PlayStation becomes Web3? Sony’s NFT patent application hints at a new direction

A video game console manufacturer has not publicly adopted NFTs, but tech giant Sony, the company behind the hugely successful PlayStation brand, continues to move forward behind the scenes, as evidenced by their latest NFT-related patent application.

Sony applied in September 2021 in the US, which was announced this week. The document outlines Sony’s proposal to create a consistent digital framework that allows players to own and transfer digital NFT assets across multiple video game platforms.

According to the application, the standardized format may allow the insertion of digital assets into various computer simulations, including those of various video game titles. The document further states that the format can be readable on different video game platforms such as PlayStation and Xbox.

Sony suggested that these assets could include in-game skins, artwork, avatars, weapons and even “video game skills”. In addition, the proposal said they could be “connected over a network” via VR and AR headsets, smart TVs, mobile devices and consoles from other manufacturers.

According to Sony, the number of PlayStation Network users reached 112 million by the end of 2022. The network includes network-connected PlayStation 5 players and previous console and handheld hardware.

This differs from Sony’s first step towards building a framework for NFT gaming assets. A patent application issued last November revealed that the Japanese company intends to capitalize on the booming esports industry beginning in 2021 with various in-game digital collectibles.

According to the latest filing, Sony has argued that modern game console systems need to be more technologically advanced in order for owners to be able to use their assets across different games and/or platforms.

In the past, Sony tried to keep its PlayStation Network ecosystem separate from that of other console manufacturers, but eventually gave in to user pressure and allowed cross-play. Sony’s cross-platform multiplayer initiative was partly inspired by the success of Fortnite, a popular free-to-play shooter developed by Epic Games.

Sony may be interested in a Web3 future for the PlayStation based on the growing number of patent applications. Nevertheless, the company has repeatedly refuted claims that it engages in NFT trading. For example, in 2022, a company executive strongly denied rumors that the PlayStation Stars rewards program was connected to NFTs.