Sony Group Corp (SONY  ) has recently filed a patent introducing a novel feature for gamers, allowing them to revisit specific moments within a game without replaying entire chapters or the entire game.

The patent, titled 'CONTENT STREAMING WITH GAMEPLAY LAUNCH,' outlines a system where gameplay sequences are divided into subchapters with "trigger points" that players can select, according to Insider Gaming.

This innovation is not only beneficial for gamers but also content creators who wish to showcase specific game moments.

The patent describes the process as follows:

  • As the user plays a game, information about "media content" is stored and trigger points are associated with "specific data sets."
  • Users can stream media content to their devices over a communication network.
  • While watching gameplay, users can select trigger points at will.
  • The system will identify game data associated with these trigger points.
  • Based on the identified game data, the system will launch the interactive title for gameplay on the user's device.
This system would enable players to jump back into the game from the point they are viewing, making it easier to relive specific game moments or change decisions without replaying lengthy portions.

While the concept is intriguing, it raises questions about technical feasibility. Storing every user's session on a centralized server would involve managing a massive amount of data, considering tens of millions of playthroughs across thousands of different games.

The patent is also connected to other filings dating as far back as 2019, suggesting that Sony has been considering this feature for several years, possibly as a means of securing the concept from potential competitors.

In conclusion, Sony's patent proposes a game-replay feature that could revolutionize how players experience and share their gameplay.

However, the technical challenges and feasibility of implementing such a system on a large scale remain uncertain. That said, it remains to be seen how Sony will progress with this innovation.