You may remember early last year when Sony revealed that Gaikai technology would be used to allow streaming of PlayStation 3 games on the PlayStation 4. You'll probably also recall that, since that time, details surrounding the proposed services have proven as illusive as information regarding The Last Guardian. However, we may be edging closer to the truth, as a patent recently emerged which potentially sheds some light on the platform holder's plans. Filed in 2012, the document makes reference to "an emulator configured to operate on a network", and also describes a system by which older games could have challenges and "mini-games" added as a means of increasing their longevity.
"Instead of replaying the same level or completing the same missions repeatedly, gamers often desire new challenges when replaying legacy games," it states. "In response to this need, game designers have begun to produce mini-games. Within a mini-game, the gamer can be instructed to complete new objectives or challenge their friends for high scores in a format that was not originally designed into the legacy game. Further, since the mini-game is derived from a legacy game, the gamer already knows the characters and basic components of the game, and is therefore more likely to play the mini-game.”
The suggested system would make use of gameplay snapshots to allow developers an easy method of creating these mini-games. There are scant details on the proposed content of the challenges, but we suspect that they may involve something along the lines of completing a level with a certain weapon or within a designated time limit. If you're looking for more details, and are willing to brave its stymieing technical jargon, you can find the full patent through here.
In truth, this is a pretty neat idea, and one that should ensure that high-score junkies have lots of content for years to come. What's more, it represents a way for Sony to sweeten the pot for those of you not particularly keen on the idea of having to fork out more cash to play games that you already own. Does this proposal have your expectations set sky high, or is the concept raining on your parade? Patent your opinions in the comments section below.
[source appft.uspto.gov]
Comments 11
The concept is intriguing to say the least.
Gaikai has a lot of potential. There is a lot of PS1 and PS2 games that I haven't played in a long time and wouldn't mind playing again. To be honest gaikai reminds me a lot of Sega Channel if anyone can remember that. not sure how Sega Channel sold, I was too young to care but I always thought it was amazing. I used to love it as a kid because even though you didn't actually own all those games it was nice being able to come home and play them and even find games you never played or heard of before. It really does sound like another Sega Channel to me except instead of using your cable service you'll be using your internet service. The best part is that it won't just be tied to your house. If you have a Vita then you could literally have a PS1, PS2, and PS3 in your pocket. Technology really is a beautiful thing when done right.
I love it. The possibilities with Gaikai are endless, but I would like to know how much it's going to cost. It'll probably be a while til we hear that, but I don't think it'll be something we'll be mad about. Sony has done a terrific job lately keeping us happy
With the Vita and Vita TV, Sony has everything it needs to use Gaikai to the fullest. I'd be in heaven if I can play Dragonball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 and Kinetica on my Vita.
Sony is really starting this gen off right and I have a feeling they'll continue surprising us.
I can't wait for Gaikai to go live. I have a PS2 so I play PS and PS2 games on that but for the hard to find ones this will be great. Also I am really looking forward to their PS3 library so I finally play games like The Last of Us. This right her is one of the biggest reasons I went with a PS4.
Sounds good but get a move on. The ps4 choices are slim pickings.
@Itachi and 4, sometimes! : D
I can't wait for gaikai I've got a lot of ps3 games I want to continue playing on ps4 with that dual shock 4
*elusive
Sweetness! !! This should be interesting! And another way to earn more trophies!
I just hope Gaikai actually works. So far game streaming services like OnLive have been slightly disappointing but with it being used for past gen games it could work well.
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