Interview:
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2000
Development Team

The Microsoft Flight Simulator must be the longest-running (I'm trying to avoid the word game) recreational software  title in computer history. I remember flying its rudimentary ancestor almost half a lifetime ago, knowing a whole lot of clever programming was working behind the 1-frame-per-second animation. As time marched on, and hardware and software evolved, each new release never failed to keep me amazed with its advances in modeling, technology and realism.

This new release of FS2000 only assures the long-running status of this magnificent sim. True to the advances of the past, it promises to deliver the same level of "gee whiz" improvements in realism which befits its heritage. It appears as though the developers totally re-wrote things from the ground up (for weather) and from the horizon down (for terrain and scenery generation).

FS2000 will consist of two versions: a 'regular' flavor, and a 'Professional Edition'. If you are reading this article, you'll probably head straight for the red box (the Professional Edition), which contains additional aircraft, scenery and tools.

Dan Linton recently had the opportunity to interview several managers involved with this latest release. Here is what Dan had to say about his approach to this visit:

"Have you ever wondered what it would be like to walk into Microsoft, pull the Flight Sim managers all together into one room, and let them basically tell you what really gets them excited about the product. Well, we did just that, and you will find in the pages that follow just how knowledgeable, and excited these guys are about Flight Sims and aviation.

I personally want to thank them all for the great time I had, and the valuable information they were willing to share. This team repeatedly reminded me of how they are 100% behind the developers, and Flight Simmers at FlightSim.Com".

Here, with exclusive photographs direct from the source, is an in-depth preview of what we can expect from this upcoming sim. All in all, it looks like it's going to be more fun than you can shake a stick at.

Enjoy.

If you would like to see more of this kind of inside look at companies and conferences related to flightsim development, send email to:

Dan Linton
danl@flightsim.com


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