Sony has patented a new system that could allow artificial intelligence agents to play video games on behalf of users. The technology, detailed in patent application 19138338 filed in 2022 and published in July, goes beyond previous concepts by enabling AI to learn from actual player habits.
This AI, referred to as an agent, could be programmed to perform specific in-game tasks such as collecting items, advancing storylines, or engaging in boss battles, all without direct user input. Unlike earlier patents that suggested AI trained on recorded gameplay footage, this new system would reportedly utilize players' own gameplay data for training. This raises the prospect of AI agents capable of grinding for experience points or completing other repetitive tasks that players might find tedious.
The patent also outlines a potentially more controversial feature: a marketplace for player data. The system could allow users to exchange their gameplay data with one another, potentially for real money. For instance, a user could purchase the training data of a skilled player to generate an agent that replicates their expertise, effectively allowing someone to experience a game through the actions of a professional player without having to play it themselves.
This concept has drawn comparisons to watching a video playthrough, prompting questions about the definition of playing a game versus passively observing it. While gaming companies frequently file patents for technologies that are never implemented, the existence of this application suggests a potential future direction for AI in gaming. Even if Sony does not bring this specific technology to market, it opens the door for third-party developers to explore similar AI-driven gameplay solutions and data monetization models.