The long-standing role of older siblings everywhere is set to be usurped. Sony has recently filed a patent that aims to pair struggling, new players with an expert in real-time to help guide them through in-game difficulties. If properly implemented, Sony could revolutionize game guides completely.
In the disclosure of the patent, Sony suggested that as games become increasingly complex and more difficult, the need for in-game help for new users will continue to grow. It also noted the tendency for many players to ragequit when they are frustrated, not unlike Snoop Dogg while playing the Madden franchise. In order to combat this problem, Sony intends to develop a system that new players can use to draw in a more experienced player with game-specific expertise to help them through the part they are stuck on.
The details seem to suggest that if a new player were to submit a query for help, the metadata of their current in-game situation would be collected and then forwarded to a team of experts. From that pool of experts, the one best suited to address the needs of the new player would be assigned to the case. The patent is unclear about the threshold of difficulty that is required for those seeking assistance. It begs the question if players could ask for aid during extremely difficult modes like in Resident Evil Village or if they must be stuck on relatively easy parts of a game.
Considering the myriad of customization options available in most games, Sony has designed its system with player profiles in mind. This means that any time a query is sent, not only is the specific in-game situation evaluated against an expert's playthrough of the same situation but the unique profile of the struggling player is taken into account as well. In another recent patent, Sony revealed it intends to employ AI to increase accessibility within its games, and this system operates in a similar manner. Rather than painstakingly attempt to troubleshoot each individual's problem, this mechanism relies on AI to narrow down a potential solution before bringing in an expert.
While many readers could view this sort of system as unnecessary, having grown up with games their entire life, this sort of beginner and expert pairing system could be ideal for older gamers looking to dive into games they currently view as intimidatingly complex. There's certainly a growing trend in gaming among older populations, just recently an 86 year-old grandfather gained notoriety for crushing over 300 games on his PlayStation. On the other side of the coin, there is an opportunity for experienced gamers to aid those who are less naturally inclined towards gaming by taking their position as experts.
Source: Patentscope