Sony is Making Games More Accessible for a Growing Audience

As video games continue to expand beyond traditional enthusiast circles, accessibility has become one of the industry’s most important design considerations. Modern games are larger and more complex, often built around layered systems that can feel overwhelming to newcomers.

Rather than simply simplifying experiences, many platform holders are exploring more innovative ways to support players without disrupting immersion. With the rise of artificial intelligence, Sony appears to be investigating exactly that approach, according to a newly surfaced patent.

The gaming giant has already taken steps in this direction with features such as PlayStation 5’s Game Help, which offers contextual guidance during gameplay. The newly filed patent suggests the company may be looking to evolve that concept into something far more interactive and intuitive.

Ghost AI as an In-Game Companion

According to details reported by Allaboutai, Sony’s patent outlines a system known as Ghost AI. Instead of relying on text prompts or external video guides, this feature would appear as an in-game character within the player’s current world.

This AI companion would demonstrate solutions in real time, showing players how to complete puzzles, navigate mechanics, or execute precise inputs during challenging moments. By learning through observation rather than instruction menus, players could absorb mechanics more naturally without breaking immersion.

The patent also describes a question-and-answer component that allows players to ask Ghost AI directly for help and receive immediate, context-aware responses tailored to their situation.

Assistance That Adapts to Playstyle

Rather than enforcing a one-size-fits-all solution, this new approach appears to be designed with flexibility in mind. The patent references multiple assistance presets, including Story Mode, Combat Mode, Exploration Mode, and Full Game Mode.

These presets likely determine how proactive the AI is, allowing players to choose between light narrative nudges and deeper mechanical support. This approach positions the solution not as a replacement for player agency, but as an optional layer of guidance that can scale based on comfort and experience.

For players new to gaming or unfamiliar with specific genres, this could significantly reduce frustration while preserving the core challenge for those who prefer to learn independently.

A Glimpse at AI-Driven Design Philosophy

As with most patents, there is no guarantee that Ghost AI will become a commercial feature. Many experimental ideas never move beyond internal exploration. Still, the filing offers insight into how Sony is thinking about the future of player support.

Rather than simplifying games or lowering difficulty across the board, it represents a philosophy focused on teaching, demonstration, and choice. If realised, it could transform in-game assistance from a static help system into a dynamic companion that empowers players to engage at their own pace.

Whether Ghost AI ever reaches players’ hands remains to be seen, but the concept highlights Sony’s growing interest in using AI not to play games for users, but to help more people enjoy them.