Sony may be exploring NFTs and blockchain technology

by Arthur · November 14, 2022

A recently discovered Sony patent shared by Gamesual has indicated big plans for the company to implement NFTs via a digital ledger. The proprietary feature referenced in the patent will reportedly track the distribution history of in-game digital assets by assigning tokens to those items. The tokens can then be tracked along with certain modifications, including ownership, metadata and visual appearance – much the same way the blockchain records NFT transfers.

This ‘distributed ledger’ is described as:

‘A system and method for tracking digital assets associated with video games. The digital assets may be in-game digital assets, such as in-game items or characters. The digital assets may be video game digital media assets that represent moments of playing a video game, such as video clips or images.’

“The digital asset is created and a distributed ledger that tracks a history of the digital asset is created and stored across devices. A unique token for the digital asset may include a unique identifier and metadata identifying properties of the digital asset.’

Those familiar with NFTs will find this language familiar – although it’s important to note that the patent was filed way back in May 2021. It has come to light now, but may just be a potential system for NFT distribution. Given that the bubble of popularity for these digital goods has already burst, Sony may not plan to follow up on the patent – but only time will tell.

Read: PlayStation Plus Extra, Premium games for November 2022 revealed

As referenced in the patent application, Sony sees potential in imprinting digital assets on a ledger, including “moments of playing a video game, such as video clips or images.”

Already, the company is testing the waters of digital asset popularity with the launch of the PlayStation Stars loyalty program. While the company has made it clear that the 3D collectible models available in the program as rewards for completing in-game tasks are ‘definitely’ not NFTs, they share similar characteristics.

It could be that the Stars are an ongoing test run for future NFT implementation, with Sony monitoring the popularity of their collectibles – but the patent could also refer to outdated plans drawn up during the height of the NFT craze. With companies like Square Enix, Ubisoft and Konami doubling down on NFTs during this period, and facing a lot of criticism as a result, it may be that Sony chose not to immediately follow this path.

Whatever the case, it appears that at some point the company explored the broader benefits and technologies of blockchain. Stay tuned to hear more about these plans, and whether they will happen.