Some of Joshua Vaters’ fondest childhood memories are of playing videogames at home in Sudbury with his grandmother.
The digital pastime had always been part of his life growing up, and when it came time to decide on a future career, he had game design in his sights.
“I’ve always wanted to take game design, right out of the gate,” Vaters said.
“Videogames have always made me really happy, so I’ve always wanted to make games to make other people feel the same way.”
But by the time he was ready to attend college, the only program available was offered through a school in Toronto.
With a young daughter to care for, it just wasn’t feasible to enroll in a program four hours away, upending his family so he could follow his dream, Vaters said. Instead, he went to work.
Vaters trained as a professional rubber liner and conveyor belt technician, developing a niche set of skills over the last decade that put him in demand at mining sites and aggregate pits across the city.
But everything changed last summer when he got an email from Cambrian College announcing its brand-new game design program.
He instantly saw it as a chance to recapture the opportunity that had slipped by him so many years before.
“I was, like, ‘This is it; this is the time. I can’t live my life (thinking) ‘What if?’ So I gotta try it.'”
Vaters is now one of the inaugural cohort of the college’s game design program, which kicked off in September 2021.
Throughout the four-semester course, students learn about game design theory, the creation, application and production of games, and the use of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR).
Thirty-five students signed up for its first intake, a robust response to a new course, said program coordinator Aaron Langille, an experienced computer programmer and lifelong videogame lover.
Many students are attracted to the program because it’s just plain fun, he noted.
“I don’t have to work hard to sell people on the idea of game design,” Langille said.
“It’s something that is starting to come so natural to people, because there’s been such a shift in not only the size of the game industry, but also in the perception of games as an actual valid thing to be doing.”
Though many students may dream of designing their own Minecraft or Call of Duty, the game design principles they learn in the program can easily be applied elsewhere, Langille said. That includes the videogame’s non-digital predecessor: board games.
Gamification — inserting game-like aspects into other applications — is a big trend in the corporate world right now, with many companies employing game tactics to make information or services more attractive to users.
“How do we engage people? How do we keep their interest? How do we tell interesting stories about things that might not be inherently interesting?” Langille said.
“All of those skills, we try to do our best in the game design courses to say, you can also use it in these instances as well.”
One example might be a company incentive program that encourages employees to meet their productivity quotas, he noted. Another is education; if an organization turns learning new information into a game, it instantly becomes more exciting and appealing.
Colleges, industry, and other employers are also using VR and AR in their training modules to provide learners with a simulation of scenarios they may encounter in their work.
For example, a common core student could put on goggles and be immersed in a VR tour of an operating mine before ever setting foot underground.
All that advanced technology requires someone to design, build, and implement it.
“Game sits at the intersection of so many media types, and so many creativity-based endeavours, and so many technical endeavours, that it’s impossible not to be learning transferable skills while you’re learning game design,” Langille said.
“So, I’d like to think that we’re opening a world of doors for our students. Even if they’re only thinking game design, there are so many places that they could go after they’re done.”
Sudbury is already home to a small, fledgling community of designers who work in the industry, and Langille predicts it will grow further in the coming years.
As punctuated by the COVID-19 pandemic, geographical location is no longer a barrier to work in many industries, game design included.
He believes it’s very feasible for designers in Sudbury, or elsewhere in Northern Ontario, to be collaborating with counterparts in locations around the globe.
“I think Northern Ontario’s ready, and I think it’ll be great to start seeing students come in from all over the place to be part of this,” Langille said.
“There’s no reason that we can’t be a hub of interest for people that are in Toronto that want to connect with us, too. We have ideas that are just as good as anybody else’s; there’s no question. I see it from my students and I see it from the people that I meet.”
Joshua Vaters still has another year to go before he’ll be ready to enter the industry, but the course so far has been eye-opening.
Though he’d been an aficionado in playing videogames, he hadn’t done much programming, and he said it’s been a welcome challenge to balance the creative and coding aspects of the work.
This past summer, he got first-hand experience in both after landing a coveted job with NORCAT, working with the innovation centre’s tech team on various projects, including the design of a VR program aimed at training new electricians on fire safety.
After graduation, he hopes to find work with a local company where he can continue to hone his skills in the industry that’s held a lifelong fascination.
Asked if it’s been worth it to make such a big change in his life, there’s no hesitation.
“Oh, definitely,” Vaters said. “I’m so much happier, and I’m enjoying it thoroughly. It’s really good.”
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.
