Recently on Steam, REMEX Software have provided a rather lengthy update describing of current development progress as well as showing videos and images of features. Regarding the environment and living world, several biomes and geographical regions are implemented, forcing pilots to "learn quickly to adapt to operating in a variety of difference conditions and locations all with unique challenges."

Furthermore, the developer proclaimed that players will be able to interact with the environment with their aircraft. Whether it be "snow, mud, grass or gravel," each surface has been faithfully recreated and with have a real impact on the aircraft. In conjunction to the environment, a sophisticated damage model is also present with users being able to create dents and damage aircraft with how they fly.

Of course, these damages do affect how the aircraft flies and ultimately feeds into the "survival" aspect of the game. As shown in the .gif and image below, mud splatters (and drying) across the aircraft and has real consequences as it can either obscure visibility, increase drag, or degrade lift-- once again forcing pilots to account for all factors and further immersing them.

Continuing on in the update, Multiplayer will be a feature available and has been a key "ambition" of the development team from the start. As stated in the update, a "passive experience in which players don't have to battle with hosting their own servers, configuring firewalls or sharing IP addresses but, instead, are simply able to enjoy the experience of being a bush pilot and naturally find them themselves flying amongst fellow like-minded pilots" is the primary goal.

Players will be able to create private/public rooms where they can fly together as well as disabling (or enabling) aircraft collisions "should you wish another player's lapse in concentration to cost you your hard earned flying dollars!"

More-so, voice-communication/VOIP has been regarded as an absolute "essential" in a proper multiplayer world, as stated from the developers, and the new simulator will simulate VHF communication that allows players to "turn their radios and chat to other players on the selected frequency." Range has also been taken into account for a realistic environment that mimics the real world.

A really interesting feature that isn't often represented that will be included in the new simulator is fatigue. In real world flying, fatigue is quite a serious factor for all types of pilots (hence the "F" in the "I.M.S.A.F.E" acronym) and the developers wished to factor this into the new simulator. "The longer you fly, the more tired you will become. Fly too long and you will start to get drowsy - vision will darken as eyes start to close, controls will feel less precise and, if you're not careful, you might just fall asleep!"

The users can "wiggle" the controls to help keep themselves awake, but if done too long, they may find themselves asleep and unable to control the aircraft. To combat this, a tent can be used to catch up on a few hours of sleep between flights or when the weather is too poor to fly.

Not to be forgotten, G-Force(s) have also been included. However, the effects of G-Force isn't limited to just the low of peripheral vision, but the very real chance of structural damage and/or failure has also been implemented. In layman's terms, if users are not careful with their maneuvers, they can either black out or inflict serious damage to the aircraft.

To remain consistent with realism, the developers have also included hypoxia effects. The majority of bush aircraft are not pressurized and the starting aircraft are no exception. While it may be a good idea to climb above weather, the subtle effects of hypoxia are another factors users must consider. Depending on the altitude, weather conditions, and other variables, users can experience a "loss of colour vision, before coordination deteriorates and eventually consciousness is lost" if they are not careful with their altitude.

Concluding, the developers insisted that next week's update will be more inclusive of the "tactile part of the world" and the process players will be undertaking as a pilot, "from gather weather and airfield information to refueling and completing checklists."

Find the full post over on the Steam page for the simulator.

Editor's note: Coverage of the upcoming Deadstick Flight Simulator is part of our new "Inter-sim" section, which also includes other products like the new Microsoft Flight Simulator and Aerofly FS2. Read more about this new venture in this article from January.