WB Admits ‘Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League’ Has ‘Fallen Short Of Our Expectations’ - Forbes | Canada News Media
Connect with us

Tech

WB Admits ‘Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League’ Has ‘Fallen Short Of Our Expectations’ – Forbes

Published

 on


It was not difficult to see this coming, but now Warner Bros. is facing the music regarding Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, Rocksteady’s critical and commercial failure attempting to herd its Arkhamverse into the live service genre.

During a financial call, WB CFO Gunnar Wiedenfels said that the game had “fallen short of our expectations.” No numbers were shared but because the game is doing so poorly, he says it has created a “tough year” for the games business going forward in comparison to last year’s smash-hit Hogwarts Legacy, the best-selling game of 2023. While it was never going to be possible for Suicide Squad to get anywhere close to that, the scope of the failure here is something that needs to be studied.

From day one, the game was a critical disaster. It hoisted a red flag by not sending out review copies, but when the dust settled it had a 60 on Metacritic, a horrible score for a AAA game and one that has led lesser studios to shut down entirely in the past.

It’s true that user scores were much higher across PlayStation, Xbox and Steam, but that did not translate to meaningful player numbers. The game peaked at 13,459 players on Steam, half of what Marvel’s Avengers did, a tenth of Outriders. I never saw it rise higher than the top 20 in Xbox’s most-played games list. The only place it seemed to do reasonably well was on its marketing partner system PlayStation, appearing as a top game at launch there.

But now? Forget about it. It’s out of the PlayStation top 10, it’s out of the Xbox top 50, it’s now peaking at under 1,000 players on Steam. Last night it capped out at 888 players, with a low of 466. This is three weeks after the launch of a game that’s supposed to be a live service and continuing to engage players. Even if games like Anthem and Avengers were ultimately considered failures, this debut and drop-off is on a level far past those, even if I don’t personally think the game is this level of bad to deserve this (I did give it a 6.5/10, however). It’s a tremendous miscalculation that anyone wanted this game in the first place, when it’s easy to see how say, a Rocksteady Superman or Wonder Woman single player game could have moved 10 million copies easily.

The question now is what on earth does post-launch support look like for Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League? It’s about to launch a Joker-themed season in a few weeks, but from there? Even if at least a year of content is already planned and possibly built out, with player numbers this low and up-front sales being poor, you are going to be throwing bad money after bad. The other problem here is monetization at its core, as future characters and seasons aren’t even being sold. They’re free, and you have to convince players to just buy cosmetics alone. This is what Avengers did and well, we know what happened there.

!function(n) if(!window.cnxps) window.cnxps=,window.cnxps.cmd=[]; var t=n.createElement(‘iframe’); t.display=’none’,t.onload=function() var n=t.contentWindow.document,c=n.createElement(‘script’); c.src=’//cd.connatix.com/connatix.playspace.js’,c.setAttribute(‘defer’,’1′),c.setAttribute(‘type’,’text/javascript’),n.body.appendChild(c) ,n.head.appendChild(t) (document);
(function() function createUniqueId() return ‘xxxxxxxx-xxxx-4xxx-yxxx-xxxxxxxxxxxx’.replace(/[xy]/g, function(c) var r = Math.random() * 16 ); const randId = createUniqueId(); document.getElementsByClassName(‘fbs-cnx’)[0].setAttribute(‘id’, randId); document.getElementById(randId).removeAttribute(‘class’); (new Image()).src = ‘https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=d1021730-df4b-4127-8be2-fb6a0e4e96e4’; cnxps.cmd.push(function () cnxps( playerId: ‘d1021730-df4b-4127-8be2-fb6a0e4e96e4’).render(randId); ); )();

Not to mention, the game’s current problems are the worst they’ve been. In an attempt to fix the game for some players who haven’t been able to play online since launch, a new patch has broken the game further and led to mass errors for players who previous had no problems (myself included). It’s a nightmare.

I’ve been harping on this game a lot, but this is a failure on a level we rarely see for a game with so much time and energy invested, and it can’t simply be glossed over. We’ll see what the future holds, but it ain’t bright.

Follow me on Twitter, Threads, YouTube, and Instagram.

Pick up my sci-fi novels the Herokiller series and The Earthborn Trilogy.

Adblock test (Why?)



Source link

Continue Reading

Tech

United Airlines will offer free internet on flights using service from Elon Musk’s SpaceX

Published

 on

 

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.

The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

Source link

Continue Reading

Tech

How to Preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada

Published

 on

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.

Continue Reading

Tech

Introducing the PlayStation 5 Pro: The Next Evolution in Gaming

Published

 on

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.

Continue Reading

Trending

Exit mobile version