Threads
- Sony has published a new patent that will let players assist each other by controlling each other’s gameplay in real-time.
- A player can take control of another player’s character by combining inputs to assist in online gameplay.
- Sony is proposing an improved version of PS Share Play, which currently allows limited control over another player’s game.
We’ve stumbled upon a new Sony patent that wants to let players assist each other in real-time by combining inputs during gameplay. The patent discusses a player taking control of another player’s character by blending inputs to assist.
Players in online games can control other players to help them pass a certain level or organically learn a new mechanic. This feature can be helpful, especially in Souls-like games or other similar titles.
The collaborative gameplay system […] allows the first player to assist the second player in real time. The first player can provide controller inputs […] for the second player, and in some cases, can even show or perform the control inputs for the second player.
Why it matters: Sony’s new patent will open huge new doors for players to assist each other and socialize during gameplay. It will make it feasible for more gamers to control each other’s gameplay and help organically teach game mechanics.
The patent, ‘SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING ASSISTANCE TO A USER DURING GAMEPLAY,’ details features like earning access as an in-game reward, limiting others to 20% of controller inputs, or using AI for assistance instead of another player.
Sony argues that the proposed system can be helpful in cases where a player is stuck in a particular area of the game. The system wants to make sure players can enjoy the game instead of feeling overwhelmed.
the systems and methods are useful in cases where the second player is having difficulty with a particular control input or section of the game. […] the second player can still enjoy the game while at the same time obtaining help from the first player.
It is worth noting that PlayStation’s Share Play already has something akin to combining inputs but on a primitive level. Share Play, despite its potential, feels limited and cumbersome. This patent could turn it into a universal feature for online games.
For those not in the know, Sony has also secured various unique ideas over the years, including a new controller with swappable buttons that improves the gaming experience and another one to fix latency issues in games by predicting player inputs in advance.
Do you think the patent for assisting other players in real-time will be implemented as a feature? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the Tech4Gamers forum.
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Shameer Sarfaraz has previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, he loves to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games. Besides his passion for breaking news stories, Shahmeer loves spending his leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited his articles.
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