A recently disclosed patent indicates that Sony Interactive Entertainment is in the process of creating software that employs machine learning to enhance the actions and perspectives of non-player characters (NPCs) in video games. Over the past few months, several patents from Sony have emerged, showcasing the company’s ongoing initiatives to introduce innovative features in the gaming realm. As a prominent player in the technology and entertainment sectors, Sony, a Japanese conglomerate, boasts subsidiaries dedicated to film, music, gaming, and various other domains. Recognized as the parent company of the PlayStation gaming consoles, Sony‘s consistent patent filings underscore its commitment to advancing video game capabilities.
A recently issued patent from Sony outlines a system where machine learning would adjust player inputs and viewpoints to enhance the behavior and perspective of non-playable characters (NPCs) in video games. This innovative approach seeks to refine the current method of relying solely on AI-controlled NPCs derived from recorded human play sessions. In this new system, NPCs would be influenced by data from both a recorded session and the real-time actions of the player-controlled character. Instead of restricting NPC movements and perspectives solely to developer input data, the machine learning system aims to enhance NPCs by incorporating live movement and perspective data from the player-controlled character. While previous Sony patents have explored leveraging player input to enhance realism in video games, it’s essential to note that the filing of patents does not guarantee their eventual implementation, and many remain speculative.
Patent Details for Sony Machine Learning NPC Software
Referring to Figures 2 and 3 in the Sony patent, the machine learning software is designed to receive data from the playable character’s viewpoint. It duplicates this information to generate a copied display, which is then used to train the AI governing the NPC. This process complements the existing system that involves a “training set,” where data from developer human play sessions is utilized to feed the machine learning model and AI. While similar approaches already exist, they typically rely solely on the playable character’s perspective. In contrast, this software employs machine learning to refine inputs for the NPC perspective, thereby enhancing the realism of AI-controlled movements.
As an illustration, in escort missions within video games, NPCs often mimic player movements precisely, like jumping simultaneously. With this new software, the NPC would jump only when their perspective indicates they are in the same position as the player character when jumping. This has the potential to minimize awkward NPC actions during escort missions, such as NPCs struggling to time a jump over a gap, contributing to a more realistic portrayal in spectator views of NPC characters. Whether this machine learning model will be put into practice remains uncertain, but it offers enthusiasts a glimpse into Sony‘s research and development endeavors.
Referring to Figures 2 and 3 in the Sony patent, the machine learning software is designed to receive data from the playable character’s viewpoint. It duplicates this information to generate a copied display, which is then used to train the AI governing the NPC. This process complements the existing system that involves a “training set,” where data from developer human play sessions is utilized to feed the machine learning model and AI. While similar approaches already exist, they typically rely solely on the playable character’s perspective. In contrast, this software employs machine learning to refine inputs for the NPC perspective, thereby enhancing the realism of AI-controlled movements.
As discussions about patents from gaming companies capture the attention of consumers, it’s essential to bear in mind that patents, trademarks, and copyright filings do not guarantee the actualization of an idea. Nevertheless, numerous enthusiasts often explore these public records to glean insights into the potential developments that Sony and other companies might be exploring.
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