When you’re stuck on a video game, your first port of call is usually consulting an online guide or even asking a mate for help. However, a new patent filed by Sony has revealed technology that could see players turning to AI for guidance if they’ve hit a brick wall in a gaming session.
The documents describe this feature as a Ghost Player and allows the player to call an AI-generated ‘ghost’ version of the character, who is able to complete a level by itself or at the last find a solution to the particular area you’re stuck on. The patent was filed in September 2024, but an international status report on it was published only this week by the World Intellectual Property Organisation.
An example given is having the player select Guide Mode if stuck on a puzzle in something like Uncharted, which would have the AI control the main character to offer a demonstration of the solution. You could then take control and complete the riddle yourself. On the other hand, ‘Complete Mode’ has the AI do it for you.
The PS5 of course took a major step forward in aiding players in titles with its Game Help system, offering tips with images and video content for compatible titles. It has been particularly useful among Trophy Hunters. Still, while it’s easy to assume this new patent will hint at what’s to come for the PS6, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll ever come to fruition.
While we’re on the subject of the PS6, it has been heavily rumoured that Sony is looking to launch the new console in late 2027/early 2028 alongside a handheld companion, known as Canis. Manufacturing for the PS6 is reportedly set to kick off around mid-2027.
Elsewhere, dardware tipster Moore’s Law Is Dead has suggested that the format holder is using the PS5 Power Saver mode as a ‘Trojan Horse’ to prepare developers for the handheld device.
The PS6 is being powered by technology born out of a new collaboration between Sony and AMD, known as Project Amethyst. Late last year, Sony published a video featuring Mark Cerny and Jack Huynh where the pair discussed the project at length, with Cerny stating he’s “really excited about bringing” next-generation AMD rendering features and more to “a future console in a few years time.”
[Source – VGC]