PlayStation has been working to improve many aspects of its hardware and software from one generation to the next and a recent patent suggests that PlayStation games will become even more immersive in the future.
According to a recently filed Sony patent, PlayStation is looking to improve audio immersion in its videogames through an improved controller. The patent suggests that input signals could configure even general-purpose controllers to improve audio immersion in PlayStation games just as the DualShock 4 and DualSense draw players into the experience more than traditional controllers.
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Currently, if a game's software doesn't support input signals of any given controller, the improved audio immersion isn't possible. The patent specifically discusses the prevalence of gun controllers that are optional for shooting games or included in Light Gun shooters, but most don't do anything to improve the audio immersion in games. This PlayStation patent may be looking to improve the audio immersion beyond the DualSense and DualShock controllers to other controllers in an effort to improve the gaming experience. This immersion is possible through a processing apparatus that's able to configure the detected controller in an effort to alter the operation signal to the game.
PlayStation has been improving immersion with games through its controllers since the DualShock on PS1 and the DualSense controller takes things to new levels through its adaptive triggers. Historically, a game's software needs to support input signals of dedicated controllers, but PlayStation may be looking to change that requirement moving forward. In the same way PlayStation plays audio from games through its first-party controllers, the gaming company seems to be looking to other controllers for the same effect. This new patent filed by PlayStation suggests that it will be taking all controllers to new levels, particularly gun controllers.
The audio immersion of the DualShock 4 and DualSense are obvious as both controllers include a speaker that provides additional audio cues from the game. In Death Stranding, the speaker will notify players when danger is near, while in Horizon Zero Dawn, Aloy's technology pings in-game and in the controller alike. Considering PlayStation made the effort to specify gun controllers, it's likely that the company is looking to improve audio immersion in shooting games in particular. While not every controller has a speaker in it, it looks like PlayStation will be utilizing the ones that do.
The audio offered through the DualShock 4 and DualSense controllers make gaming on PlayStation more immersive, but also a little obnoxious for players trying to keep quiet. Thankfully for players like this, PlayStation allows you to mute the controller speaker which will likely translate to controllers referenced by the recently filed patent.
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Source: USPTO