New Delhi: Sony has quietly stirred a fresh debate in the gaming community. A newly published patent shows the PlayStation maker exploring a future where games can literally play themselves with the help of artificial intelligence. The idea sounds strange at first, and even a little scary, especially for players who enjoy the grind.
The patent surfaced this week after the World Intellectual Property Organization released an international status report. It was first filed back in September 2024, but only now entered public view. The details were reported by VGC, and they paint a picture of AI stepping directly into gameplay.
PlayStation Ghost Player patent explained
What is Sony’s ‘Ghost Player’ patent all about
Sony has described a system called “Ghost Player” in its patent filing. The idea is simple on paper. Players could summon an AI-generated version of their own character to show how a section of a game is completed.
There are two modes mentioned. A “Guide Mode” would show the solution first, then hand control back. A “Complete Mode” would finish the section entirely for the player. Think of being stuck on a tricky puzzle in Uncharted. The AI-controlled Nathan Drake would step in and demonstrate the solution on screen.
This is not just a replay or a developer-set script. The patent claims the AI would be trained on existing gameplay footage, learning how the game works in real time.
How this is different from current PlayStation help tools
PlayStation already offers some help features. The PS5 launched with a Game Help system that shows hints, images, or videos through cards during gameplay. Trophy hunters, including me, liked this feature since it avoided pulling out a phone mid-game.
The Ghost Player system feels like a step ahead of that. Instead of watching a clip, you watch the game play itself. It appears to be an evolution of PS5 Game Help, built deeper into gameplay.
Some Sony games have already faced criticism for offering too much help. God of War Ragnarok was often called out for NPCs blurting puzzle hints too quickly. Ghost Player could reopen that debate in a bigger way.
What this could mean for gamers
I can see both sides here. On one hand, this could save time for players stuck on a single frustrating section after a long workday. On the other, watching an AI beat a boss you struggled with feels a bit hollow.
It is also important to say this clearly. A patent does not mean a product is coming. Sony and many other companies file patents all the time without shipping them. There is no evidence this tech will appear in future PlayStation hardware or updates.