According to Wccftech, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) published a Sony patent filing publicly this week after it was initially submitted back in September 2024. The patent, spotted by VGC, describes a system for an “AI-generated Ghost Player” that appears as an overlay during gameplay. This AI ghost analyzes the player’s current game state to identify a scenario they’re stuck on, then provides visual guidance or even complete control inputs to overcome it. The system offers two modes: a ‘Guide Mode’ to show solutions and a ‘Complete Mode’ to simply do it for the player. This concept builds on the existing PS5 Game Help system but takes automated assistance to a new, more controversial level.
The Help That Nobody Asked For?
Here’s the thing. Sony already has a help system. The PS5’s Game Help feature gives you hints, and it’s actually pretty good when developers support it. But this patent? It’s a whole different beast. An AI watching you play, deciding you’re struggling, and then either puppeteering a ghost to show you the way or just… taking over. It feels like a solution in search of a problem most players don’t have.
We all get stuck. I’ve spent an embarrassing amount of time on certain puzzle bosses or platforming sections. But the moment of finally figuring it out is the reward. That’s the game. If an NPC blurts out the answer, it’s annoying. If an AI ghost just executes a perfect parry sequence for you, what’s even the point? You’re not playing anymore; you’re supervising. And the ‘Complete Mode’ is basically a “skip this challenge” button. At that stage, why not just watch a cutscene compilation on YouTube? It’s cheaper.
Patents Vs. Reality
Now, it’s crucial to remember this is just a patent. Companies file thousands of these for ideas that never see the light of day. It’s an exploration of possible technology, not a product announcement. But it’s still a fascinating window into what Sony’s R&D is thinking about.
The business angle is clear: reduce player frustration to prevent them from abandoning a game (and potentially future purchases). It’s about maximizing engagement in an era where everyone’s backlog is huge. If you can’t beat that one boss in *Marvel’s Wolverine*, the AI ghost ensures you still see the next story beat and maybe feel compelled to buy the DLC. It’s a retention tool, framed as an accessibility feature. But I think it misunderstands why people play challenging games in the first place.
A Cultural Mismatch
Look at the reaction to Microsoft’s Gaming Copilot last year. Gamers were deeply skeptical of an AI coach. There’s a core cultural belief in gaming that accomplishment matters. Trophies, achievements, bragging rights—they’re built on the premise that *you* did it. An AI completing a section for you completely hollows that out.
So who is this for? Maybe it’s for true casual players who treat games like interactive movies and just want the story. Maybe it’s a well-intentioned, if clumsy, accessibility idea. But for the vast majority? It seems like a misfire. The fun is in the struggle and the eventual victory. Handing the controller to a ghost, even a smart one, just feels like giving up. You can always look up a guide if you’re truly desperate. That’s a conscious choice you make. This system risks making that choice for you, and that’s where it gets uncomfortable.
