A recently submitted patent from Sony detailing the development of artificial intelligence that can replicate a person’s playstyle shines a look into the company’s future. It isn’t the only patent this year from the company, but it does reveal the potential of AI’s role within video games and how entwined it could be.
GameRant reports that the patent describes an artificial intelligence tool that can mimic player gameplay behavior, control playable characters in solo or multiplayer matches, run while the player is away for daily life activities, or even assist players with difficult tasks.
The idea of AI adapting and mimicking player behavior, especially within an online setting is an unpopular concept at best and hated at worst. Players of online multiplayer games are less likely to be accepting of this proposed idea, majorly due to how rampant the problem bots can be and how often they can hamper the gaming experience in matches. Games become less enjoyable for people when they aren’t facing a real opponent, not to mention how some may think this tool could be a cop-out for challenges and puzzles within a video game.
If this patent became a fully realized tool, there would be less of a need for players to sit through a video game and think their way through. Completing goals and obtaining achievements would mean very little if a player could have their console beat it for them. However, this tool could be an asset for people who simply want to enjoy the experience of the game or don’t want to be bogged down by choices that could take up too much time.
Regardless, nothing has been set in stone. The ideas described within the patent are still too vague to be a fully realized project, and with how controversial its ideas are, it is unlikely it will go through without further explanation.