Sony Interactive Entertainment today announced that it will be removing CD Project Red’s Cyberpunk 2077 from its online PlayStation Store. It also announced that it will be offering full refunds to those who already purchased the game.
SIE strives to ensure a high level of customer satisfaction, and we will begin to offer a full refund for all gamers who have purchased Cyberpunk 2077 via PlayStation Store and want a refund. Please visit the following link to initiate the refund: https://t.co/DEZlC0LmUG.
The company has set up a website where customers can signup to submit their request for a refund. Once it is confirmed that you purchased the game from the PlayStation Store, you should get your refund. However, this may be difficult at the moment as the company is getting inundated with a lot of requests from disgruntled customers.
CD Project Red launched Cyberpunk 2077 on December 10 on Windows 10, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Stadia. The game was initially announced in 2012 but the launch date was set to be April 16 2020, which was eventually delayed to September 17, then to November 19, and then finally to December 10.
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Since its release, users complained about excessive issues across multiple platforms, but most notably on the two home consoles. PlayStation and Xbox owners faced poor performance, with frame rates often dipping under 30 and even 20fps during gameplay, as well as crashes that would send them to the console’s homescreen. The performance is particularly poor on the base PS4 and Xbox One S, although the PS4 Pro and Xbox One X aren’t significantly better.
The game also proved inherently buggy, with glitches across the game world that can cause characters to behave in unexpected ways, making it difficult to play even if you ignore the other issues.
The only way to run the game without the performance issues was to play it on a next generation console. A PS5 or an Xbox Series X|S can brute force the game to run better but that still wouldn’t solve the crashing and game code issues. Note that the game currently has no dedicated version for the next generation consoles and it is using backwards compatibility to play the PS4 and Xbox One versions.
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The PC version is relatively well-off in comparison. While the game has extreme CPU and GPU requirements that far exceed the company’s stated system requirements and the game code issues still exist, if you have a high-end gaming PC then you can at least enjoy playable framerates.
When users first complained about the issues with the game, CDPR released a statement on December 14 apologizing for the situation on consoles and also stating that they will be releasing smaller updates soon and then larger patches first in January and later in February. They also asked players on PlayStation and Xbox to refund the game if they aren’t happy.
Following that today SIE released a statement saying they are removing the game from its store until further notice and that players who purchased it already can apply for a full refund. This statement was followed later by one from CDPR, where it said that you can still purchase the physical copy through other stores and everyone who still has the game will continue to get updates.
This is the first time Sony has had to remove a AAA title from its PlayStation Store over issues with the game. We have seen situations in the past, such as with the PC release of Batman Arkham Knight, where the developer pulled the title due to issues at launch, but rarely has the platform owner had to step in and pull the plug. This gives us an idea of the volume of complaints the company must have received over the week and also the severity of the issues in question. It would not at all be in Sony’s interests to have a major title that performs so poorly be on its store, even if it is on its outgoing model.
As of this writing, Microsoft has not released a statement regarding the status of the game on its online store. However, you could still apply for a refund on the Xbox if you aren’t happy.
On a personal note, as someone who is 30 hours into the game on the PC, I mostly have mixed feelings about it after reaching what seems like halfway into the main story (I spend more time doing side quests). I would have a lot more thoughts on the game once I finish my playthrough and if you are interested in a review of sorts then let me know in the comments below.
OTTAWA – Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem says there is a lot of uncertainty around how artificial intelligence could affect the economy moving forward, including the labour market and price growth.
In a speech in Toronto at the Economics of Artificial Intelligence Conference, the governor said Friday that the central bank is approaching the issue cautiously to get a better understanding of how AI could affect its job of keeping inflation low and stable.
“Be wary of anyone who claims to know where AI will take us. There is too much uncertainty to be confident,” Macklem said in prepared remarks.
“We don’t know how quickly AI will continue to advance. And we don’t know the timing and extent of its economic and social impacts.”
The governor said AI has the potential of increasing labour productivity, which would raise living standards and grow the economy without boosting inflation.
In the short-term, he said investment in AI is adding to demand and could be inflationary.
However, Macklem also highlighted more pessimistic scenarios, where AI could destroy more jobs than it creates or lead to less competition rather than more.
The governor called on academics and businesses to work together to shed more light on the potential effects of AI on the economy.
“When you enter a dark room, you don’t go charging in. You cautiously feel your way around. And you try to find the light switch. That is what we are doing. What we central bankers need is more light,” he said.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 20, 2024.
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.
