ASonypatent indicates that artificial intelligence is being developed which functionally replicates the style of a person’s play. It is one of many patents thatSonyhas submitted as of late, with the majority highlighting a keen interest in AI and machine learning from the gaming giant.
Artificial intelligence has been an immense cultural influence for decades, existing more as the premise for various forms of entertainment rather than in the real world. But if the technical developments and endeavors made public recently by both Sony and Microsoft tell the gaming community anything, it is that AI can be expected to become much more ubiquitous and less rudimentary relative to the present moment. AMicrosoft patent was recently filed that suggested video game soundtrackscould be composed by AI, and Sony is utilizing machine learning in the creation of controller input recognition technology, supposedly intended to enhance the gaming viewing experience.
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A patent published by Sonyoutlines and describes an AI tool that could mimic a particular player’s behavior. It would allow for the system to take control of playable characters during gaming sessions, including online multiplayer matches, and cites potential use cases such as when users need to work, eat, or simply pause for any reason. Additionally, if a player is struggling, the system would be capable of completing difficult tasks, effectively operating as a “Skip Cutscene” button but for actual gameplay.
Given that the patent explicitly mentions multiplayer functionality and then states immediately after that the completion of challenging activities will be a feature, online gamers are unlikely to be in favor of the implied implementation. Multiplayer games on consoles ostensibly benefit from a limited number of cheaters and hackers, an issue that has beenknown to plague many of the same titles on PC. It can be reasonably assumed that this would be a form of officialized botting, allowing the console to play instead of the user. Furthermore, if the AI is expected to be so competent that it can solve in-game problems, these bots may not be as simple to mow down as they are in many contemporary online experiences.
Lost Arkis a massively multiplayer online game infamous for issueswith bots and other attempts to exploit in-game economies. Several million accounts have had action taken against them by the developers, who have since level-gated the ability to chat and invested into additional moderation to tackle botters. More recently, even the beta forCall of Duty: Modern Warfare 2was plagued with hackers, an issue all too familiar for fans of the FPS franchise on PC. Given that gamers often dislike ambiguity concerning whether they are competing against real players or machines, the proposed system by Sony will need greater clarity before being welcomed.
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