New Sony Patent Could Enhance The Esports Viewing Experience

After its acquisition of Evo earlier this year, Sony may be setting its sights on changing the esports viewing experience altogether. As all gaming events move online due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Sony has filed a patent that may allow streamers and events to digitally project viewers directly into the audience.

According to the patent, Sony is looking to give fans a way to immerse themselves in an event by allowing them to place their simulations in a virtual space thus creating a virtual audience. This could work in combination with a recent Sony patent that allows players to choose from multiple viewpoints when watching an online event, essentially lending them the power to create a more well-rounded broadcast.

Notably, this could significantly change the concept of a “live audience” as it will give “attendees” the chance to view an event from multiple perspectives without having to be there in the flesh.

Along with the ability to move around, or sometimes be automatically guided to the most lively areas of an event, the patent might include features that either report or keep views away from disruptive fans. Additionally, if a viewer is creating unnecessary havoc, it looks like Sony will let others pay to have someone moved away from their section of the audience.

The major idea behind the patent seems to be the grouping of audiences from varied demographics depending on whatever factors might apply to the event in question. But what is most interesting is what this could mean for the digital viewing of any event in general; be it gaming events, professional sporting events or streaming, this could bring a serious change to viewer experiences across the board as it would make the “live” factor much more accessible.

Or it could just be a way for Sony to boost the upcoming VR tech for PS5, while also making the new feature available for players with regular screens and controllers.

About Sony

Sony Corporation is a Japanese multinational conglomerate corporation headquartered in Kōnan, Minato, Tokyo. The company operates as one of the most comprehensive media companies on the planet and also holds the distinctions of being the largest video game console company and the second largest video game publisher in the world.

Its gaming and network services arm Sony Interactive Entertainment (formerly Sony Computer Entertainment) is best known for producing the popular line of PlayStation consoles.