Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 | Beautiful Escapism
In this video, I discuss the recently, and very popular, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and how it's rekindled my love for exploration, and seeking solace and comfort in escapism.
Music By: Lukerembo, DJ Quads and Dan Hess
Produced by: Chris Kernaghan
Support: Jiji the cat
Transcript:
Did anyone else go through a phase when they were young when they wanted to become a pilot? I’m pretty sure I did, well, up until I realised what the requirements were, both academically and physically. Unfortunately, I had neither the brains, nor the brawn to do what it takes to become a pilot, and to be honest, I’m much too anxious a flyer now. It’s for the best really. My interest in flying however never waned, regardless, and I can still imagine the excitement of being a pilot. The thrill of the airplane powering up its engines, releasing the break, and hurtling down the runway until the pilot pulls back on the stick. People, cars, buildings become smaller - clouds become closer, the sky becomes a darker shade of Blue at 35,000ft. It goes against the nature of our species, and it’s a testament to the relentless pursuit of science that we’re able to soar upwards into the sky, albeit mechanically, and land safely (for the most part) at our chosen destination.
Thankfully however, there's a cheaper, more accessible way we can live out our childhood dreams of being a pilot. Enter #MicrosoftFlightSimulator2020.
Yes, the release of #MicrosoftFlightSimulator2020 was met, oddly, with quite some fanfare on its release. To my memory, much more than any previous flight simulator. And I say oddly, as this is not the latest FIFA, COD or triple A action title in which the protagonist welds an almighty sword. No, this is first and foremost, a simulator. You only have to type in #MicrosoftFlightSimulator2020 to see how popular it currently is with YouTubers, both respected flight simmers and casual gamers alike. If I had to attribute its popularity to just one aspect, it would certainly be the satellite imagery used from Bing maps to generate a 1:1 world that’s not perfect, but very, very recognisable. This then has led to a number of gamers unfamiliar with flight sims of the past jumping in, hoping to take off virtually, rather ironically, in a world with fewer flights because of Covid-19.
At It’s core, it can seem likely tricky beast to get started and that will no doubt fill some with anxiety. After all, this is a game designed in such a way to offer parity with flying a Boeing 747-800. But my experience with the game so far is one that’s reasonably accessible, depending on what aircraft you choose first of course. If you’re anything like me, you might be tempted to jump straight into said 747, try to land on it a runway that’s much too short in the middle of nowhere, in conditions that can best be described as Summer in Britain which usually ends in complete tragedy. But this is part of the experience, part of the experimentation process that this title affords us, part of the *fun*. This then leads me on to the crux of this video and the reason I think this is one of the most significant advancements in gaming for quite some time. Microsoft Flight Simulator is one of the best experiences I've had in recent times, and as a result, reaffirmed my connection with gaming as a form of entertainment and escapism - something that no book or film can match.
I can't remember the last time I started up a game for the sake of relaxation in exploration, but Flight Simulator 2020 offers this on a literal global scale*. Want to experience what flying around the Himalayas is like? You can. Found something odd on Google Maps at 2am? Get out of bed at the expense of feeling tired the next day, drop the coordinates into #MicrosoftFlightSimulator2020 and find out for yourself. Ever wondered what that little island off Japan (Urup) is like? Let’s go check it out! Flight after flight, discovery after discovery, I find myself *itching for just one more go. There’s joy to be found in aimlessly flying around the globe, not worrying about high scores, achievements or connecting with others in typical battle royale fashion - though, I guess you can do that if you really want to. No, In a world of shooters and loud noises… Microsoft has created a beautiful thing, and really captured the peace and tranquillity of flight and the astonishment of discovery.
Few games have ever produced this feeling of awe for me, and fewer games are likely to as my childhood wonderment becomes a mere speck in the rearview mirror of life. Flight Simulator 98, EF2000 and even Pilot Wings 64 all have a special place in my heart, but they have been far, far surpassed by what is on offer in Flight Sim 2020.
I’m less competitive when I game now. I game because if affords me a bit of escapism for a while. No other game has offered me a level of escapism, much like Microsoft #FlightSimulator2020 has.