Video game companies have been improving accessibility and convenience to welcome a broader audience to gaming, like Xbox Gaming Copilot. It was previously reported that PlayStation created a patent involving the use of AI to assist a player during complicated gameplay. The same patent was recently published by the World Intellectual Property Organization to introduce the new idea of ghost players, a more direct assistance of Game Help.
The patent, per IGN, involves the use of an implemented Assistance AI Engine that formulates an AI ghost character to assist an in-game playthrough. The ghost player would scan and complete any task based on its settings, which could range from battling enemies, solving puzzles, exploring large areas, or even completing an in-game section. This idea is designed for players to maintain their immersion with the game while avoiding time-consuming, frustrating challenges that could influence them away from playing the game.
The AI ghost player would be extremely helpful when trying to solve puzzles or discover the way to the main quest. It would also make collecting hidden Platinum Trophies easier. Not every game can be solved with AI due to several in-game complexities. Some games, like Bloodborne, have several complex factors designed to engage human awareness and knowledge, such as environmental hazards, enemy types, equipment builds, and others. PlayStation may incorporate the developing AI system for its next-gen technology, which will be revealed at the end of the PlayStation 5.
