Sony leads the worldwide gaming giants when it comes to submitting for patents across the globe, in keeping with a examine by Anaqua’s AcclaimIP patent search and analytics software program.
Anaqua mentioned 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 occasions the variety of patents as its closest opponents 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, mentioned in a weblog submit that the important thing areas driving the online game trade ahead are cellular and hand-held gadgets, streaming and latency applied sciences, and cybersecurity measures. This patent exercise is a transparent reflection of the route during which the gaming trade is shifting – in direction of transportable, seamless, and safer gaming experiences, Eaton mentioned.
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The evolving panorama
Cell and hand-held gaming has not too long ago emerged as the most well-liked section of the trade. Final yr alone, the worldwide cellular gaming market generated $184 billion in income (in keeping with market researcher Newzoo), underscoring its great progress over the previous decade.
Anaqua checked out cellular and hand-held gaming-related patent filings from 2001 to 2024. Whereas
the chart contains information for 2021 and past, it’s vital to notice a brief 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 recognition is fueled by a number of elements. First, cellular gaming provides 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 system. The accessibility of smartphones has additionally performed a pivotal position, with reasonably priced gadgets like Samsung’s gaming-friendly smartphones bringing high-quality gaming to the lots, Anaqua mentioned.
Moreover, the growth of 5G networks has created new prospects in cellular gaming, enabling seamless connectivity and lowering 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 cellular gadgets, with esports leagues just like the Conflict Royale League and Name of Obligation Cell Championship gaining traction, Anaqua mentioned.
Latest patents showcase the continued evolution of cellular gaming {hardware}. Hand-held consoles just like the Steam Deck and controllers such because the Spine are additional blurring the strains between conventional console gaming and cellular 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 cellular and cross-platform play, streaming applied sciences and latency discount have grow to be 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 lowering lag and
guaranteeing easy gameplay, notably for streamed and multiplayer video games, Anaqua mentioned.
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 technique (US20240216800 A1) streamlines sport transitions by downloading important content material whereas eradicating pointless information, 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 mentioned.
As extra corporations file patents in these areas, competitors will grow to be 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 mentioned.
Patents aimed toward stopping cyberbullying
Gaming might be an immersive and optimistic expertise, however it’s also susceptible to damaging components, equivalent to cyberbullying, Anaqua mentioned. With 70% of youths below the age of 18 enjoying video video games, and 65% of all gamers partaking in multiplayer video games, the danger of on-line harassment is prevalent.
The commonest type of on-line harassment includes offensive name-calling, which surged in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic as video gaming, notably multiplayer video games, noticed a pointy enhance in exercise. To deal with this challenge, corporations 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 assessment.
Main builders like Riot Video games and Ubisoft are additionally engaged on AI-driven instruments to detect dangerous behaviors in real-time, with initiatives like Zero Hurt in Comms utilizing AI to research in-game communications for indicators of harassment.
