Sony has revealed a new patent which could dramatically change how PlayStation users play online games.
Sony’s latest patent is designed to “level the playing field” when it comes to cross-platform matchmaking, and it might become more frustrating for players than they realise.
As ComicBook reports, the patent filed last year focuses on “real-time augmentation for maintaining an even playing field” when it comes to cross-platform multiplayer games.
Cross-platform matchmaking, in this case, refers to online games that are played between players on various systems, such as PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, mobile, and Nintendo Switch.
The idea behind the proposed technology is that Sony will be able to enable a system which tracks technical performance in online multiplayer games, recording when players on certain platforms gain an advantage over others, presumably due to stronger hardware or faster processing power.
PS5 Gamers Could Gain Advantage Over PC Players As A Result
Given that PC gamers on the very latest tech are likely to be at a slight advantage over consoles could mean the world of difference in an online multiplayer match. Being able to use keyboard and mouse inputs over controllers may also offer some technical advantages too.
PlayStation 5, Sony Interactive Entertainment
This should also apply to players on mobile who use a touchscreen input, compared to those who play with controllers or keyboard and mice.
The more controversial side of this patent comes in Sony’s implementation of a system to adjust the experience to ensure those on weaker hardware have the same advantages as those on upper-end devices.
The proposed system should effectively be able to give those playing on these systems to suddenly gain huge advantages mid-match once it detects they’re at a disadvantage.
This move has been seen as controversial, with some criticising the idea as being “penalising” players who are using higher-end tech to reduce performance to match weaker systems.
It’ll mean players could be nerfed mid-game, which may cause some issues with regards to game balance.
Rather than bringing an “even playing field”, it may actually do the opposite and result in some players gaining unfair advantages over others.
For example, if one skilled player is playing against a bunch of players who simply aren’t as skilled, the system may decide to nerf them if it detects they’re playing on a higher-end PC.
As for now, this proposed system is just a patent and therefore isn’t likely to be added any time soon. It’s also possible that Sony will never implement the technology, and has simply decided to patent it to prevent any of its competitors from doing it themselves.