Sony has filed a patent for NFTs for own gaming ecosystem
Sony, the global conglomerate known for its popular PlayStation gaming consoles, has discreetly submitted a patent application in the United States related to NFTs within the gaming realm. The filing, dated September 2021 and recently disclosed, introduces a standardized digital framework designed to facilitate the possession and movement of digital NFT assets across diverse gaming platforms.
The patent proposal envisions these standardized digital assets encompassing items ranging from in-game skins and avatars to weapons and abilities. Notably, these digital assets would be transferable across a wide array of devices, including not only Sony and other manufacturers’ gaming consoles but also VR and AR headsets, smart TVs, and mobile devices. With its current PlayStation Network user base totaling 112 million, this move demonstrates Sony’s endeavors to tackle the technical barriers that impede the interoperability of digital assets across different games and platforms.
Sony’s historical attitude towards NFT technology
Historically, Sony has maintained a closed ecosystem around its PlayStation Network, showing reluctance to embrace cross-platform features. However, the gaming giant eventually yielded to cross-platform multiplayer capabilities due to mounting pressure from the gaming community. This transition marked a substantial transformation, largely influenced by the success of cross-platform games like Epic Games’ Fortnite.
The recent patent application might signify another stride toward opening up Sony’s ecosystem, particularly concerning digital assets. The document explicitly notes that prevailing gaming console systems are “technically inadequate for users to access assets across various games and/or platforms.” As blockchain technology, the foundation of NFTs, gains recognition as a potential solution to such limitations, the patent submission suggests Sony’s contemplation of a more inclusive asset ecosystem.
What are the prospects for Sony’s NFT patent for the gaming industry?
The integration of NFTs and Web3 technologies into gaming remains a subject of ongoing debate. While proponents argue that these technologies could provide gamers with enhanced control over their digital possessions, detractors raise concerns about possible crypto scams and exorbitant prices for high-profile NFTs. Gaming publishers like Ubisoft and Square Enix have already encountered substantial public backlash for their forays into the NFT space.
Sony, meanwhile, has taken a cautious stance, publicly distancing itself from the NFT domain. In 2022, Grace Chen, Sony’s Vice President of Network Advertising, Loyalty, and Licensed Merchandise, explicitly affirmed that the company’s PlayStation Stars loyalty program has no links to NFTs or blockchain technology. Nevertheless, the recent patent filings hint at Sony’s exploration of NFTs and Web3 technologies, even though no official announcements have been made to this effect.
In conclusion, while public sentiment regarding NFTs in gaming remains mixed, Sony’s recent patent application could foreshadow more significant industry shifts. It offers a glimpse into a potential future where digital asset ownership and transferability are not restricted to specific platforms or servers. Whether this will lead to widespread NFT adoption in gaming or continue to spark division remains to be witnessed. Regardless, Sony’s tentative foray into this emerging arena could potentially signal a broader industry transformation in the forthcoming years.
