Key Takeaways
Created with AI - we're still experimenting, so apologies if it misses the mark
- Sony has patented a Ghost Player system that allows games to play themselves when players are stuck, utilizing AI for learning and demonstrating gameplay solutions.
- The Ghost Player system is an evolution of existing game assistance features like automatic difficulty reduction and contextual tutorials, but with the unique advantage of being based on AI learned from observed gameplay sequences.
- The implementation of the Ghost Player system may spark debate among players due to potential changes in the core elements of video games such as challenge, failure, and learning through error. Some players may welcome increased accessibility while others may view it as a betrayal of the games spirit.
- Sonys patent represents an AI upgrade to the PS5 Game Help feature and is just one example of how companies are exploring AI in gaming, with Microsoft having introduced Copilot for Gaming last year. The industry is moving towards more accessible and proactive gaming experiences, but it remains uncertain whether the Ghost Player system will be implemented into a PlayStation game.
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AI-Controlled ‘Ghost Player’ in Games: Sony’s New Patent Stirs Mixed Emotions
Depending on one’s perspective, the concept may evoke smiles, concern, or intrigue: Sony has filed a patent for a “Ghost Player” system that allows games to play themselves when a player is stuck. The system introduces an AI-controlled “ghost” version of the player’s character, capable of either demonstrating how to resolve a situation or completing it entirely. The concept, as described in the publicly available patent, is simple. In a game like Uncharted, a player stuck on a puzzle could activate a guide mode, prompting an AI-controlled Drake to visually demonstrate the solution. Alternatively, a complete mode would allow the AI to pass the section for them.
AI-Learning Ghost Player: Sony’s Next Step in Game Assistance Elevates Player Experience
While this patent might not seem revolutionary in isolation—assistance systems like automatic difficulty reduction, skippable fights, puzzle hints, and contextual tutorials have existed for a long time—its innovation lies in the use of AI. Unlike predefined scripts, the Ghost Player would be based on a model trained from existing gameplay sequences. In other words, the AI would learn to play the game by observing gameplay and then reproduce credible, situational actions. This approach contrasts with instances like God of War Ragnarok, where players sometimes found their companions offering puzzle solutions almost immediately, leading to frustration. This system also appears to be a direct evolution of the PS5 Game Help feature, launched with the PlayStation 5. That feature provided integrated assistance via cards displaying images or videos, eliminating the need for external guides.
AI-Enhanced Gaming: Debate Arises over Sony’s Ghost Player Evolution
The Ghost Player system takes this concept a step further, and it’s likely to spark debate. If an AI can solve puzzles, handle difficult fights, or navigate complex passages, the relationship with the game fundamentally changes. Challenge, failure, and learning through error—all central elements of video games—become optional. While some players may welcome the reduced frustration and increased accessibility to narrative experiences, others may view it as a betrayal of the game’s spirit. Sony’s terms of service allow them to “use, share, copy, alter, display, and publish user-generated content (UGC),” including player data from games, which could be used to train the AI. The patent, filed in September 2024 and published by the World Intellectual Property Organization, represents an AI upgrade to the PS5 Game Help feature. Other companies are also exploring AI in gaming. Last year, Microsoft introduced Copilot for Gaming, marketing it as a personalized AI companion. This system guides, advises, reminds players of previous actions, and even manages peripheral tasks like game installation or progress summaries. The industry is clearly moving towards more accessible and proactive gaming experiences.
Potential Future of Video Games Unveiled through Sony’s Ghost Player Patent
However, it’s crucial to remember that filing a patent does not guarantee a feature will be implemented. Despite concerns from figures like Troy Baker regarding AI’s impact on art and Sony’s own concerns about overly complicated games, the Ghost Player system might never be integrated into a PlayStation game. Even without immediate application, this patent reveals a potential future for video games.
In Case You Missed It
Starting off with a bang, Marcus Thompson has been exploring the incredible journey of Sandfall Interactive’s Clair Obscur in his latest piece, “Before Release, Sandfall Believed Clair Obscur Would Score Just 80 on Metacritic”. Published on January 2nd, this fascinating article takes us behind the scenes to reveal how the development team initially underestimated their masterpiece, with internal bets predicting a mere Metacritic score of around 80. However, as Thompson reveals, Clair Obscur shattered expectations, scoring an impressive 92 and sweeping The Game Awards 2025. It’s truly a mind-blowing success story you won’t want to miss! Before Release, Sandfall Believed Clair Obscur Would Score Just 80 on Metacritic
But wait, there’s more! In the spirit of our ongoing exploration into the pulse of the gaming industry, we invite you to delve into another insightful piece from January 2nd, this time by Jonathan Dubinski. Titled “Elder Scrolls Online Leader Departs Due to Microsoft”, this article unravels the story behind Matt Firor’s departure from ZeniMax Online Studios after nearly two decades. Discover the intriguing details surrounding Project Blackbird and the impact of Microsoft’s restructuring on Firor’s decision, all shared in his heartfelt farewell. This is a must-read for anyone interested in the inner workings of one of gaming’s most beloved MMORPGs! Elder Scrolls Online Leader Departs Due to Microsoft
Now, onto something completely different but no less surprising. In a recent post on Players for Life, Marcus Thompson explores Xbox’s dismal performance in the UK market last year. In “Xbox Endures Historic Collapse in UK with Worst Annual Sales Ever”, published on 2026-01-04, Thompson analyses how Xbox suffered a staggering 39% sales drop, making it the worst annual sales record for the brand in the region. Despite PlayStation 5’s milder decrease, Xbox’s poor performance is hard to overlook. This insightful analysis sheds light on the implications for Microsoft’s future strategies – don’t miss out! Xbox Endures Historic Collapse in UK with Worst Annual Sales Ever
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