Despite rave reviews, Microsoft has been surprisingly quiet about the release of Microsoft Flight Simulator on PC. While marketing pushed the now-delayed Halo Infinite to global recognition, this Microsoft exclusive was left to quietly launch with barely a whisper. Perhaps it's the fact that the promised Xbox One version of this gorgeous game is nowhere to be seen, or perhaps it's the hope that the company can position the game as a big Xbox Series X release when it's ready for the console. Either way, Microsoft is biding its time when it comes to letting people know about this undeniable success story.

Of course, it's also possible that Microsoft is skittish about putting so much money behind Microsoft Flight Simulator, an entry in what is undoubtedly a niche genre. Simulators haven't been mainstream in decades, partially due to Microsoft shifting focus to the Xbox brand over its PC heritage. Either way, Xbox is desperate for first-party releases of any sort, and more promotion from the mothership could help convince fans and those in the Sony camp that things aren't as dire as they might see.

Microsoft Flight Simulator will be available on PC on August 18, 2020. An announced Xbox One version is assumed to also be forthcoming at a later date.