Sony has filed a patent for a new technology designed to make better use of game loading times.

The core of this patent is a system that offers users custom content powered by AI while the game is loading or waiting for multiplayer matches. According to documents published on the US Patent Office website, this technology calculates the estimated waiting time in real-time using AI, then automatically selects and plays content of an appropriate length that can be consumed within that timeframe. For example, if a 60-second match completion is predicted, it might show a 45-second video. If the game prepares faster than predicted, it gradually fades to black or skips the remaining portion to jump straight into the main game.

The types of content displayed on screen include game highlights, short social media videos, advertisements, and promotions. In the case of fighting games, the AI can analyze a multitude of factors such as win/loss records, preferred weapons, play styles, and skill ratings of users in the matchmaking lobby to present reports akin to pre-game analysis in sports broadcasts in real-time.

Technically, it's implemented via a split-screen method, displaying a small window in a corner of the main screen, and it's also possible to adjust the size of the loading screen itself. Furthermore, it can fetch and play videos from accounts or apps linked to the console.

Upon hearing the news, netizens chimed in with varied opinions, such as "Loading screens already show tips, but analysis data is quite nice" and "Reminds me of playing Galaga on the PlayStation 1 loading screen." However, some expressed concerns, questioning, "Isn't this just a way to insert ads into loading times?" and "They might even release a paid product to remove ads next."