Summary
- Sony is developing software for VR games to create "personal space" boundaries and prevent unwanted interactions.
- The software uses a "relationship score" to determine if avatars can enter a player's personal zone.
- While Sony's focus on player safety is evident in recent patents, not all patents may actually be implemented.
According to a newly published patent, Sony is working on a software application that would allow "personal space" boundaries for users to prevent unwanted interactions during online multiplayer in VR games. A number of recent Sony technology patents have focused on increased protection for players, and this latest in-development software would further the company's efforts to improve user safety.
One of the biggest names in gaming, Sony has been a powerhouse in technology for decades, offering a number of software and hardware products. As the company continues to work on expanding its presence in the video game industry, multiple patents have helped to reveal Sony's research and development efforts.
First filed back in August 2023, a recent patent publication details a new VR multiplayer "personal space" software that would allow Sony users to protect themselves from unwanted online interactions with specific avatars. The software focuses on VR gaming interactions and the potential for harassment, such as teabagging and bullying. This personal space software would allow users to create a virtual boundary or bubble around their online avatar, preventing unwanted users from entering this personal space. As such, players could protect themselves from unwanted interactions and ensure that their multiplayer experience is tailored to their preferences. However, it is key to note that patents are frequently filed by Sony and other companies, with a number of those patents never reaching users, so there is no guarantee that this software will actually be implemented.
Sony VR Personal Space Software Patent Details
As detailed in Figure 10A-10B of the Sony personal space software patent, the technology would utilize a "relationship score" to determine whether a personal zone needs to be activated. If a user avatar is deemed to have a negative relationship score with the player, a prompt will be given to the player to choose whether to allow that avatar into their personal zone, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. When a personal zone is utilized, users will be unable to be in proximity to the player with the zone activated. This software would allow players to set their own safety measures against certain users, aiding in the prevention of online harassment. Sony's efforts to protect young players have been a great focus of recent patents, though it remains to be seen if this personal space software will ever be made available to the public.
Many continue to raise concerns about online safety in multiplayer environments, and new software applications from Sony and others reflect this issue of needing to protect players. While some safety systems are already in place and others are actively in development, improvements in multiplayer gaming continue to be a key talking point for Sony, technology companies, and audiences.
- Brand
- Sony
- Original Release Date
- October 13, 2016
The PlayStation VR is an add-on for Sony's popular PlayStation line of consoles that allows players to engage in virtual reality games and content. It comes with a VR headset and appropriate controllers to help players feel as if they're in the game.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Hardware Versions
- PlayStation VR
- Original MSRP (USD)
- $399, £349, €399
- Weight
- 1.31 lbs