While the majority of the non-fungible token (NFT) sector has been affected by the happenings in the crypto sector, the entertainment giant, Sony seems to be unhindered in its plans for NFTs. According to the latest patent filings, Sony is enthusiastic about developing a solid framework for NFTs in its games and consoles.
Recently, Sony Interactive Entertainment published a patent titled “NFT Framework for Transferring and Using Digital Assets Between Games Platforms.” In the new filing, Sony is exploring a framework for using NFTs cross-generationally and across different platforms.
Reportedly, the experiments include consoles made by other companies like Microsoft or Nintendo primarily connecting their virtual reality (VR) headsets, augmented reality (AR) headsets, PCs, and more. To achieve its NFT dreams, the technology giant has and is exploring numerous use cases, such as NFT-locked gameplay, and limited-use in-game tasks, alongside others.
The patent filings by the company show its enthusiasm for introducing a solid NFT framework that would allow gamers to obtain or transfer ownership using digital assets, along with several other perks. The document released by the company states that systems running currently are technologically insufficient for players to use their assets across different games and platforms.
However, NFTs could enhance a game’s functionality by facilitating the gamers’ access to use the asset and transfer its rights to others exclusively.
Additionally, the patent proposes a system that would reward select players via NFTs. For example, gamers who first beat or unlock a particular level can earn a special NFT that grants them in-game advantages or help them to unlock exclusive in-game items.
Sony’s new filing also discusses integrating options to allow players to transfer their in-game progress to someone else via NFTs. New owners can then pick up from where the previous owner last left the game with the same items, points, and level.
Reportedly, the company is also interested in introducing NFTs to cross-platform esports. Sources reveal that Sony wants to reward winners with special NFTs or even “blockchain-based currency” for different tournament brackets.
The patent encourages the players to use these NFTs to “buy in” to play the tournament’s next round or transfer it to another player who wishes to continue playing. However, it is essential to note that it is still unclear how the company plans to implement what it proposes in its filing. Nonetheless, the thing which is clear is that the company has its sights set on adopting Web3.
Previously, in November last year, Sony’s disclosed patent was “US20220358450 – Tracking Unique In-Game Digital Assets Using Tokens On a Distributed Ledger.” The patent detailed a technique and system for tracking digital assets connected to video games.
While Sony’s latest proposal does not guarantee success, the experiments it is conducting are huge for the industry. The introduction of NFTs to its games and console could in turn propel adoption in the right direction and make games more fun, incentivizing and attractive.