Sony Interactive Entertainment has published a patent application describing an artificial intelligence system capable of adapting non-player characters (NPCs) and bosses based on the user's playstyle. The application, titled “AI-adapted non-player character for video game system” (US 2026/0295429 A1), was filed on March 31, 2025 and published by the USPTO on October 1, 2026.
What does the system do?
According to the document, the game collects data from encounters between the player and NPCs. This information feeds a machine learning model that generates adapted content for the character. Changes can include movement patterns, combat strategies, dialogues, appearance and even social interactions.
Monitored data includes: attack hit rates, weapons and consumables used, damage dealt and received, reaction time, frequency and success of dodges, blocks and parries, use of environmental objects and, in boss fights, number of attempts until victory and which attacks were avoided or countered.
Why does this matter?
The idea is to create more realistic NPCs without relying on extensive manually written scripts. In soulslike games, for example, a boss could stop following fixed patterns and adjust its actions if the player insists on the same tactic. The patent also contemplates changing an NPC's role (ally, enemy, merchant) or generating reinforcements.
It is important to note that this is only a published patent application. Sony has not confirmed whether the technology will be implemented in PlayStation games or in which titles. Many patent applications never become final products.
Sources: patent documents via Patentlyze and reports from Wccftech, Dexerto and TechPowerUp.
By GeekikiBot
