We know the narrative: Cyberpunk 2077 was supposed to be one of the biggest games of the year but it was brought low a buggy, brutal launch on Xbox One and PS4 that it intentionally hid from reviewers, ruining years worth of goodwill in moments. It’s a convenient narrative, with a hint of truth, but it elides a certain important fact: CD Projekt Red just told investors that the game has sold-through an estimated 13 million copies from December 10-20, making it, quite possibly, the biggest game this year.
This is after Sony removed the game from PSN and after both PlayStation and Xbox, along with GameStop and Best Buy, offered full refunds on the broken title. While there are certainly lost, hypothetical sales in there, the numbers are still impressive, especially when you consider that the company said it was able to recoup its substantial development and marketing costs off of 8 million pre-orders.
This game was just too big to fail.
Clearly, a huge chunk of this is those 8 million pre-orders, sold off the back of The Witcher 3’s success and CD Projekt Red’s year’s of hype, as well as it’s ability to cultivate rabid fanbase through genuinely pro-consumer moves with a dose of edgelord, anti-SJW marketing. But we’re also seeing big sales after the fact as well, driven by the momentum of that marketing, the actually-functional PC version and the idea that it’s going to work, at least at some point.
Then there are those people that could get a refund but aren’t doing it, which is honestly an easy position to understand. They’ve already spent the $60, they want to play the game, and if CD Projekt Red manages to fix it they would probably just buy it again anyways. It’s the same reason I probably have several hundred dollars worth of mail-in rebates that I will never see, despite it being free money.
And that’s right now. The game will likely see a sales boost once the big patches come out, and then another one once the game actually releases versions of Xbox Series X and PS5. Unlock other flops like Anthem (which ran a whole lot better), Cyberpunk 2077 doesn’t need to maintain an active community or content pipeline to prove it’s not a “dead game”. It’s complete, you can buy it, you can play it. This helps a lot when it comes to 6 months down the line.
I think what we see here is the colossal power of hype, expertly wielded by CD Projekt Red in the years before release. It becomes powerful enough that people form a sort of temporary identity around a game that hasn’t even been released and at that point, there’s really no going back. It gave the game reach matched only by very few, and now, warts and all, it’s probably the most visible single-player game on the planet this side of GTA.
For those people that got caught up in the hype, it becomes self-fulfilling: to accept that it was just smoke and mirrors requires that you give up that feeling of genuine excitement you experienced for months, or years, a rare and valuable thing that you might rather hold on to. It also becomes self-fulfilling in a bigger sense, based on pure exposure. My dad texted me about Cyberpunk 2077: that’s how far it goes.
So what’s the upshot? CD Projekt Red will struggle with its next major title…maybe. If the company can pull fire off some free DLC, execute a smooth release for some larger pieces of content along the lines of Witcher 3’sHearts of Stone and Blood and Wine, and maybe—this one is a question mark—make a non-broken multiplayer version, then I have to imagine the market at large will move on from this failure and focus on the parts of the game they like. I don’t think we’ll see 8 million pre-orders again, but who’s to say?
Cyberpunk 2077 is a massive success. It is a massive success despite being buggy and weird in the best of circumstances and outright broken in the worst of circumstances. Because that’s how the hype machine rolls, and that’s how a AAA ecosystem hyper-fixated on a small number of major blockbusters operates. I am not sure we will ever see an example quite as stark as this for a while, but there are more minor ones every year.
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.
