Jon Peddle Research (JPR) suggests Microsoft Flight Simulator will be a monster success. Indeed, the company predicts 2.2 million copies over the next three years. Let’s be clear, that is much lower than normal triple A titles, but we must consider what Flight Sim is and what it is for. Certainly, the game is not meant to attract all types of gamers. Furthermore, those 2.2 million copies will be despite the game being available on Xbox Game Pass on PC. Microsoft Flight Simulator is perhaps the best representation of what PC gaming is in 2020. It is at the forefront of technology with ultra-realistic photo quality visuals and massive scope. Hardcore gamers will understand the best way to maximize the potential of the game is to run on a high-end PC.
Driving Sales
This means a gaming PC using the very latest hardware. As such, JPR believes Flight Simulator will generate its own mini market. Specifically, the game will boost the sales of new PCs, monitors, VR headsets, HOTAS hardware, GPUs, and more. “Flight simulators are incredibly demanding on processing capability and reward high resolution, large displays, and VR use,” says JPR analyst Ted Pollak. “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.” “Simulation gamers know the CPU is not easily upgraded so they pay for the best. Nvidia, AMD, and Intel’s GPU offerings will also benefit as that processing is needed for high resolutions,”Polkak explained. “Dell, HP, Lenovo, and other gaming PC builders are also going to see a significant sales boost from this release. As will HP and other VR headset makers with supported products. Of course, all the top PC component and accessory makers will also cash in on the release.” “A significant number of flight sim fans only play flight sim. We took this into account when calculating whether the money will be spent specifically or partially because of this game.”
