Elaborate PlayStation 5 Fake Leak Fools the Internet for an Entire Weekend
Nope. This won't be the PlayStation 5's launch screen. | Source: Twitter
- Video surfaces online reportedly leaking PlayStation 5 boot-up sequence.
- The divisive footage spreads across the internet.
- Creator details leak as an elaborate hoax.
Over the weekend, a fresh leak piqued the interest of those eager to learn more about Sony’s PlayStation 5. The footage, shot on a phone, appeared to show the PlayStation 5 boot-up sequence in all its glory alongside what was ostensibly the console itself.
PlayStation 5 Boot-Up Sequence Leak
A power-on bleep uncannily similar to the PlayStation 4 initiates an intro sound of swelling synths and wispy chimes. PS5 and Sony logos flood the screen in quick succession before a photosensitivity warning flashes up. A QR code follows.
First surfacing on Reddit , then spreading like wildfire to Twitter and beyond , before being linked back to an unlisted video on YouTube account Oby 1. The news also spread to the media and was widely reported .
As with all PlayStation 5 rumors to date, reactions varied. Some, convinced this was a genuine leak, brandished the video as a glimpse at what it will feel like to boot up a PS5 for the first time at the end of this year.
Others adopted a more skeptical approach, pointing at a number of discrepancies with the footage. Chief among these was the presence of GooglePlay and App Store icons, the unimaginative design of the PS5 hardware, and Sony’s uncharacteristic use of a QR code.
An Elaborate Hoax
Fast forward to late yesterday, and a new video dubbed ‘How to win the interwebs. – make a PS5 video’ surfaced on the same YouTube channel. The video confirms the leak was indeed a fake. A clever ruse orchestrated by a resourceful prankster to test just how far a spurious rumor would go.
The video walks us through the creation of the footage from designing and inserting a fake PlayStation 5 console to drafting in a sound designer and programmer to create a convincing boot-up sequence. What’s clear is that a substantial amount of work and effort went into creating the fake.
While the video showcases the DIY skills of this disingenuous YouTuber, it is also a cautionary tale. Hype and anticipation can make fools of any of use. Take every PlayStation 5 rumor and leak with a hefty serving of salt.
