Sony Files Patent For AI That Can Play Games For You

Sony has filed a patent for an AI that could become your virtual Player 2, according to SegmentNext.

Splitscreen of PSVR headset and Astros Playroom
Credit: Sony

The patent relates to an AI that can be assigned to a player profile. It’s been described as an “automated artificial intelligence control mode for playing specific tasks during gaming applications”. The AI will apparently be able to monitor real player actions so that it can replicate them automatically.

What’s Been Said?

playstation wrap up
Credit: Sony

Here’s the patent’s abstract, as found on WIPO IP Portal:

“A method for gaming. The method includes assigning a default game play profile to a user, wherein the default game play profile includes a default game play style that simulates human game play, and wherein the default game play profile is configured to control game play for the user based on the default game play style. The method includes monitoring a plurality of game plays of the user playing a plurality of gaming applications. The method includes generating a user game play profile of the user by adjusting the default game play style based on the plurality of game plays, wherein the user game play profile incudes a user game play style customized to the user. The method includes controlling an instance of a first gaming application based on the user game play style of the user game play profile.”

While letting an AI play a game for you might seem a little redundant, there are certain situations where it could come in handy. For example, the AI could perform repetitive in-game tasks, like grinding for experience or traversing a large open map. Automation could also be used to give players a break, which would allow them to either step away from their consoles or just kick back and watch the show. 

Split screen of playstation 5 and miles morales
Credit: Insomniac Games/Sony

As the AI is designed to replicate human actions, it could also be the Tails to your Sonic. Being able to play with an AI in the absence of available humans could make co-op games like It Takes Two completely playable in solo mode. While the patent merely outlines the functionality of the AI, it’ll be interesting to see how it is implemented in the future. 

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Featured Image Credit: Sony/Unsplash:@agkdesign