Yesterday, Sony had a State of Play dedicated to a third party game, which is pretty unusual, but it quickly became clear it was a special occasion. The game was Hogwarts Legacy, a new title from the developers of Disney Infinity, which made me somewhat skeptical they could handle a project of this scale, but the result was a deeply impressive presentation that made Legacy effectively look like everyone’s Harry Potter dream game.
Hogwarts Legacy looks like a totally immersive Harry Potter experience with a range of everything from taking classes to fighting wizards and goblins in combat with spell combos. The visuals look stellar, the action looks intense and enjoyable. I came away deeply impressed by something that was not really even on my radar before this.
Enter the JK Rowling problem.
Talking about the game on Twitter, even briefly, sparks a debate between two sides. One is that this game, and really anything related to the Harry Potter universe should not be supported or given coverage due to Harry Potter creator JK Rowling’s firmly anti-trans positions that she’s expressed in the years since the books were released. The other side says that that Rowling has nothing to do with the development of this game, and that you can separate the creator from their universe to still enjoy it. There may be a third side who supports Rowling and her positions, but I’m not even going to entertain those views at all.
All of this leads me to be very personally torn on what to do about something like Hogwarts Legacy. The game goes out of its way to say very clearly that JK Rowling has not written the story for this game, but she has effectively given the game her “blessing” and obviously the entire world was created by her in the first place. What’s happened now with both the game and things like the new Harry Potter movies is that you have a very nervous Warner Bros. and thousands upon thousands of people working on Harry Potter projects that do not support Rowling’s views trying to make enjoyable, profitable offerings for fans.
If you’re my age, you probably grew up with Harry Potter as a cornerstone of your youth. I was the exact same age as Harry and his friends when the books were released and grew through my teens along with him. I did not really recognize the problematic aspects of the series until much later on (goblins! Cho Chang! Dumbledore sexuality ret-conning!), but it’s hard to split that from the initial joy I felt reading them growing up.
I can understand the argument about playing the game without feeling like you’re supporting Rowling and her views. All across Hollywood and the gaming industry there are all manner of people who have made things I love that have personal, terrible views or character flaws. Like, is it still okay to love one of my favorite space westerns, Firefly, now that I know how terribly creator Joss Whedon has treated women, or how actor Adam Baldwin has gone off the right-wing deep end?
LONDON – NOVEMBER 4: (L to R) Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley), author J.K. Rowling, Daniel Radcliffe … [+] (Harry Potter) and Emma Watson (Hermione Granger) attend the world film premiere of “Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone” at the Odeon Leicester Square cinema in London on November 4, 2001. The film is titled “Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone” for it’s U.S. release. (Photo by Gareth Davies/Getty Images)
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But I also understand how the JK Rowling situation is different, and divorced from say, someone like HP Lovecraft and his extremely awful views on race, as he died in 1937. JK Rowling is very much around today, and constantly making headlines with fresh anti-trans rhetoric daily, a truly bizarre obsession of hers that has made her one of the lead figures in the anti-trans movement. And this is not a settled issue in our society, in that in America we have Texas attempting to enforce egregious anti-trans laws against children and their parents, and the trans community remains one of the most at-risk groups around the world, namely because of how we’ve treated them. JK Rowling is doing active harm to them daily.
JK Rowling is also not divorced from Harry Potter as an entity. Not as much as Warner Bros. would want you to believe. No, she may not be writing Fantastic Beast scripts or working on Hogwarts Legacy, but this is not a George Lucas situation where she’s sold the rights to Harry Potter to WB (as much as they might love that). It stands to reason that yes, any time any Harry Potter property makes money, that filters back directly to JK Rowling herself.
Yes, I know we support a lot of different products that end up giving money to bad people or bad corporations that do bad things with it, but this one feels more tangible. We can just go on Twitter every day and see Rowling’s latest anti-trans statements in real time, which is why I know so many people have an issue with this.
I do not know the answer here. I have deep childhood connections to Harry Potter and I know that thousands of perfectly unproblematic people worked hard to make a fun, charming game based on that world. But JK Rowling’s presence looms too large and she remains too connected to the franchise, so I understand the desire for boycotts based on that alone.
It’s hard, and a wholly unique situation in many ways. I welcome feedback and opinions on how you feel about the game itself, and how it should be covered.
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.
