Revealed in a fresh patent publication, Sony is in the process of developing an innovative software tool that will enable users to set up "personal space" limits to deter undesirable encounters in online multiplayer VR games. Sony has been a prominent figure in the gaming industry for years, consistently delivering cutting-edge software and hardware solutions. With a focus on fortifying player protection, the company's latest software endeavor underscores its dedication to enhancing user safety.
A stalwart in the gaming domain, Sony has been a technological powerhouse for an extensive period, rolling out a plethora of software and hardware innovations. As Sony continues its foray into the video game sector, a series of patents have shed light on the company's ongoing research and development initiatives.
Originally filed in August 2023, a recent patent disclosure outlines a novel VR multiplayer software centered around establishing a "personal space" concept, enabling Sony users to shield themselves from unwanted interactions with specific avatars during online gameplay. The software is tailored to address interactions in VR gaming, including issues like harassment and bullying. This personal space software empowers users to define a virtual barrier or protective bubble around their online persona, preventing undesired users from breaching this personal territory. Consequently, players can safeguard themselves from unwelcome interactions, ensuring a customized multiplayer experience aligned with their preferences. Nevertheless, it's worth noting that Sony, along with other companies, frequently files patents, and many of these innovations never materialize for users, leaving the implementation of this software uncertain.
Insights into Sony's VR Personal Space Software Patent
According to the Sony personal space software patent documentation, illustrated in Figure 10A-10B, the technology leverages a unique "relationship score" to determine the necessity of activating a personal zone. If a user's avatar garners a negative relationship score with a player, the player is prompted to decide whether to grant entry to that avatar into their personal space, as depicted in Figures 5 and 6. When a personal zone is in use, users are restricted from coming into close proximity with the player whose zone is active. This software equips players with the ability to establish their own safety protocols against specific users, aiding in the prevention of online harassment. Sony's endeavors to protect young players have been a key focus in recent patents; however, the accessibility of this personal space software to the public remains uncertain.
Concerns persist regarding online safety in multiplayer settings, prompting the development of new software solutions by Sony and other entities to address the imperative of player protection. While certain safety mechanisms are already operational and others are under active development, advancements in multiplayer gaming remain a prominent subject for discussion among Sony, tech companies, and the gaming community.