Sony has successfully patented an AI-assisted “autoplay mode” that can mimic gamers as they complete mundane tasks.
Sony has successfully patented a method to provide an AI-assisted “autoplay mode”. This mode would take control of the game and complete tasks on the player’s behalf.
Two Dualsense wireless controllers (Image via playstation.com)
How does Sony autoplay work?
First, Sony has no plans to automatically play 100% of games or beat difficult bosses. As they describe in their patent, Sony’s intention is for this feature to be an available option for those who prefer not to play with “rough content.”
Repetitive in-game activities such as gathering resources, leveling up, and even traveling are what Sony’s new autoplay mode aims to spare players from.
Going further, Sony says the new mode will use user data to simulate the user’s gaming style as they complete tasks. Each person’s autoplay mode should be tailored to each individual and, ironically, behave as if the player is in control.
Once Sony’s autoplay mode has completed the assigned content, it prompts the player to regain control of the game. The player then has the option to jump back into the action or allow autoplay to continue progressing in the game.
A large Reddit thread on r/gaming reveals a mix of opinions regarding Sony’s autoplay patent.
Hope
Some people seem keen to use Sony’s autoplay mode to skip content they necessarily find boring and repetitive. It is emphasized that the same content, such as farming, can be relaxing or tedious depending on the person’s mood. Several people have observed that similar auto-battle systems already exist in many mobile games focused on grinding or slow-motion.
A few users are optimistic that MMO developers will use this technology to create more well-rounded NPCs. The ability to have NPCs behave like humans could greatly improve the feeling of immersion in a game’s environment.
The cynic
Unfortunately, the majority of opinions regarding Sony’s autoplay feature lean towards the negative side. The most common sarcastic comment from reviewers is that there is no point in buying a game that you won’t play yourself. Others sarcastically wonder why developers don’t simply remove monotonous content from games if players rely on AI-assisted tools to bypass it.
Some believe that a fully developed autoplay mode is unnecessary and fear a future in which no one will actually play the games they paid for. In a worst-case scenario, developers could increase the amount of grinding content in games in order to sell a monetized autoplay feature.
Will Sony Autoplay be available soon?
As of now, Sony has not made any public announcement regarding autoplay. Their intentions to develop and implement such a feature remain to be seen.
This patent may just be a fun idea that they don’t want anyone else to steal. However, it’s also possible that MMORPG players will soon be gathering content without lifting a finger.
Sony has successfully patented an AI-assisted “autoplay mode” that can mimic gamers as they complete mundane tasks.
Sony has successfully patented a method to provide an AI-assisted “autoplay mode”. This mode would take control of the game and complete tasks on the player’s behalf.
Two Dualsense wireless controllers (Image via playstation.com)
How does Sony autoplay work?
First, Sony has no plans to automatically play 100% of games or beat difficult bosses. As they describe in their patent, Sony’s intention is for this feature to be an available option for those who prefer not to play with “rough content.”
Repetitive in-game activities such as gathering resources, leveling up, and even traveling are what Sony’s new autoplay mode aims to spare players from.
Going further, Sony says the new mode will use user data to simulate the user’s gaming style as they complete tasks. Each person’s autoplay mode should be tailored to each individual and, ironically, behave as if the player is in control.
Once Sony’s autoplay mode has completed the assigned content, it prompts the player to regain control of the game. The player then has the option to jump back into the action or allow autoplay to continue progressing in the game.
A large Reddit thread on r/gaming reveals a mix of opinions regarding Sony’s autoplay patent.
Hope
Some people seem keen to use Sony’s autoplay mode to skip content they necessarily find boring and repetitive. It is emphasized that the same content, such as farming, can be relaxing or tedious depending on the person’s mood. Several people have observed that similar auto-battle systems already exist in many mobile games focused on grinding or slow-motion.
A few users are optimistic that MMO developers will use this technology to create more well-rounded NPCs. The ability to have NPCs behave like humans could greatly improve the feeling of immersion in a game’s environment.
The cynic
Unfortunately, the majority of opinions regarding Sony’s autoplay feature lean towards the negative side. The most common sarcastic comment from reviewers is that there is no point in buying a game that you won’t play yourself. Others sarcastically wonder why developers don’t simply remove monotonous content from games if players rely on AI-assisted tools to bypass it.
Some believe that a fully developed autoplay mode is unnecessary and fear a future in which no one will actually play the games they paid for. In a worst-case scenario, developers could increase the amount of grinding content in games in order to sell a monetized autoplay feature.
Will Sony Autoplay be available soon?
As of now, Sony has not made any public announcement regarding autoplay. Their intentions to develop and implement such a feature remain to be seen.
This patent may just be a fun idea that they don’t want anyone else to steal. However, it’s also possible that MMORPG players will soon be gathering content without lifting a finger.