We are all waiting patiently for Sony to release its Gaikai streaming capabilities to the public. Sony has said that these game servers will allow us to play all sorts of titles in the classic PlayStation library, from as far back as the PlayStation 1 to as recent as the PlayStation 3. But what they haven’t told us is that they can actually alter the content of these games!
According to a Sony patent filed in 2012 but released to the public yesterday, Sony actually has the technology to inject data into a running emulator being streamed from a server. Essentially, this would allow Sony to perform cheat device like alterations on the game. So, for example, you could take on a boss fight with less health, or face an even more powerful boss that does extra damage. They could even create all new mini-games.
It seems like this only allows for limited control over creating new content, but think again. Intrepid coders have used cheat devices to create entirely new games. Just look at Project M. It’s practically a whole new game compared to Super Smash Bros. Brawl , the original game it’s modifying. Imagine similar alterations to games like PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale .
Currently it is unclear whether or not Sony will actually be using this technology, or if the patent is entirely experimental. We will bring you more information on the technology as it becomes available.
Source: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office