Fans expected Diablo IV’sSeason of the Malignant update to bring some major changes to Blizzard’s ARPG, but what fans didn’t expect were wide-ranging nerfs across nearly the entirety of the game. Now, many in the community are heavily criticizing Blizzard over the state of Diablo IV, with Blizzard announcing a developer livestream to address the changes and the community’s negative feedback.
We have been hearing feedback from players regarding some of the changes in 1.1.0 for #DiabloIV.
We are going to have a Campfire Chat later this week on Friday to talk more about it.
We will have more details/timing in the next day. Thanks again for the feedback!
Defensive stats across the board took a major hit, meaning all classes heading into Season 1 will be far squishier. The main offensive stats used by most classes and builds–Vulnerable damage and Critical damage–were massively nerfed as well. The Cooldown Reduction stat was nerfed too, and while the change hurts some classes and builds more than others, players seem to agree that being able to use skills less often doesn’t feel good.
Experience earned from monsters was nerfed, so much so that now there is little point in fighting higher-level monsters. It’s now impossible for high-level players to power-level low-level ones, as there is now a level requirement for completing the World Tier III and IV dungeons and low-level players additionally receive less experience from high-level monsters. The difficulty of the game’s endgame Helltide areas has been increased, as has the cost of the most lucrative Helltide rewards, the Tortured Gift of Mysteries chest. A bug reducing the number of Aberrant Cinders dropped in Helltides made the endgame activity even more of a grind, even as Blizzard vowed to hot fix it quickly.
Instead of Blizzard buffing underused skills or builds, it instead took a hammer to some of the most popular builds for each class. Barbarians are feeling the pain after Blizzard implemented a bug fix that addressed the class’ Hammer of the Ancients skill doing more damage than intended. Even though Blizzard stated in the patch notes that it was aware the bug fix was a major nerf, it didn’t offer Barbarians anything to make up for the loss in damage. Nearly every endgame Druid build utilized Grizzly Rage due to it granting Unstoppable for the entirety of the skill’s duration, but that has been changed to now only last for six seconds.
Even Sorcerers, who are regarded as the weakest of Diablo IV’s five classes by many in the community, received some huge nerfs, much to the disbelief of Sorcerer players. One of the Sorcerer’s key Legendary Aspects, Aspect of Control, was massively nerfed, as was the Devouring Blaze passive. That means the already weak Sorcerer class will be dealing far less damage, on top of the game-wide defensive and offensive stat nerfs. While Rogues and Necromancers did receive some buffs to certain abilities, Necromancer’s popular Bone Spear build took a hit.
The Diablo IV subreddit is currently aflame with posts decrying the state of the game. “We asked for endgame, not to ‘end the game,”” one Reddit post by user BGStealth reads. “Sure, some builds needed to be fixed, but you didn’t have to completely gut entire classes while you were at it,” user YourLostBrainCell writes. User Clithertron summed up the community’s feelings on the update nicely by writing what many players feel might as well have been the subtext of the official patch notes: “Fixed an issue where players were having fun.”
Though the Season 1 update largely made the game more difficult, there are a few ways in which it made Diablo IV easier. Changes to enemy level-scaling means that high-level players will now generally be at least a few levels higher than standard enemies outside of Helltides and Nightmare dungeons. Additionally, enemies will move around less in combat, making battles easier for the game’s melee-focused classes and builds.
Overall, however, the community doesn’t seem happy with the changes. It’s for that reason Blizzard has announced it will be holding a “campfire chat” on Twitch on July 21 to address community feedback and add some additional context to the sweeping changes. While Season 1’s Malignant Heart powers will likely make up for some offensive and defensive power lost due to the recent patch, players are still worried about how Blizzard has addressed balance changes and responded to community feedback thus far.
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CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
