Sony has patented a system to use AI to generate individualized podcasts featuring its biggest characters and mascots.
The patent, submitted in mid-2024 and approved in January, claims the system, dubbed "LLM-based generative podcasts for gamers," will generate "unique, personalized podcasts of news that a particular gamer would find interesting," and could be presented in the voice of a video game character from a game "already played by the respective gamer." It appears this could be offered to players on the home screen when they power on their PlayStation console.
“Video game platforms currently lack the ability to provide unique and targeted content to gamers to update the gamers about things that are happening on the platform,” the patent adds, (thanks, VGC). “There are currently no adequate solutions to the foregoing computer-related, technological problem.”
This content — which pulls information from game and friends lists, and could include news about updates, skill checks, adverts, or gameplay advice — would then be delivered to the player in the voice of a familiar character.
"In some examples, if the gaming platform wants to highlight specific games for players to experiment with, the podcast can suggest different games to different players based on a cluster to which the relevant player is assigned," the patent's paperwork explains. "These game recommendations can also be provided in the generative AI podcasts, in game-specific character voices no less. Recommendations may be prioritized and jump out a little more to the listener to get the listener to note the recommendation. Prioritization may be based on where the recommendation is placed in the podcast (e.g., the first one mentioned) and the length of the audio for the recommendation compared to the length of audio for other aspects of the podcast."
Submitting a patent doesn't necessarily mean it'll come to fruition, of course, but it does offer a flavor of what big businesses like Sony are thinking about, and what they think may be the next big thing when it comes to gaming tech.
Last month, we reported that PlayStation was also exploring the possibility of letting an AI take over your game to help you if you're stuck. Patent documents filed by Sony show plans to offer an in-game "AI Ghost" that can demonstrate how to progress further, or alternatively have your control fully taken over by the AI in order to make progress for you.
Vikki Blake is a reporter for IGN, as well as a critic, columnist, and consultant with 15+ years experience working with some of the world's biggest gaming sites and publications. She's also a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually High Chaos. Find her at BlueSky.
