Sony Develops AI-Powered 'Ghost' Support to Help Stranded Gamers

Sony has recently patented an innovative AI system designed to assist players struggling to progress in games. The 'AI Generated Ghost Player' enables players to summon a 'ghost' that can complete challenging sections, allowing them to advance. This AI engine can be accessed through natural-language queries and is described as an overlay that interacts with the game environment, providing guidance as if a co-op partner were demonstrating the solution in real-time. The system allows users to switch between different modes depending on the level of support needed. Originally filed in 2024, the patent has gained attention following a recent update. According to the abstract, the system provides 'assistance during gameplay of a video game' by executing a video game session, detecting when a player requires 'ghost assistance,' and linking to an AI engine that renders a ghost character in-game. The patent highlights the need for assistance in complex games, where players often get stuck and may quit or struggle to complete tasks. While players can research or watch prior gameplay online, this process can be time-consuming and irrelevant to their current situation. This development is not Sony's first foray into AI-driven player solutions, as the company has previously explored AI-powered prototypes, and Microsoft has also been working on integrating AI assistance into its systems.