In-game assets made of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) could be used by the gaming powerhouse Sony PlayStation, according to a recently disclosed patent, reviving interest in the new technology.
The patent details a technique and system for tracking digital assets connected to video games. The digital assets can be both digital media assets that depict gameplay moments, such as video clips or still photographs, as well as in-game digital media assets, like in-game characters.
“The digital assets may be in-game digital assets, such as in-game items or characters [and/or] video game digital media assets representing moments of gameplay of a video game, such as video clips or images.”
The headline of Sony’s patent is “US20220358450 – Tracking Unique In-Game Digital Assets Using Tokens On a Distributed Ledger.” Sony originally applied for the patent on May 7, 2021, but the patent says November 10. Todayq News had previously reported that Sony had filed for such a patent, however, it is now definite that the patent is for Playstation and not for some other gaming platform Sony could be possibly working on.
It then continues to illustrate how NFTs can be used to create in-game objects and modify them in any way, including their ownership and look.
A unique digital asset linked with a video game can be created, tracked, modified, authenticated, and/or transferred using technologies and systems that are mentioned in the patent.
Additionally, Sony asserts in the patent that although certain games include the use of digital assets during gameplay, these are typically fungible and difficult to identify from one another.
“Thus, in traditional video games, no one digital asset is unique from other instances of the same in-game item. As a result, in traditional video games, there is no way to know, track, or authenticate a history of a particular instance of an in-game item.”
It mentions e-sports and points out that video games are hugely popular all over the world, with some players being able to amass sizable fan bases just like famous athletes and other celebrities.
The use of NFTs in gaming activities has prompted negative reactions from certain gamers, who have criticised it for a variety of reasons, including the apparent energy waste and sustainability issues. Sony has, however, worked with other companies in the past to use NFTs.
Following a record $25 billion in sales in 2021, the NFT sector recorded $5.36 billion in organic trading activity just in January of this year. These enormous sums have fallen to an average monthly NFT trading volume of $1 billion since the crypto crisis started in May. The volume was $466 million in September, according to data from Dune Analytics. However, businesses like VISA, FIFA, and Christie’s have confidence in the technology.