Microsoft may alter 'Flight Simulator' game

REDMOND, Washington (CNN) -- Microsoft may remove some scenes involving the World Trade Center from the upcoming version of its popular PC game, "Flight Simulator," following the terrorist attacks Tuesday on that landmark, the Pentagon and another attempt that failed in Pennsylvania that resulted in thousands of deaths.

Microsoft spokesman Matt Pilla said the company has not yet made a final decision on whether to remove the scenes, in which players can "fly" a Boeing 777-300 between the twin towers.

The users handbook for Flight Simulator says the game is "as real as it gets." Players get a simulation of what its like to fly a plane in cities such as Boston, Seattle, Washington, D.C. and New York.

The game introduction shows two people using the software, who say, "John, you just about crashed into the Empire State Building! Hey, that would be cool."

"We would never include anything like that in any new version of Flight Simulator. This is just an unfortunate coincidence. We regret any pain that may have caused. It was certainly not our intent," Pilla said.

The company says it plans to remove that particular section from the introduction because some people may find it offensive.

But, Pilla said, its too early to decide right now about changing the World Trade Center scenario. "This is an awful disaster. No one has come down to any determination if any changes will be made."

He said its possible that the company will remove or change the scenery in future versions of the software or provide a patch for users to download to change the current version.

The company plans to release its new version of the product this fall.

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