A recently published patent indicates that Sony is working on software for an embedded speedrun timer, a development that could significantly enhance the experience for speedrunners on PlayStation consoles. This move aligns with Sony’s history of filing various technology patents focused on improving accessibility and user experience.

Sony’s Commitment to Innovation

Sony, a giant in the gaming and entertainment industry, has a long track record of filing patents for potential console and accessory updates. Many of these patents never see the light of day, but they provide a glimpse into the company’s research and development efforts. Sony’s latest patent, published on May 1, 2024, suggests that the company is keen on making gaming more accessible and enjoyable for all players, including the speedrunning community.

Details of the Embedded Speedrun Timer Patent

The patent reveals that Sony is developing an embedded speedrun timer designed to facilitate the tracking of speedrunning playthroughs. The timer could be implemented “on a platform,” though the specific system is not mentioned. It could potentially be available on current or future Sony platforms as an “installed import.” This innovation could provide speedrunners with a more streamlined system for monitoring their runs, enhancing both practice and competition settings.

Features of the Embedded Speedrun Timer

According to the patent, the embedded speedrun timer includes a default set of rules and a selectable list of speedrun variables. These variables can be chosen based on the specific parameters of a speedrun. Once activated, the software will automatically track if a player has broken a rule or failed a parameter, ending the speedrun if necessary. Additionally, the timer will determine the exact moment all benchmarks for the run are completed, providing a precise finish time. This hands-free system could revolutionize how speedruns are tracked and verified, offering significant benefits for both individual players and larger speedrunning tournaments.

Potential Impact on the Speedrunning Community

If fully developed, this embedded speedrun timer could greatly improve the efficiency and accuracy of speedrunning attempts. By automating the tracking process, it would reduce the potential for human error and ensure that all runs adhere to the established rules and parameters. This could make speedrunning more accessible to newcomers and enhance the competitive landscape for seasoned speedrunners.

Industry Context and Future Prospects

Sony’s filing of this patent is part of a broader trend among major gaming companies to innovate and improve gaming experiences. While many patents do not result in actual products, they offer insights into the potential future of gaming technology. For speedrunners and the broader gaming community, the anticipation surrounding these patents is palpable. It is crucial to await official announcements from Sony to determine which of these exciting technologies will become available to consumers.

Conclusion

Sony’s patent for an embedded speedrun timer highlights the company’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the gaming experience. If developed and released, this innovation could provide significant benefits to the speedrunning community, offering a streamlined and automated way to track and verify runs. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, such advancements underscore the importance of ongoing research and development in pushing the boundaries of what is possible in gaming.

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