Sony Files Patent For AI-Generated Gaming Podcasts Voiced By In-Game Characters

Sony has recently filed a new patent for "LLM-based generative podcasts for gamers," suggesting a future where video game characters deliver personalized news and updates directly to players. This development follows an earlier patent by the company for an AI "ghost" that could play parts of games for users. The latest patent, spotted by VGC and initially applied for in July 2024 before being granted in late January 2026, aims to address a perceived gap in current video game platforms: the ability to provide unique and targeted content to update gamers about platform happenings.

The core concept behind the patent involves a console equipped with a large language model (LLM) that identifies data linked to a player's profile. This system would then generate a podcast featuring news relevant to that data, presented in the voice of a character from a game the player has engaged with. The patent describes a scenario where a player boots up their console and receives a notification that their "personalized podcast is available for today." Unlike pre-recorded, universal podcasts, these would be individually tailored to each user, drawing information from recent gameplay, friends lists, and other console-level events. The system even hints at potential crossover situations, with characters from different games interacting within the podcast.

Image credit: Sony/ " LLM-BASED GENERATIVE PODCASTS FOR GAMERS "

Examples from the patent illustrate the proposed functionality. One scenario depicts two AI hosts delivering the podcast, with one noting, "Jack Brown just won trophy 532 in Space Explorers. You should try your hand at that game!" to which the other replies, "Ha! If you think you have the skills!" Another example features a host announcing, "In other news, there’s a software update for Gen X so update now," followed by a co-host adding, "Also, try a spin move on the boss next time!"

Image credit: Game Insider

The patent also suggests that players would be able to customize their podcast experience, choosing which types of information to include or exclude, such as news about owned games, recommendations for new titles, friends' achievements, gameplay tips, or firmware updates. The filing even humorously suggests that "in certain instances, the audio may include a joke at the video game player’s expense." This move by Sony indicates a continued exploration into how AI can enhance player engagement, even as the industry debates the broader implications of generative AI on creative processes and the voice acting community.

Read also, Take-Two Interactive's CEO, Strauss Zelnick, has affirmed that generative artificial intelligence has "zero part" in the creation of Rockstar Games' upcoming title, GTA 6. The statement comes amid a period of investor concern regarding the impact of AI on traditional game development, particularly after Google's recent unveiling of its Project Genie 3 tool, an AI that can generate playable virtual worlds from text prompts.