Sony leads the worldwide gaming giants when it comes to submitting for patents across the globe, in accordance with a research by Anaqua’s AcclaimIP patent search and analytics software program.
Anaqua stated international gaming giants, notably Sony Interactive Leisure, have emerged as main gamers in patent filings, fueling innovation throughout a number of aspects of gaming.
Actually, Sony filed over 5 instances the variety of patents as its closest rivals final yr, with 117 patent functions. Firms like Activision and Digital Arts (EA) path with 22 and 21 functions, respectively.
Khyle Eaton, senior supervisor for IP Counsel at Anaqua, stated in a weblog put up that the important thing areas driving the online game trade ahead are cell and hand-held gadgets, streaming and latency applied sciences, and cybersecurity measures. This patent exercise is a transparent reflection of the path through which the gaming trade is shifting – in direction of transportable, seamless, and safer gaming experiences, Eaton stated.
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The evolving panorama
Cellular and hand-held gaming has lately emerged as the most well-liked section of the trade. Final yr alone, the worldwide cell gaming market generated $184 billion in income (in accordance with market researcher Newzoo), underscoring its large development over the previous decade.
Anaqua checked out cell and hand-held gaming-related patent filings from 2001 to 2024. Whereas
the chart consists of knowledge for 2021 and past, it’s vital to notice a short lived decline in patent
illustration, as filings have but to be made public. Nevertheless, the numbers as much as 2021 spotlight the progressive momentum driving this sector.
Spine patent
This rise in reputation is fueled by a number of elements. First, cell gaming affords a excessive stage of range. Gamers can change between aggressive first-person shooters, stress-free puzzle video games, and digital poker tournaments – all from the identical gadget. The accessibility of smartphones has additionally performed a pivotal function, with reasonably priced gadgets like Samsung’s gaming-friendly smartphones bringing high-quality gaming to the lots, Anaqua stated.
Moreover, the enlargement of 5G networks has created new prospects in cell gaming, enabling seamless connectivity and decreasing latency points. Anaqua’s annual patent report discovered the U.S. granted 55,263 5G-related patents in 2023, up 3% yr over yr. This improved infrastructure has paved the way in which for international aggressive gaming on cell gadgets, with esports leagues just like the Conflict Royale League and Name of Obligation Cellular Championship gaining traction, Anaqua stated.
Current patents showcase the continued evolution of cell gaming {hardware}. Hand-held consoles just like the Steam Deck and controllers such because the Spine are additional blurring the traces between conventional console gaming and cell experiences. Sony’s PlayStation Portal is one other instance, providing gamers the flexibility to proceed gaming on the go with out sacrificing the standard of the console expertise.
Streaming and latency patents
As gaming has moved in direction of cell and cross-platform play, streaming applied sciences and latency discount have turn into more and more vital. That is essential for the rising development of cloud gaming, the place efficiency hinges on low-latency connections.
Patents on this house are aimed toward enhancing the efficiency of video games throughout numerous platforms, together with VR headsets, good TVs, and consoles. These improvements are important for decreasing lag and
making certain clean gameplay, notably for streamed and multiplayer video games, Anaqua stated.
For instance, Sony’s patented system (JP2024111022 A) adjusts video encoding in real-time primarily based on a
participant’s web bandwidth, optimizing cloud gaming efficiency. Likewise, AT&T’s methodology (US20240216800 A1) streamlines recreation transitions by downloading important content material whereas eradicating pointless knowledge, serving to to scale back interrupted gameplay. These improvements in streaming are essential to delivering high-quality gaming experiences with out counting on highly effective native {hardware}, Anaqua stated.
As extra firms file patents in these areas, competitors will turn into much more intense, with giants like Sony, Tencent, Amazon, and Microsoft main the cost in latency and streaming know-how. The way forward for gaming, notably cloud-based and VR gaming, is being formed by these improvements, Anaqua stated.
Patents aimed toward stopping cyberbullying
Gaming will be an immersive and optimistic expertise, however additionally it is vulnerable to adverse parts, reminiscent of cyberbullying, Anaqua stated. With 70% of youths beneath the age of 18 enjoying video video games, and 65% of all gamers partaking in multiplayer video games, the chance of on-line harassment is prevalent.
The most typical type of on-line harassment entails offensive name-calling, which surged through the COVID-19 pandemic as video gaming, notably multiplayer video games, noticed a pointy enhance in exercise. To deal with this subject, firms like Sony Interactive are submitting patents aimed toward combating cyberbullying inside gaming communities. For instance, Sony’s patent (US20240017177 A1) introduces a system that flags disruptive conduct throughout gameplay and notifies moderators with video clips for evaluate.
Main builders like Riot Video games and Ubisoft are additionally engaged on AI-driven instruments to detect dangerous behaviors in real-time, with tasks like Zero Hurt in Comms utilizing AI to investigate in-game communications for indicators of harassment.