Sony patents degradable demos (they degrade!)

This article is over 15 years old and may contain outdated information

Recommended Videos

Game publishers are always looking for new ways to provide that “first free hit” as if they were nerdy drug dealers, and a fresh patent from Sony appears to have stumbled upon an interesting way of doing it. The filing details a “degradable demo” that provides users with a full game, and then slowly strips away features until the player is forced to buy it. 

The detailed software lets a developer set when the game downgrades. For instance, a powerful sword could become weaker and weaker over a set number of hours, levels might disappear from the game, or the sound and graphics can weaken in quality. Fiendish. 

Sounds positively evil, but it would likely have a brilliant effect. Thus the psychological war between publisher and consumer continues. 

Sony Patents Degradable Video Game Demos [Siliconera]


Destructoid is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission.Ā Learn more about our Affiliate Policy