We know that Microsoft intends to produce new Xbox consoles, and Sony is also preparing the arrival of a PS6 in the coming years. While the two giants generally engage in a power battle, we know that the strengths of both are also played out on the exclusive functionalities of the consoles. And a PlayStation patent could give us a clue about one of them.
The power to restart your game from anywhere on PS6?
A recently filed patent from Sony shows that PlayStation could introduce a “rewind” feature in video games. This patent describes a mechanism allowing players to go back in time in a game, which would be similar to a “rewind” or rewind functionality. The system could allow players to replay a section of a game where they made a mistake or missed a crucial event, providing more control over their gaming experience.
The patent details that this rewind feature could be applied to different types of video games, including role-playing games, action games, and adventure games. The idea would be that the player could return to a specific point in the game, such as a combat sequence or narrative interaction, to correct an error without having to start the entire level or mission again. This would provide a smoother and less frustrating experience, especially in games where the player's choices greatly influence the course of the story.
Sony also describes an intelligent system for managing this rewind, where the game could automatically determine an optimal “return point” based on the player's action. This could include taking into account important player decisions, combat outcomes, or times when failure occurs, to minimize the negative impact of backtracking.
Although this feature seems promising, it is not yet certain whether it will be integrated into future PlayStation games. The filed patent does not guarantee implementation of the technology, but it does provide insight into what the company could consider to improve the gaming experience. If realized, this feature could be integrated directly into the future PlayStation console 6 or in specific games developed by Sony.
A function that almost already exists, and which could be criticized in certain cases
PlayStation wants to add this advanced backtracking function to its games with a new universal button on the controller. The system proposed by Sony and described in the patent would allow players to use this function by pressing one or more new universal buttons on the controller, which would allow them to choose any previously saved moment.
This patent for a “rewind” feature shows video game companies' growing interest in the flexibility and adaptability of video game experiences. If released, this feature could change the way players approach complex situations and decisions in their games, giving them a second chance without having to start from scratch. An innovation that could also be criticized, because it could also reduce the interest in making crucial choices in certain RPGs. Indeed, if it is possible to rewind a game at any moment, what about the tension generated by an important choice to make?
However, the rewind function is already used in certain games. Introduced in Forza Motorsport games. It is notably in place in Forza Horizon 5, where it is possible to go back a few seconds in a race to, for example, correctly take a turn. Xbox has also implemented a Quick Resume feature on its Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles, which allows you to resume a game where you left off. Functions that all go in the same direction, that of a freer and more fluid gaming experience.
