PlayStation patents the ability to add trophies to older emulated games

Sony has patented the ability to add trophies to older emulated games, potentially allowing rewards to be added to titles prior to the trophy system. The patent was published on March 18 and identified by Bartman013 in the subreddit GamingLeaksAndRumours. The patent is described as a “Method and apparatus for awarding trophies” and describes how an emulated game can still trigger trophies “by comparing an emulated game memory value to a predetermined value and assigning one or more trophies to the user based on the trigger of the trophy detected. “

The patent description talks about how the technology will allow Sony to award trophies in “previously released or sold video games, without modifying the original game”. Essentially, this can allow older titles to be adapted with trophies, so that players can win them in games prior to the feature, which was introduced with the PlayStation 3.

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He also mentions how the system would perform validity checks on older game code to determine whether the criteria were met to reward players with trophies, tracking access to the disk in the game and monitoring strings and frames. He also mentions cloud computing, suggesting that this technology could interact with the PlayStation Now service.

One of the most interesting parts of the patent is a section that talks about physical rewards. In describing the award process for the trophy, the patent says the following: “This can be done by transmitting an electronic trophy or sending a notification that a physical award, such as a t-shirt, accessory or other physical merchandise, has been obtained by the player. “

This is not the first time that Sony has produced a patent for this type of thing – as early as 2013, we saw patents that could add trophies to PS1 and PS2 games, although they were specifically for disc-based games. Given that this technology never came, it may be that this new file is simply an update of the original idea. As always, patents do not necessarily mean that a feature is on the way, but it does give us an idea of ​​what companies are considering behind the scenes.

By itself, mentioning the emulation of PlayStation games will be of interest to many, after unconfirmed rumors suggest that the PS3, Vita and PSP stores could be closed permanently in a few months, potentially cutting access to many older games.

In other PlayStation news, Sony recently acquired the Evolution Champion Series, the largest fighting game tournament in the world. We also heard that Assassin’s Creed creator Jade Raymond will be making a new game for PlayStation and we took a look at the new PSVR 2 controllers.

Jordan Oloman is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Twitter.