Sony’s patent proposes using machine learning to adjust computer-controlled opponents based on how players fare against them. A boss might counter a tactic a player relies on, or stop using an attack that repeatedly defeats them. The filing describes a possible system—not a confirmed feature in any released PlayStation game.
How the proposed system would adapt a fight
The patent describes a feedback loop: a game gathers information about players’ attempts against an opponent, analyzes which tactics succeed or fail, and may use that analysis to change the opponent’s behavior in a later gameplay instance. A boss is one example; the filing also discusses opponents such as rival drivers, teams, or groups of enemies.
- Record attempts: The system collects data about one player’s or multiple players’ encounters, including their tactics and outcomes.
- Analyze what happened: A machine-learning model identifies patterns in successful and unsuccessful approaches.
- Adjust a later encounter: The game may alter the opponent’s behavior or the difficulty of beating it, drawing on the analyzed data.
Sony discusses reinforcement learning, but the patent also allows supervised and unsupervised methods. It does not specify one required AI architecture.
What could change during a boss fight?
The examples focus on how an opponent responds, rather than simply changing a conventional difficulty setting. If players repeatedly land a particular punch, a boss might move faster to avoid it. If players rely on a certain weapon, the boss might gain a shield against it. Conversely, if an attack repeatedly defeats players, the opponent might stop using that move.
#1 Best Overall
- Haptic feedback - Feel physically responsive feedback to your in-game actions with dual actuators which replace traditional rumble motors. In your hands, these dynamic vibrations can simulate the feeling of everything from environments to the recoil of different weapons. .Operating temperature : 41 °F to 95 °F (5 °C to 35 °C)
- Adaptive triggers - Experience varying levels of force and tension as you interact with your in-game gear and environments. From pulling back an increasingly tight bowstring to hitting the brakes on a speeding car, feel physically connected to your on-screen actions.
- Built-in microphone and headset jack - Chat with friends online using the built-in microphone or by connecting a headset to the 3.5mm jack. Easily switch voice capture on and off at a moment’s notice with the dedicated mute button. Internet and account for PlayStation Network required.
- DualSense Controller PS5 and PC compatible. Not compatible with PS4.
- PS Remote Play requires Remote Play App connected to Wi-Fi, PS4 or PS5 console with the latest system software and compatible game. A PS4 or PS5 console with a wired connection via a LAN cable is recommended. Version 4.0 of the Remote Play App on iOS and iPadOS or version 4.1 on macOS is required for games to be playable with the controller over Bluetooth.
The proposed adjustments can go in either direction: an opponent could become easier when players are struggling, or harder when players beat it too easily. The patent gives an illustrative threshold of beating a boss less than 50 percent of the time, but that is a hypothetical example—not a measured result or a confirmed rule for a game.
Whose gameplay data could shape the opponent?
The filing describes using data from one player, multiple players, or a selected group. That distinction could affect whether an opponent responds to an individual’s habits or to patterns found across a broader pool of players. The patent outlines both possibilities; it does not establish how Sony would select, collect, or apply player data in a commercial game.
Rank #2
- Ultra Customizable Controls
- Mappable Back Buttons
- DualSense Wireless Controller Features Built In
- Replaceable Stick Modules and Caps
Would players have a choice?
The patent describes possible controls that could let a player opt in to adjusted difficulty or choose opponents already altered using other players’ gameplay data. It also lists potential rewards for beating an opponent at a changed difficulty, including trophies, medals, points, in-game currency, or e-commerce currency. These are illustrative options in the filing, not a promise that any game will offer them.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is this an announced PlayStation feature?
No. The U.S. patent record concerns Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC’s filing, “Use of machine learning to increase or decrease level of difficulty in beating video game opponent.” It lists a filing date of July 25, 2019, and a publication date of July 20, 2021; the application was later granted as U.S. Patent 11,065,545 B2. The record names Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC as the original assignee and lists Matthew A. DeVico in the assignment history. Google Patents record.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- Feel you in-game actions and environement simulated through haptic feedback
- Experience varying force and tension at your fingertips with adaptive triggers
- Chat online through the built-in microphone
- Connect a headset directly via the 3.5mm jack
- Switch voice capture on and off using the dedicated mute button
A patent documents claimed inventions and illustrative embodiments. The patent record and The Next Web’s February 2, 2021 coverage do not establish that Sony has deployed this system in a commercial game. The record shows a maintenance-fee payment in December 2024, but that information alone does not establish the patent’s current enforceability.
Neither source provides measured evidence about how well the proposed system works, whether players prefer it, or whether it has been adopted. The filing’s numerical scenarios are hypotheticals, not study findings.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Enjoy precise, comfortable control over 10,000+ supported Steam games.
- Easily pair the controller directly to your Windows PC via Bluetooth or play as you charge with the included USB Type-C cable
- Stay paired with up to four different Bluetooth devices, making it easy to enjoy the controller across Windows PC, Mac, PS5 consoles and smartphones. Discover more connection tips and tricks at playstation.com/pair-dualsense
- Access the latest available controller firmware directly from your PC with the free-todownload PlayStation Accessories app
- Play games streamed from your PS5 or PS4 console to your PC via the PS Remote Play App
Rank #4
- Bring gaming worlds to life - Feel your in-game actions and environment simulated through haptic feedback*. Experience varying force and tension at your fingertips with adaptive triggers*
- Find your voice, share your passion - Chat online through the built-in microphone. Connect a headset directly via the 3.5mm jack. Record and broadcast your epic gaming moments with the create button
- A gaming icon in your hands - Enjoy a comfortable, evolved design with an iconic layout and enhanced sticks. Hear higher-fidelity** sound effects through the built-in speaker in supported games
- Multi-device connectivity - Connect using a USB Type-C cable or Bluetooth technology and easily play on more devices including Windows PC and Mac computers.
- Elevate PC gaming with advanced features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers in a range of blockbuster PC titles.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
