"It might sound like parody, but Japanese tech giant Sony is looking to do exactly that: let an AI navigate PlayStation games on the human player's behalf. According to a patent filed in September 2024 and surfaced by Video Games Chronicle, the company has plans for a "Ghost Player" that takes over the player's character to puppet out the solution if they get stuck."
"It's an eyebrow-raising example of how companies are looking to use AI to essentially remove human agency, under the guise of making our lives easier. Gamers have turned to walkthroughs and hints for years, but usually after banging their own heads against difficult challenges, and hence learning something in the process. Technically, accessibility options in video games are nothing new. Many modern titles allow gamers to adjust difficulty on the fly or even skip certain sections if things get too tricky."
A patent filed in September 2024 describes a "Ghost Player" that can take over a player's PlayStation character to solve sections when they get stuck. Gamers could select a "Guide Mode" for an AI demonstration of the correct path or a "Complete Mode" that autonomously plays the game on the player's behalf. The proposal extends existing accessibility features and PlayStation 5's Game Help by adding full control options. The idea raises concerns about removing human agency and bypassing learning gained from overcoming challenges. Microsoft has introduced an Xbox Copilot that coaches via voice and text but does not assume control of gameplay.
Read at Futurism
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