Sony’s New AI Patent Just Plays The Game For You

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Video game controllers might soon become a thing of the past. Sony has developed an AI system for PlayStation that can teach players how to play games, and even take control of the game for them if necessary.

Most video game tutorials simply explain the controls, but some are surprisingly engaging. A great example is the opening in Baldur’s Gate 3, where players learn to fight and use skills during a chaotic battle on a ship under attack by devils.

Sony appears to be developing a system to assist players who get stuck in games. A newly filed patent reveals “AI Ghost” technology that monitors a player’s progress and, if needed, allows an NPC to temporarily take control and help them move forward, according to a report from Boing Boing via WIPO.

Sony Has Patented AI Ghost Players

Having an AI take over gameplay for a player doesn’t really make sense. Tutorials are designed to teach players how to play, and they learn by actually doing it themselves. If an AI plays instead, the player misses out on learning the game.

Ultimately, if players rely on AI to play games for them, it raises the question of why they play in the first place. If someone just wants to watch gameplay, it would be more logical to watch a ‘Let’s Play’ video or a Twitch stream.

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The goal is to have an AI character assist players when they’re stuck, typically when they’d normally consult an online guide. However, this feels unnecessary, as solutions for even the hardest video game bosses are readily available online. If the AI simply does it for the player, it defeats the purpose of actually playing the game.

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2026-01-06 15:39