Sony has patented an AI system called a 'ghost' that can assist or play sections of PlayStation games for users who get stuck. The technology, filed in September 2024 and recently resurfaced, builds on existing features like PS5's Game Help. It aims to address the complexity of modern games by providing tailored guidance or automation.
A patent filed by Sony in September 2024, which gained attention this week, outlines an AI 'ghost' designed to help players overcome challenges in video games. As described in the documents, the system creates an overlay version of the player's character that can demonstrate solutions, such as solving puzzles or providing controller input sequences. In some instances, the ghost could engage in conversation with the character to offer guidance or even complete entire sections on behalf of the player.
The patent specifies training the AI on footage from many users who have played the game, including videos from online sources like YouTube and social media. It introduces mode options including Guide Mode to show solutions, Complete Mode to handle tasks fully, and categories like Story Mode, Combat Mode, Exploration Mode, and Full Game Mode. "Although video game technology has seen many advances, some players find themselves in need of assistance. Games become very complicated, so players who are not experts oftentimes quit playing or find it hard to complete tasks," the filing states. It notes that researching solutions online can be time-consuming and irrelevant to specific scenarios.
This builds on Sony's existing efforts, such as the PS5's Game Help feature, which displays tips via short videos and images during gameplay. Microsoft is pursuing similar innovations with its Gaming Copilot AI, offering in-game support and recommendations. Broader industry trends show increasing AI adoption: a 2024 Unity report indicated 62 percent of studios using its tools employed AI, primarily for animation, while a GDC survey found about a third of workers using AI tools. Epic Games' Tim Sweeney has predicted that "AI will be involved in nearly all future production."
Sony has not confirmed plans to implement the technology, but it reflects ongoing pushes for accessibility, including adjustable difficulty levels and hint systems in games. Critics have noted excessive assistance in titles like God of War Ragnarök and Horizon Forbidden West, where protagonists or NPCs provide frequent advice.
