Sony's recent patent filings continue to shine a light on what the future of PlayStation VR might look like as the peripheral prepares to jump into next-gen gaming with the PS5. However, instead of looking at the immersive worlds that VR can take players to with games like Moss and its upcoming sequel, Sony is taking a look at introducing more AR elements to the system.
As is common for these types of Sony patents, this latest introduction of an AR space into PlayStation VR also comes with several new bells and whistles, including an especially interactive UI. This could mean that Sony is planning to bring a new type of personality to the system, with the added benefit of giving game developers the chance to add a personal touch to future AR experiences.
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One feature of this patent specifically mentions a virtual character, and designing a way for the device to show this character move from an onscreen display to walking directly into the playing area. This could mean that not only is Sony looking to put players in the game with PlayStation VR, but bring the game directly from the screen and into reality. The first use of this feature also appears to be in development within the patent as well, with a virtual assistant being an early design for a character that might jump out of the screen and into the room.
While this type of thing isn't entirely new, with many AR games working on phones or other camera equipped devices to overlay something onto an image of the real world, this new patent goes a step further. Some of the language in the filing suggests that the device will be able to also recreate the play area in 3D in order to allow the virtual character to better interact with and travel around the space. Brought in line with other leaked PlayStation VR features like eye tracking, this type of AR programming could make for a startling simulation with this AI assistant.
As more and more information gets revealed about the technology being implemented in PlayStation VR 2, the new peripheral continues to look like a massive leap forward for the medium. Considering the various barriers to entry that VR currently faces, both through Sony's consoles and in the PC gaming realm, a push to bridge the gaps to AR could be exactly what the entire medium needs. Much of what is thought to be included is still speculation, but the next iteration of VR on PS5 could push the peripheral further into the mainstream.