Microsoft Flight Simulator has discovered newfound success that the franchise hasn't experienced since its glory days in the 80s and 90s. Asobo Studios' simulation game allows PC and Xbox console gamers to explore the world in a way never before accomplished. As such, it's understandable that third-party companies see Microsoft Flight Simulator's success as a marketing opportunity. That explains the forthcoming Top Gun: Maverick expansion, and also why it has now been confirmed to have been delayed.
The Top Gun: Maverick expansion for Microsoft Flight Simulator was originally announced June as part of Xbox's E3 2021 Games Showcase. As the name implies, the Top Gun: Maverick expansion is a promotional tie-in to the movie of the same name, which stars Tom Cruise and Jennifer Connelly. Unfortunately, such promotional relationships ultimately become dependent on the product being promoted, and has become normal in the pandemic the Top Gun: Maverick film is now being delayed.
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Once slated for release on November 19, Top Gun: Maverick is being delayed out of the holiday season due to the ongoing COVID-19 surge in the United States. Distributor Paramount is hoping that the film's new May 2022 release will be better for audiences (and for profits). Given that the Top Gun: Maverick expansion for Microsoft Flight Simulator is intended to promote the film, a launch in 2021 no longer makes sense. As such, the DLC has also been delayed.
While Asobo didn't provide a new release date for the Top Gun: Maverick expansion for Microsoft Flight Simulator, it may as well have. The DLC will arrive alongside the release of the movie. Asobo also confirmed that the DLC is planned to launch on both PC (Windows 10 and Steam) and Xbox Series X/S at the same time.
One other detail that was reconfirmed is that the Top Gun: Maverick expansion will be included with Xbox Game Pass. DLC for Xbox Game Pass games, including first-party releases, isn't typically included and has to be bought separately. It seems Microsoft worked out a deal with Paramount to ensure that the Top Gun: Maverick expansion will reach as many players as possible.
Little is known regarding the Top Gun: Maverick expansion, in general. The announcement showed some brief gameplay that revealed several flyable jets, assumedly pulled from the Top Gun: Maverick movie. That could be the extent of the crossover, of course, so Microsoft Flight Simulator players should probably keep their expectations in check. Expect more information in the time between now and May 2022.
Microsoft Flight Simulator is available now on PC and Xbox Series X/S.
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