Microsoft Flight Simulator Introduces Paid Jurassic World Expansion

Alright, hold onto your hats because I’m about to dive into something wild here. So, I’m half-convinced I’m dreaming, but nope—it’s real. Microsoft Flight Simulator, that iconic video game of clouds and cockpits, is getting tangled up with dinosaurs. Yeah, Jurassic World dinosaurs. Crazy, right? This tidbit dropped from PC Gamer, and believe it or not, it’s officially backed by Universal.

Okay, so picture this: you’re not exactly “stepping into” Jurassic World. I mean, technically, you’re flying over it. It’s all happening around the Muertes Archipelago—try saying that three times fast—right off Costa Rica and just before the drama kicks off in the 2015 movie. But hey, ground explorers rejoice! Orbx Studios, the masterminds behind all this, hint at a chance to nosedive into a VIP terminal inspired by Jurassic World. Fancy!

They’re aiming for an August-September launch on PC, with Xbox folks getting in on the action soon after. But here’s the kicker: it’s a paid add-on. Surprise, surprise. No word on the price tag, which they’re keeping as mysterious as a T-Rex in the bushes.

By the way, those still circling on Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020—because, let’s be honest, the new version was a mess at first—can chill. Orbx promises compatibility magic to make this add-on work across both 2024 and its rival, X-Plane 12. Fingers crossed that’s not just smoke and mirrors.

For those, uh, financial adventurers concerned about extra costs… yeah, you might wanna brace yourselves. You’ll need Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. And don’t worry, the “Standard Edition” will do—no need to splurge on the fancier versions. Once that’s sorted (and MSFS 2024 is snugly installed on your rig), you can snag the dinosaur add-on from OrbxDirect or Microsoft’s marketplace—whichever way floats your boat.

Xbox folks, heads up: you’re stuck with the in-game marketplace route. Will it affect pricing? Who knows until Orbx spills the beans. Oh, and if you’re a news hawk like me, you might wanna pop into the Orbx Discord to catch the latest scoops. Or just peek into their forums. They love a good chat.

Thinking outside the cockpit, this isn’t the first time MSFS has gone all fantasy. Remember that Halo Pelican ship a few editions back? Not too different here, just someone decided dinosaurs were lacking aerial menace. Personally, I’m still on the fence with this dino adventure—depends if my wallet can handle the T-Rex ticket. As the saying goes, “Life finds a way,” unless it’s broke and can’t afford admission.

Whether you’re a Jurassic fanatic or a budget-conscious pilot, it’s worth keeping an eye out. Until then, I’ll just be riding the skies of my usual haunts, dreaming of prehistoric horizons.