PlayStation Ghost Player Patent Files for 'Auto-Play'—Innovation or Overkill?

Sony has filed a patent for "Ghost Player" — an AI system that could play difficult sections of PlayStation games for you or demonstrate solutions when you're stuck. The patent, published by the World Intellectual Property Organization this week, suggests a future where AI acts as your in-game guide — or even autopilot through tough puzzles and combat.

But is this something gamers actually want? Let's break down what the Playstation AI Patent covers, how it compares to today's assist systems, and whether you should care if you own a PS5.

What's New: How the PlayStation Ghost Player AI Works

The patent describes two main features:

• Guide Mode: An AI-controlled version of your character demonstrates a solution, then you try it yourself
• Complete Mode: The AI handles the tricky part entirely and moves you past it

Unlike pre-recorded walkthroughs, the AI would use machine learning to analyse gameplay footage and generate solutions in real-time based on your specific scenario.

The patent suggests this could work for everything from puzzles to combat sections. In games where companion hints already annoy some players — think constant nudges in God of War Ragnarök — this would be more dynamic assistance. For better or worse.

Platforms: Where Could Ghost Player Show Up?

• No platforms confirmed
• Builds on Game Help, which only exists on PS5 for supported titles
• No mention of PS4, PC, or mobile

This is just a patent. Sony files ideas that never launch all the time. But the fact it builds on PS5's Game Help suggests any rollout would target PS5 first. Best PS5 games already have some Game Help integration — but adoption is patchy outside big exclusives.

What Makes Ghost Player Different from Game Help?

• Game Help: Pre-recorded screenshots or videos for puzzles/tasks on select PS5 titles
• Ghost Player: AI-generated, real-time guidance or full autopilot through sections

Game Help has been praised by trophy hunters for killing the need to check guides on your phone. Ghost Player pushes this further — potentially letting you put the controller down entirely in tough bits, or just get a tailored demo.

This could help less experienced players or those who just want to see the story. On the flip side, it feeds into complaints about recent PlayStation releases being too eager to skip gameplay altogether.

How Does This Compare to Other AI Gaming Assistants?

• Microsoft's Copilot for Gaming (Xbox and mobile): Acts as a coach, answering questions or handling simple tasks
• PlayStation's Ghost Player: Focused on in-game skill sections — beating challenges rather than general help

Every platform holder is investing in AI, but use cases differ. Xbox seems focused on behind-the-scenes help ("install this game for me"). PlayStation's approach could change how you experience key story moments — and what counts as beating a game.

Will This Actually Happen? UAE Availability and Next Steps

• No commitment from Sony to launch Ghost Player on any hardware
• No mention of UAE rollout, Arabic support, or local pricing (wouldn't need any — it'd be built-in)
• Most PlayStation patents never become features

If you're hoping this arrives with PlayStation 6 or a major PS5 update, don't hold your breath. Still, it shows Sony is thinking about making games less frustrating and more accessible — though that could divide opinion among completionists.

Should You Care?

If you get frustrated and would rather see the story than bash your head against a puzzle, this could be great — if it ever launches. If you think finishing a game should be a personal achievement, it might be another case of games leaning too hard on assistance.

Either way, Sony filing this patent means AI-based gameplay help is becoming a big industry trend, with PlayStation and Xbox both exploring different approaches.

For now, Ghost Player isn't something you can download, pay for, or try — just a peek at where the industry could go next. If it lands in the UAE, you'll see coverage here first.

Want to compare how today's assist features work in actual games? Check out our take on the Splitgate Arena Reloaded relaunch or see what's worth playing on PlayStation with our Best PS5 games review list.

Written by

Share

Copied