Patent reveals Sony’s ambitions for NFTs and cross-platform play
Sony, the multinational conglomerate behind the hugely popular PlayStation gaming consoles, has quietly filed a patent application in the United States concerning NFTs in the gaming space. Submitted in September 2021 and recently published, the application outlines a standardized digital infrastructure aimed at enabling gamers to store and transfer digital NFT assets across multiple gaming platforms.
The document suggests that the standardized digital assets could range from in-game skins and avatars to weapons and abilities. Importantly, these digital assets would be transferable to a range of devices, including not only game consoles from Sony and other manufacturers, but also VR and AR headsets, smart TVs and mobile devices. With a current user base of 112 million on the PlayStation Network, this move marks Sony’s efforts to address the technical limitations that limit the interoperability of digital assets between different games and platforms.
A shift in ecosystem dynamics?
Sony has traditionally maintained a walled garden around its PlayStation Network and is reluctant to enable cross-platform features. However, the gaming giant eventually allowed cross-platform multiplayer capabilities in response to increasing pressure from the gaming community. This development marked a significant shift, mainly driven by the success of cross-platform games such as Fortnite from Epic Games.
The new patent filing may indicate another step towards opening up Sony’s ecosystem, especially when it comes to digital assets. The document explicitly states that today’s game console systems are “technically insufficient for the owner to access assets across different games and/or platforms.” With blockchain technology, which underpins NFTs, being touted as a possible solution to such limitations, the patent filing suggests Sony’s consideration of a more open asset ecosystem.
Public response and industry impact
The integration of NFTs and Web3 technologies in gaming remains a subject of much debate. While some argue that such technologies could give gamers more control over their digital assets, others express concerns about potential crypto scams and outrageous prices for high-profile NFTs. Game publishers such as Ubisoft and Square Enix have already experienced significant public backlash for their NFT efforts.
Sony has so far remained cautious and has publicly distanced itself from the NFT sphere. In 2022, Grace Chen, Sony’s vice president of network advertising, loyalty and licensed merchandise, explicitly stated that the company PlayStation Stars Loyalty Program has no connection to NFTs or blockchain technology. However, recent patent filings show that Sony is exploring the potential of NFTs and Web3 technologies, even though the company has not made any public statements on the matter.
In conclusion, while public sentiment around NFTs in gaming remains mixed, Sony’s recent patent filing could herald more significant changes in the industry. It offers a glimpse into the potential future of digital assets in gaming, one in which asset ownership and portability are not limited to specific platforms or servers. Whether this will lead to the mass adoption of NFTs in gaming or whether this will remain a divisive issue remains to be seen. Either way, Sony’s tentative moves into this emerging area could mean a broader shift in the industry over the next few years.