Sony’s new “AI ghost” patent could let PlayStation NPCs coach you through boss fights in real time
Sony has filed a new patent (spotted by Boing Boing) that’s something straight out of a sci-fi novel. Sony’s AI “Ghost” patent, filed earlier this year, details the company's research into “AI-generated ghost players” that would provide real-time assistance during challenging gameplay sequences.
Contrary to your typical on-screen hints displayed during tutorial sections, these digital AI-ghosts are supposedly AI models trained using thousands of hours of in-game player footage spanning live streaming platforms, social media, and YouTube videos.
The view behind this patent is that these AI-ghosts could help you out when you’re stuck trying to solve a puzzle or trying to defeat a spongy boss with intricate combos, all while you’re playing a game.
Sony’s patent is depicted as making tutorials more personalized and interactive. Gamers could supposedly switch between simple prompts that show the AI ghost's button inputs, allowing them to take control of their gameplay in tougher sections.
The AI model would continue to learn, pulling more information from data centers, tracking your eye movements, or using Sony’s officially licensed camera for better context-based help.
This could be a great accessibility feature for players who are new to video games or have disabilities. Not everyone wants to go through the effort of figuring out how to cheese a boss in Elden Ring or solve an intricate puzzle in Silent Hill or Resident Evil.
Reportedly, it’s supposed to improve Sony’s existing lineup of features in PS5’s Game Help, but is delegated to AI ghosts. However, many critics argue that, if implemented, this patent could be intrusive and potentially undermine the satisfaction and reward of completing missions and challenges through trial and error.
Last month, Sony filed a patent for real-time content censorship in games, which would blur gore and violence, censor profanity, or alter dialogue based on gamers' ages or parental controls. Many gamers viewed this as a direct attack on artistic intent in video games.
However, these patents aren’t guaranteed to become actual features. They might never see the light of day, if at all. The question remains: are Sony’s patents driving innovation, or are they overreaching, invading player privacy, and thwarting raw gameplay experiences?
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