Sony may be working on new PlayStation VR2 games that don't require the use of controllers according to a new patent filed by the company. Although PlayStation VR2 is struggling in sales, upcoming games and an increase in supply at retailers may encourage gamers to purchase a VR headset for their PlayStation 5 consoles.
PlayStation VR2 launched on February 22 with a diverse lineup of new and updated games including Horizon Call of the Mountain, Gran Turismo 7, and Tetris Effect: Connected. This past March, reports indicated that PlayStation VR2 sales are lackluster, moving at a slower pace when compared to the original PlayStation VR headset for PlayStation 4. PlayStation VR2's $549.99 price point is considered steep by many gamers interested in VR technology, and rumors suggested Sony is scaling back production of the headset. Despite the underwhelming sales, Sony is actively seeking to bring more PlayStation VR2 units to retailers, and a new patent suggests players will be able to play VR titles without controllers in the future.
Sony Interactive Entertainment filed a patent for personalized VR controls that would potentially allow a user to play their favorite PlayStation VR2 games or run applications without the use of Sense controllers. The patent depicts a VR user making hand gestures to perform actions, which are captured by a camera associated with the VR device. The camera will capture sensor data from the user and the hand gestures, relaying the information to the game or application to perform the intended action. For example, a user may make an emoji appear in a VR application by performing a hand gesture in the shape of a heart.
The patent reveals that PlayStation VR2 users would have their own VR profile based on the gestures and actions sensed over time by the headset's camera. The capturing method allows for the use of accurate and personalized VR controls by the user, which are processed between the headset and several systems. PlayStation VR2 directly relays the process to a VR customization server and content delivery network server in a large, interactive system.
Sony's new patent for PlayStation VR2 may be a major boon for the headset in the near future. If Sony successfully creates PlayStation VR2 games that don't require controllers, the company could cut costs on overall production while creating and selling an entry-level headset. Further, the company's efforts could entice gamers to purchase a headset with a new PlayStation 5 console, driving sales of PlayStation VR2 over time.
However, Sony's upcoming plans for PlayStation VR2 and the patent's implementation in new games remain to be seen. A rumored PlayStation summer showcase may reveal new games for PlayStation VR2 and PlayStation 5 soon, so fans may look forward to more news while waiting on major releases like Final Fantasy 16 and Marvel's Spider-Man 2.
