Sony has applied for a patent for the "In-Game Resource Display Platform", which provides players with tips, strategies and purchasable items based on their gaming situation.
The patent lists multiple implementations of how the platform works.Some versions cross reference players' game data with other users who accomplish the same goal, while others include "require access to a virtual store that allows players to use" Resources used during playback. "
As stated by all gamers, this may result in players being forced to make microtransactions while playing the game.
According to the model file contained in the patent, this may include screen pop-ups during the game, which pop the player in the direction of "resources". According to the patent, these resources "may be downloadable content (DLC), add-ons, upgrades, projects, tips, strategies, public data, etc."
One of the models featured a sketch of Kratos and Atreus meeting the world snake Jormungandr in God of War (2018). A large box in the lower right corner shows another sketch of Kratos, which reads: "Choose resource E. According to our simulation, your first attempt to beat Boss X is about 90%".
Wording like this suggests that the platform may surface ads for microtransactions in single-player cutscenes, even if you are new to them.
You can read the patents yourself and see all the accompanying documents on Patentscope-although this is difficult.
This is not the first time a Sony family company has applied for an advertising-related patent. In 2012, it submitted an advertising plan, and in these places (I didn't do this), you had to stand up, praise the sun, and shout out the brand to close the ads.
In the wider gaming world, other companies have also explored ways to use data to drive players to invest more in microtransactions.
In 2017, Activision Blizzard applied for a patent to use PvP matchmaking to influence players to spend more on micro-transactions. New players will compete with high-skilled big players in the hope that they want to buy more things to play with big players.
Sony is preparing to release the PS5 in the near future. So far, we have all the information about the PS5.