PlayStation and its parent company, Sony, are working on an artificial intelligence technology that could revolutionize how we play games. Called “Ghost Player,” this innovation consists of a virtual assistant that takes control of the character in difficult sections of games. The patent, which resurfaced in discussions in January 2026, details a system trained with recordings from other players. Therefore, the idea is to offer real help for those who get stuck on bosses or complicated stages, making games more accessible to the Brazilian public. However, in a year where AAA games can cost more than R$ 350, many wonder: why buy a title if an AI is going to play it for you?
The technology would work on demand, allowing the player to summon the “ghost” at specific moments of difficulty. In this way, the Ghost Player would act as a specialized co-pilot, learning from the community to overcome obstacles. The system would offer two main modes: a guide mode, for specific assistance, and a complete mode, where the AI finishes extensive parts of the game. Meanwhile, the industry faces a heated debate about the use of artificial intelligence, which makes this patent especially relevant for 2026. Sony’s proposal, therefore, is a controversial middle ground between accessibility and the authenticity of the gaming experience.
How Does the “Ghost” AI Work in Practice?
According to the documents, the Ghost Player would not use pre-recorded scripts by developers. Instead, the artificial intelligence would be trained from real gameplay videos, collected anonymously from other players. Thanks to this method, the assistant would adapt to different play styles, creating organic solutions to challenges. Furthermore, the patent suggests that the system could learn from the user’s own failed attempts, offering increasingly personalized help. Despite this, Sony has not yet confirmed whether the technology will be implemented in future products, as patents often serve only as intellectual property protection.
The AI Debate and Player Reaction
The announcement of this patent comes at a sensitive time for the industry. Many studios, such as Larian and Sandfall, have faced heavy criticism for using generative AI in the development of recent games. On the other hand, integrated help mechanisms, such as puzzle hints in God of War Ragnarok, have already shown that players can get annoyed with overly invasive assistance. In Brazil, where gamer culture values overcoming challenges and trophies earned through personal effort, the reception of a “player ghost” may be divided. Thus, even if the technology becomes a reality, its success will depend on how PlayStation integrates it in an optional and non-intrusive manner.
Looking to the future, the big question is whether players will embrace this help or see it as a betrayal of the spirit of gaming. With the accelerated technological evolution of 2026, tools like Ghost Player could become common, especially in titles with high difficulty. However, the final choice will still be in the hands of the user. In this way, Sony seems to be betting on offering options, but the verdict on the real usefulness of this AI ghost will only be given when, and if, it leaves the paper to enter our consoles.
