Sony has patented a brand new system that could finally solve the lag problem in multiplayer games. Every year, Sony files new PlayStation patents that improve gameplay and the platform experience for gamers. These patents also give us an idea of what the company could bring to the table with future consoles and updates.
Sony kicked off 2026 with a number of different PlayStation patents, each offering something unique. These include Sony's patent for its PlayStation controllers, which do away with traditional physical inputs altogether and replace them with touchscreens and other sensors that can detect finger positions, swipes and other inputs. Not only that, but Sony has also patented a system that would allow the company to use LLM-based AI technology to create podcasts with news and updates aimed at gamers. However, the company has patented another system that could completely solve the lag problem when playing multiplayer games.
Sony is working on a PlayStation Controller with a unique feature
A recent patent publication reveals an unexpected development of the PlayStation controller and gives fans a glimpse into Sony's research.
A new Sony patent could put multiplayer games on hold
Sony has secured a brand new patent (spotted by Respawn Index) that works as a “soft pause”. This means that when the game is paused, the system will keep the game running at a reduced intensity. The game doesn't freeze in the usual way where everything stops. The benefit of this Sony feature will be that players will have a lower difficulty in the game, reduced noise and other gameplay changes that will make it easier to work during the break. Players will have several ways to activate the soft pause feature, which will include things like pressing a specific button.
Sony's patent also mentions an AI version of the soft pause feature. In theory, it should work so that if the payer receives an alert, the system will detect it and automatically suspend the game. This would allow players to deal with the notification instead of distracting their attention from the game. There is still no confirmed release date or timetable for when Sony will implement this PlayStation patent into its consoles. However, we could see it on the PlayStation 6, which should be Sony's next big hardware release.
In the last few years, multiplayer gaming has reached a new high with a lot of games with live services where players can play with others around the world. However, the problem that affects these games is the fact that they cannot be paused while playing. For example, if a player decides to stop the match during a round Fortnitethey are likely to be removed immediately. Unlike single-player games, there is no way to stop progress and return to where you left off. Gamers have been hoping for a fix or feature for this issue for some time now, and it looks like Sony has heard their calls.
Drag your weapons to fill the grid
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Drag your weapons to fill the grid
Easy to medium hard
If Sony's patent were to be extended, it would mean that players would no longer have to leave matches or be kicked out of an online game if they decide to take a break. It also wouldn't ruin the flow of matches in shooters like Marathonin which a missing player could totally ruin the rest of the team's game. However, gamers need to keep their expectations in check as patents like these can always change and there is a chance that Sony will abandon the system. Still, it's great to see PlayStation exploring new ways to improve the gaming experience.
Source: Respawn Index
