Sony has received patent approval for a new AI model to generate unique, personalised podcasts for PlayStation gamers, replicating the voices of video game characters to share news and updates inspired by player habits.
The entertainment and technology company is the publisher of major video game titles including the Horizon series. The patent was first filed in 2024 and recently gained approval (via VGC), although it remains unclear whether Sony has firm plans to implement the proposed features, or whether they will remain an experimental possibility.
Sony patents AI podcast system – quick links
What Sony’s new podcast patent entails
As detailed in the patent, Sony aimed to answer the following problem: ‘Video game platforms currently lack the ability to provide unique and targeted content to gamers to update the gamers about things that are happening on the platform.’
While that seemingly discounts existing systems like written news updates, the core of the patent is that Sony sought to create a new, more personalised method of delivering gaming news to players, using gaming platforms.
The solution presented is a generative AI model that creates a podcast using the voice of a character from a game that a player has played, or is currently playing, with this designed to add familiarity and interest.
Read: Sony patents AI tool for players stuck in video games
‘In one aspect an apparatus includes at least one processor system programmed with instructions to execute a large language model (LLM) to identify data associated with a video game player’s profile,’ the patent reads.
‘Based on the identification, the at least one processor system is also programmed with instructions to generate a podcast of news related to the data, with the podcast presenting the news in a voice of a video game character of a video game played by the video game player. The podcast may include audio in various examples, and may also include video showing the video game character discussing the news.’
Practical implementation remains unclear
Sony’s latest patent is a fascinating one on multiple levels. It raises big questions about implementation in particular, given plans to AI-generate the voices of characters.
Many of the characters in Sony’s roster are voiced by actors, and many are unionised under SAG-AFTRA. Recently, this organisation ratified a new Video Game Agreement for its signed voice actors, with the contract providing protection against AI exploitation, while also asking for better overall protection and compensation.
At the time of the signing, organisers confirmed the latest contract added ‘safety guardrails and gains around AI, including consent and disclosure requirements for AI digital replica use and the ability for performers to suspend consent for the generation of new material during a strike’.
Should Sony plan to implement its patent in future, creating AI-generated podcasts utilising character voices to share news and updates, it seems likely it will need to work alongside SAG-AFTRA and its roster of voice actors to ensure any generated voice replicas are used within the terms of the union contract.
Beyond this, there are also other concerns to address, including that generated content would provide a meaningful service to players, with useful and engaging information presented.
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