peddie Research (JPR), which took a look into how gamers use Microsoft Flight Simulator.
The report predicts that, in the three years after the game’s release, Microsoft will sell 2.27 million copies of the game.
Those who bought the game will go on to spend a total of $2.6 billion on hardware for it. This prediction means that gamers will spend an average of $1145.37 in the next three years.
The flight simulator’s graphical demands are part of this prediction. The Steam page for Microsoft Flight Simulator asks that users have an i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and an NVIDIA GTX 770 or AMD Radeon RX 570 at the very least.
However, simulation games are all about immersion, which JPR predicts will drive gamers to upgrade their computers past this benchmark. The more someone spends on hardware for the game, the better it looks, and the more immersive the experience is.
Getting More Out of Microsoft Flight Simulator
However, immersion doesn’t stop at a beefy graphics card and an 8K display. After all, when was the last time you saw a pilot fly a plane with a keyboard and mouse?
As such, JPR’s report includes luxury accessories in its $2.6 billion estimation. These accessories aren’t necessary for playing the game but adds that extra level of realism that simulator lovers crave.
For example, gamers may flock to realistic airplane controls, such as flight sticks and rudder pedals. Some may also opt for a VR headset to put themselves in the pilot’s seat. And you know there will be the devoted few that will go all-out for a realistic seat and dashboard.
Ted Pollak, a Senior Analyst for the gaming industry, said the following:
This quote gives us some good insight as to why the prediction is as high as it is. If Microsoft Flight Simulator truly is built for a computer that doesn’t exist yet, enthusiasts will snap up future hardware to make their game run better.
When new flight simulators are released, the hardware to run them at max settings and performance does not even exist yet. This creates a situation of constant hardware demand over the life of the title as fans chase the best experience.
As a result, the hardware sales we see today are only the tip of the iceberg. As manufacturers of processors and graphics cards push the envelope further, Microsoft Flight Simulator will likely encourage enthusiasts to continue upgrading their computers for years to come.
The Future of Microsoft Flight Simulator
While people are already buying hardware and accessories to get the most out of Microsoft Flight Simulator, this is only the start. If you know of a frequent flier in your life, get ready for pedals, flight sticks, and graphics cards to appear on their next Christmas list.
Of course, if you’d rather not spent over a thousand dollars on Microsoft Flight Simulator, you can play it for much cheaper. With its recent addition to the Xbox Game Pass, you don’t even need to pay full retail price for a copy.
