PlayStation is developing an AI called Ghost Player to help players who get stuck on levels in games.
Are you struggling to clear a difficult level, stuck on the same stage over and over again? You’ve tried everything, asked your neighbor for help, searched for walkthroughs online, and consulted the experts, yet you still can’t get past it. You paid a lot for the game and don't want to give up, but playing it is making you frustrated and miserable.
In the future, PlayStation is developing an AI called 'Ghost Player'—or as we might call it, 'The Helpful Spirit.' This feature is designed for players who are stuck on a specific part of a game. Let’s dive into the details
Before diving in, it is important to note that the AI 'Ghost Player' system is currently only a patent. Its core capability is to play the game on your behalf—much like those 'shoulder-surfers' at old-school game centers who would jump in to help you beat a tough stage while you just sit back and watch.
According to the data, this PlayStation 5 AI will be trained by learning from other players who have already successfully cleared that specific part of the game. It then replicates their gameplay style to play for you. This isn't just a standard 'auto-play' mode programmed by developers; instead, it is designed to look realistic, complete with human-like mistakes. This ensures that the player watching feels as if a real person is playing for them, rather than a stiff, flawless, and 'too-perfect' automated system
However, don't get your hopes up just yet, as this is currently only a patent. There is no guarantee if or when it will become a reality, or if it will ever be implemented at all. The purpose of filing a patent is often to secure an idea that a company believes is feasible or beneficial, even if they aren't sure when it can be fully developed. Furthermore, patenting serves as a defensive measure to prevent competitors from claiming the idea first, allowing the company to seek damages if the technology is copied.
Currently, systems similar to 'Ghost Player' already exist in the form of dynamic difficulty adjustment. When you die repeatedly in the same spot, some games will ask if you’d like to lower the difficulty to make it easier to progress. Some games even apply these adjustments automatically—such as the infamous 'Chicken Hat' in Metal Gear Solid V.
As we are well aware, AI is currently facing heavy backlash across almost every industry. However, utilizing AI to assist in gaming, as we’ve presented, is an interesting alternative. If this becomes a reality, the game would likely notify you after repeated failures, asking whether you’d like the 'Ghost Player' to step in or if you wish to keep trying on your own.
Of course, developers like FromSoftware would almost certainly never implement such a system in their games, nor would it be used in competitive online games. Ultimately, it would be up to us to decide whether to use AI or not. While some AI applications are controversial, this specific case seems appropriate and promising for the future. After all, not everyone is a pro gamer, and having a helping hand would definitely make those challenging games more enjoyable for many
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