Sony looking to patent new PlayStation rewind feature with huge implications

As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I can’t help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension at the prospect of Sony’s proposed rewind feature for the PlayStation controller.


Sony is exploring the possibility of obtaining a patent for an innovative controller function, enabling PlayStation gamers to reverse their gameplay progress anytime they wish.

Occasionally, we find ourselves straying from the correct path or acting impulsively with decisions we soon come to regret. Equally, during gameplay, there are instances where we might trigger an explosion dangerously close, or awkwardly fall off a map – such mishaps are inevitable.

Instead of dealing with the outcomes of their choices and growing from them, Sony is considering patenting a new “rewind” feature that allows players greater flexibility in going back on their moves.

Back in April 2023, Tech4Gamers first noticed that Sony had filed a design patent for a new feature. This patent was made public in October 2024 and it details the development of a ‘gameplay rewind’ function. This innovative feature allows users to set ‘user-triggered bookmarks.’

Sony looking to patent new PlayStation rewind feature with huge implications

The patent outlines several schematics demonstrating that Sony intends to incorporate a novel button into upcoming PlayStation controllers. By pressing this button, gamers will have the ability to roll back specific moments within their gaming experience.

While navigating various software applications on the PlayStation console, users can utilize ‘save points,’ which can be likened to traditional ‘saves.’ Furthermore, the system will autonomously create these save points as well, functioning similarly to ‘autosaves.’

By clicking the “new input” button on your controller, users can quickly jump to any saved bookmark location. However, it’s not certain how far back these bookmarks can be set, or if they persist for extended periods of time (hours), or if there’s a more limited duration.

It’s not yet clear how developers might interact with this potential feature if Sony manages to secure the patent and proceed with its development. Given that reversing key choices in narrative-based games could significantly impact the gaming experience, some studios might prefer to impose limitations on the feature’s application.

In simpler terms, the document provides an instance where, while engaged in a video game’s mission, the player occasionally switches to a saved spot in a book to update screenshots that contain crucial information about the game’s progress.

Sony seems to think this feature could be useful and has put effort into getting a patent for it. However, it’s important to note that game companies often patent numerous creative ideas, not all of which are eventually implemented in their products. So, while it’s possible, there’s no certainty that the next PlayStation console will come with a controller rewind button.

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2024-11-07 06:19