Microsoft’s New Patent Wants to Assist Players Stuck in Games With AI or Cloud-Based “Helpers”

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Shortly after Sony’s AI-related patent came to light, Microsoft filed a similar one. Titled “State Management for Video Game Help Sessions,” the patent was originally submitted in 2024 and published last month. It details a system allowing players to get assistance while still playing, with help coming from either an AI assistant or another human player.

This system gives players a lot of control. After the game’s helper offers assistance, players can choose to accept the changes or revert to their original progress and try solving the problem themselves. The technology can offer help in various ways, from analyzing a player’s controls to providing full assistance using cloud gaming and streaming.

As a gamer, I know we all get stuck sometimes and end up looking for help online – whether it’s on forums or watching videos. But honestly, it’s a pain! It takes a lot of effort to find the right solution, and it totally pulls you out of the game when you have to go searching. It’s annoying when you’re trying to stay immersed and have to break away to figure something out.

These new features offer assistance to video game players through help sessions, resolving common problems they face.

This application features examples from various game types. It can assist players with tasks like learning to ride a hoverboard in an adventure game or finding the fastest route in a racing game. The system is intelligent enough to identify moments when a player might need help. It does this by analyzing the current gameplay and comparing it to data from previous help sessions, looking for similar situations.

In addition to written explanations, Microsoft provided numerous diagrams illustrating how the system would function on a large scale and its potential applications in various games. One diagram details the data flow, showing how information from an ongoing game session can be sent to a database that also learns from past sessions.

Microsoft’s approach suggests potential for advanced AI in games, but Sony’s recent patent centers on providing subtle assistance without taking control. Sony envisions a “ghost character” that players can follow during difficult parts of a game. This character could also demonstrate complicated button combinations needed for advanced techniques, letting players learn and improve their skills.

Like many gaming patents, this one doesn’t guarantee Microsoft will actually use this technology. But, given how much Microsoft is investing in artificial intelligence, it could hint at features we might see in future Xbox consoles.

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2026-03-03 18:41